Escapade - Sedalia, MO

Our stay in Sedalia, MO began on 5/22/18 and ended on 6/3/18. We came to Sedalia for the Escapees annual Escapade which was held at the Missouri State Fair Grounds. It is an enormous complex and one that would quite easily handle the expected 800 + RV'ers rigs. We arrived about 5 days before the actual start as we were on the Escapade Staff - me with the Property Team and Mary as part of the Crafts Team.

Our spot in the Staff parking area just after we arrived. Wasn't long before this entire area was full.

As part of the Property Team, we were responsible for coordinating with the Fairgrounds Staff in getting the Main Hall, Classrooms, Bootcamp Classroom, Vendor Area, The Row(Area clubs),  meeting rooms, and Hospitality areas set up. We had a great group to work with- both the Fairgrounds people, and our own Property Group. After a couple of days, it was time for the Staff Happy Hour.

And a good time was had by all!

After 4 days of watching fellow Escapees arrive, to the tune of about 800 rigs, it was time for the Opening Welcoming Ceremonies held at 3:00 on the Sunday afternoon and the Opening Day nightly entertainment which began at 7:00.

Opening Ceremony in Matheson Hall. Crowd estimate was about 1800.

View from above

Opening Night entertainment was Storyteller Bill Lepp. He was unbelievable!

One of the "look forward to" events every Escapade is Paul Evert RV Happy Hour. Every day is a different theme, like Margarita Monday, 2 shot tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, etc. And a good time is
had by all......As part of the Property Team, we generally had to deliver 20-40 bags of ice each day.

Yes, all the coolers were full. And yes, it was generally the Escapade Staff that was there first! Afterall, we had to deliver the ice.

Day 2 nightly entertainment was acclaimed Illusionist Rezza. Hailing from Sioux Falls, SD, he is a fixture in Branson, MO. His show was absolutely unbelievable. What made it even more special was the fact that we(the Property Team) had to help get him set up in the afternoon. A very likeable person. His show is highlighted with audience participation. He did not disappoint.

The Crafts Area that Mary & Roz oversaw. Definitely an improvement over the previous Escapade and it was reflected in attendance & interest. 

Oh, yes. Another Happy Hour at Paul Evert's RV Country

Mary actually made the big screen at one of the nightly gatherings

Part of our Property group getting ready for another day- which MUST begin with coffee and donuts. Richard & Hazel are from England.

The Property Team

It was kind of amazing how fast the time flew. Before we knew it we were attending closing ceremony. And so ends another Escapade. Till next year in Tucson.