With the incredibly low turnout of the 2022 Member Gathering and incredibly low activity on the C3VR Forums, I'm left wondering if interest in future Member Gatherings have waned to the point of such little interest that there is no point in having one.

It takes a lot of effort to plan a Gathering and I don't want to ask someone (or myself) to be put through the effort of putting one together only to have little to no turnout.

If we did have one in 2023, I'm not sure where it would be, though likely it would be in the East region. ( See the region map here  )

We could piggyback off another event like Mid American Motorworks Funfest or Corvettes at Carlisle. But in the past we've decided against that because it is not "our event" that way.

So please cast your vote "yea" to say that if the location and date worked out you'd want to join us. If you have no interest no matter the location or date, please vote "nay".

I also welcome any comments, questions or suggestions.

I for one would be saddened to see "The Member Gathering" go away.  While I haven't been able to make it to every one of them the ones I have attended have always been a lot of fun.  The early ones were great because I got to meet folks in person that I had only known via the messages written in the forums or spoken with over the phone.  If you walked away from an after dinner "fireside chat" session without your stomach muscles aching from all the laughter generated by the "cast of characters" holding court you simply weren't alive, imho.  Yes, quite a few of those folks have passed on to the great unknown and the "fireside chat" sessions have lost a bit of the "sparkle" of the early ones, but they are still a great joy, for me anyway (even tho' a few of us missed one this year wrenching on "BLKBRRD" in the hotel parking lot - THANKS Bob and Kerry!).

Knowledge shared via the forums was invaluable to me when doing projects on "The Toy" and the friendships formed were strengthened when meeting in person at the various places around the country.  The epic road trips have been memorable and I'm envious of "Road Warrior" Dave (dwright) who has probably logged the most mileage roaming around the continent than of any of us.

And as Adam has said many, many times it isn't about the cars.  It is the people who have been brought together by the cars.  'Nuff said.

AMEN! MR. Norsky. 

TRUE WORDS OF WISDOM, well said.  Without the member gatherings C3VR is just another online forum.  It's been a few rough years but lets keep the flame alive.

While I certainly appreciate Norsky's sentiment, and Mark & Kerry backing him up, but that alone plus the 3 votes (which I assume are you guys) does not a Gathering make.

The lack of response to this thread just cements my thinking that people do not frequent the C3VR Forums like they did 4, 5, or 10 years ago.  Some have passed, some found facebook, I don't know where the others are. I don't know why the multiple new people that sign up here weekly don't participate in the forums. But all of this leads me to believe that the glory days of C3VR are (long) over and Gatherings do not make sense anymore. I'd love members to prove me wrong by responding overwhelmingly to this poll, but so far that does not look like that is going to happen. 😞

Mr. Chief, Sadly I have to agree with you. The electronics age has dominated the younger folks, and the new cars no longer need a screw driver or 1/2 inch wrench. The Nay sayers have spoken, without saying the word. Suffice it to say that those who still want the friendships to continue, and the get togethers to happen, will find a way, a place and a time to keep the flame alive regardless of the mode of transportation or the emblem on the steering wheel. I agree that the economy and dollar bills speak loudly for decisions made. So.... What's next for C3VR?  

Sadly, it looks like the Gatherings are over.  I'm so glad that we were able to go to the Ft. Worth one this year.  After being a member for almost 20 years, we wanted to see all our friends and participate as much as we did.  I knew it would be our last one as my health and age will probably prevent further attendance.  I will still keep up online with what's going on.  

Yes, You are correct in the Age and Health area. Many of the Dedicated members are now in that area, and it holds a very important aspect to the future of our relationship. Keep adding fuel to the flame, and don't let E-15 ruin the internal combustion firing order. Hope there is never a C3"E"VR. See ya on the road, and wave as you pass. 

We also would be very disappointed to see the gatherings become something of the past. We have thoroughly enjoyed every gathering we have attended, including the smaller events that were member organized.  We have made life long friendships that mean the world to us.  As Norsky mention this site played a valuable role in the restoration of many C3s, mine included.

 Life has really overwhelmed us in the past few years with active grandkids having a multitude of scheduled events throughout the year (that we don't want to miss) along with the loss of parents, siblings and other close relatives. So this is not to be mistaken as lack of interest but a mater of life pulling us in a different direction.

We hope to see the gatherings continue however understand all the points that have been mentioned earlier.  I mentioned that we have made life long friendships through the gatherings however that seems to be too weak of a description, they have become much more like family to us. So as always, if gatherings continue and a location and time fits our schedule we will absolutely be there.

Mel & Karen
KARMEL77

Well, here is a thought.  How about instead of trying to do a national, super organized, event intensive, once a year gathering.

How about regional, pick a weekend and a hotel and just have regional get togethers in locations that have stuff to do and just let the folks that show up decide what to do.  Drink beer and tell stories.  Go on an area cruise.  Nice dinner and watch a race or football.

Totally informal and don't have to travel a long distance.