Thunderbird Extravaganza II - Tribute to Gil Baumgartner
June 2-4, 2023 the Sacramento Classic Thunderbird club hosted their 2nd Thunderbird Extravaganza and a tribute to Gil Baumgartner. The venue was the former McClellan Air Force Base just a little NE of Sacramento. Attending from here were Jerry & Sharron Sharp, Cheryl Hartley, John & Sheri Soukup, Dave Van Winkle, John Sailors and Frank, Cathy & Kyle Stubbs (from the Seattle area, but also members of RCT).
Driving down we hooked up with Clarke & Wilma Hamm from Camano Island, WA and Al & Sally Brett from the Vancouver BC club. We ran into them at dinner Wednesday evening in Grants Pass. However, we didn't drive with them the rest of the way.
The Sacramento club hosted a great event, there were approximately 200 people and about 80 Classic Thunderbirds there. Also present were a few Retro T'Birds, a couple of Square 'Birds, a couple of Bullet 'Birds, a few F-150's and a 1959 Buick convertible.
While there we were able to connect with T'Bird friends not only from Sacramento and other California clubs, but with several from Nevada, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, New Zealand & Sweden (no, those last two are not typo's!). I am quite sure the longest distance driven Thunderbird came from Stony Point, NY. Friends Bill & Donna Jessie drove their 1956 all of the way. They did have some starter motor problems on the way out, but Rich Martin from New Jersey was able to get one sent to Ross Woodman in Sacramento and then installed it for them.
Friday afternoon most of the cars arrived, with most of our time spent just looking at the cars and visiting with friends. Nothing was planned for Friday evening. Saturday was another day to visit, view, buy 50/50 tickets, bid on Silent Auction items, kick tires and relax.
Saturday evening after dinner we all adjourned to a patio area for an Ice Cream Social and the Tribute to Gil. Gil's wife passed away a few months before he did, but all three of their adult kids were there. Several people were called up to tell a favorite story about Gil, that was a very interesting time. For those that didn't know Gil he was the Authenticity Chairman for CTCI far too long for us to keep track, he was our go-to guy for technical issues on Thunderbirds and a exemplary gentleman. Gil was retired from the USAF where he was a crew chief on B-52's for many years. He will be missed by all who knew him.
On Sunday morning most of the attendees took a tour of a nearby Air Museum. They had a very good collection and very knowledgeable docents.
Below are a few photos of our time there.
Driving down we hooked up with Clarke & Wilma Hamm from Camano Island, WA and Al & Sally Brett from the Vancouver BC club. We ran into them at dinner Wednesday evening in Grants Pass. However, we didn't drive with them the rest of the way.
The Sacramento club hosted a great event, there were approximately 200 people and about 80 Classic Thunderbirds there. Also present were a few Retro T'Birds, a couple of Square 'Birds, a couple of Bullet 'Birds, a few F-150's and a 1959 Buick convertible.
While there we were able to connect with T'Bird friends not only from Sacramento and other California clubs, but with several from Nevada, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, New Zealand & Sweden (no, those last two are not typo's!). I am quite sure the longest distance driven Thunderbird came from Stony Point, NY. Friends Bill & Donna Jessie drove their 1956 all of the way. They did have some starter motor problems on the way out, but Rich Martin from New Jersey was able to get one sent to Ross Woodman in Sacramento and then installed it for them.
Friday afternoon most of the cars arrived, with most of our time spent just looking at the cars and visiting with friends. Nothing was planned for Friday evening. Saturday was another day to visit, view, buy 50/50 tickets, bid on Silent Auction items, kick tires and relax.
Saturday evening after dinner we all adjourned to a patio area for an Ice Cream Social and the Tribute to Gil. Gil's wife passed away a few months before he did, but all three of their adult kids were there. Several people were called up to tell a favorite story about Gil, that was a very interesting time. For those that didn't know Gil he was the Authenticity Chairman for CTCI far too long for us to keep track, he was our go-to guy for technical issues on Thunderbirds and a exemplary gentleman. Gil was retired from the USAF where he was a crew chief on B-52's for many years. He will be missed by all who knew him.
On Sunday morning most of the attendees took a tour of a nearby Air Museum. They had a very good collection and very knowledgeable docents.
Below are a few photos of our time there.
