Archive News Story
Conclusion of Another Successful LCCA Convention
From the opening event Sunday night, the wallet friendly no cost President's Reception followed by a week of tours, First Timer's Party, Get Acquainted Party, Train Show and free on site clinics, the Scouts, the intro of the new LCCA/Lionel Modular Specifications, the Pittsburgh Hhghrailers and TOGA module railroad setups, to the final banquet, what an experience.
Convention goers topped 700 people. There were over 160 scouts who earned either the RR Merit badge or the Transportation Merit badge. Over 100 other scouts also attended and all scouts received a number of fine gifts including a new Lionel Badge and a mug from Operation Lifesaver. Over the week, and estimated 2,000 people came to the Hotel to see the massive full size Lionel layout and the three other modular layouts.
But numbers alone do not adequately describe the Convention events or the tours. What can you say about 2 wonderful train rides followed by an evening cruse. Or to share the trains and Layouts at the Museum. The tours in and of the local area, the military tour, the magnificent S-Gauge Layout of Paul Sharpe. It would be hard pressed to pack more action into the week.
But there was more in the Week. President DeVito announced that the club will donate $500.00 to the "Wounded Warrior" fund as a result of the 2012 Convention Car Sales. Members who attended the annual Lionel Seminar were able to ask Jerry Calebrese (Lionel LLC President) questions directly unfiltered by anyone. The 8 Free clinics held on many subjects were well attended and received. Members who attended over 10 Conventions received a special billboard insert and Lionel badge. On Saturday, there was a train show for attendees and open to the public. The LCCA again offered a free show to the folks who attended, but did raise over $400.00 from attendees as donations to and for the Ronald McDonald House.
A large number of volunteers made this Convention possible - a big shout out to all of them and all attendees who helped to make this a successful week. We had the opportunity to hear about next year's convention in Chattanooga - next year a week earlier (third week in July). The LCCA looks forward to seeing you in Chattanooga next July!