After Action Report

by Betty Roberge

We had a good turnout and a very productive after-action meeting about the 2023 Summer Hummer when we met in July. The general consensus was that it was a very good event – AND we made money, and that is what it’s all about. The Hummer is not only a good time, it’s a fundraiser.

Final profit totals are not in yet as we are waiting for some bills to come in, some beer to get picked up and credited to our account, and some money from raffle tickets and vendors that is still trickling in.

That having been said, our Rally attendance totals have been flat for the last 3 years. We either need some fresh ideas to bring in new people, or we need to be satisfied with the numbers we have and just fine tune the income vs expenses. I personally think it’s a great party being the size it is. But if we want to make the big bucks so our regions don’t have to work so hard to support us, we need to grow.

The committee really appreciates the comments we received from the regions with constructive criticism and ideas to improve the event. One of the ideas is to change from awarding volunteers who work two shifts (8 hours) a refund for their entry in the year that they worked, to giving them a complimentary ticket for the following year’s event. This will save our treasurer from having to write out checks during and after the Hummer and will give our volunteers a chance to come back free of charge the following year.

Another idea is to add a “Bring Your Own Everything Swap Meet” on Saturday. Anyone interested in having a table or booth at the swap meet would pay for a day pass to get in, then they bring their own tent, tables, chairs, whatever they need and set up in a designated area near the front gate to sell or “Swap” their wares. This idea would not cost ABATE anything and might bring in some interested parties that either need to get rid of some iron or find something they desperately need to finish that bike in the garage.

The scheduling of events worked much better this year, the music was well received, and everyone appreciated the food selection that the food vendors offered. It was also great to see the number of tattoo artists that were there. Both businesses have already thrown their hats in the ring to come back and be a vendor next year.

One item that was brought to the committee’s attention was the rumor that specific shelters on the land are reserved for use at the Hummer by the region or members that donated to have that particular pavilion built. NOT SO. Any pavilion that is on ABATE Acres is available to any member on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to camp under or near a specific shelter, come early. No one will be asked to vacate a site if they set up camp first. The shelters belong to everyone on an equal basis.

Things to work on. Advertising. The 2023 poster / flyer was way too busy and didn’t explain all we had to offer for the weekend. The Schedule of Events was improved but needs to better explain specifically where each activity will take place and who is in charge of that event/contest, so participants know who to look for to get more information. Better Judging. It was felt that judges should align with the specific category of event. For example, tattoo artists should judge the tattoo contest and have specific criteria and classes listed as parameters. Bands. With the lack of growth at the Rally, we should hire more local dancing bands and stay away from larger, more expensive midwestern, high profile cover bands.

Many good suggestions. Much work needs to be done. More fine-tuning. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Every year we tweak the Hummer. Every year it gets better. Keep the suggestions coming. And…

Let’s rock and roll into 2024!

 Summer Hummer June 20—23, 2024

Send your suggestions to:

 Worm at Robert.grasse59@gmail.com or to Betty at news30letter@outlook.com