​It is hard to believe our rally is coming to a close.  We have done so much, been to so many places, eaten so much food, and met so many wonderful people.   As we gathered together this morning for our last breakfast, Kay gave an invocation wishing everyone safe travels. 

​Breakfast was served by the “Liberty Ladies.”  We did not have a continental breakfast today, no, no, no, no, no.  WE DID NOT HAVE DOUGHNUTS, OR PASTRIES, OR MUFFINS.   We wanted to make sure our guests had a healthy start for their travels and didn’t go away hungry, so we served eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and of course grits. 

​You never know what you are going to see at our rallies.  As we were having our last breakfast, a “special” trailer was pulling out.  Many of our guests were able to tour the trailer, as the owners were very hospitable, but that’s how we RVers are, right?  It was not just any ole trailer, it was used in the Lucille Ball movie, "The Longest Trailer."

​But wait, THERE’S MORE.  All of us at Rivoli Rallies wished our guests Happy Trails

​until we see you again.
 
Rivoli Rallies has already begun sign ups for our 2019 rallies, Savannah, Colorado Springs, Southern Louisiana, and Smoky Mountains.  For more information, check out our website: 

​RiVoli Rallies outdid themselves today with a MOUNTAIN of "ooey gooey" doughnuts.  They were almost too pretty to eat.
 
We started our day with Sunday Bless Your Heart gospel service and tears in our eyes as Kay relayed one of her grandma stories.

​Winding down our rally, we held a shoot the bull session.  You see, here at RiVoli Rallies, we want to hear from YOU.  The good and the bad so that we can improve (yes there is always room for improvement) our future rallies.  We received a lot of great ideas and suggestions. 
 
Guess what time it is?  Yep, LUNCH and a game of Bunco, followed by and ice cream sandwich social.  Not just “any” ice cream.  We got to choose what type of cookie we wanted and what flavor ice cream!  It was DELICIOUS! 

​We had two surprises for everyone on our next to the last day of the rally. 

​Corona is now our choice of beer!  AND we unveiled everyone’s beautiful Krazy Keepsake they created at the beginning of the rally. 
 
Social Hour went right into hors d’oeuvres,  brie with caramel sauce, cranberry with sweet and spicy raspberry sauce, bacon wrapped shrimp.

OMG, we did not need dinner after this over-the-top starter.  But as Rivoli Rallies say, ONLY THE BEST FOR OUR GUESTS. 
 
While we awaited dinner, you KNOW we were starving…..  everyone googled over their masterpieces.

​Surf and Turf was on the menu for tonight!  Steak and Salmon, green beans, potatoes AND cake for dessert.  We sure have been spoiled these last two weeks. 
 
As we were eating, Paula Deen dropped by!

​She made everyone feel right at home.  Then Johnny Mercer showed up, what could be better?

​I’ll tell you what could be better.  Dolly Parton!

​BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!  There’s no visit to Savannah without being visited by a world-renowned chef. 

​If there is talent to be found, Rivoli Rallies will find it.
 
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE.  Kay and Ron couldn’t allow everyone to go home without another show by Rivoli Revue.

​Queen of the Nile was back by popular demand.  More door prizes before ending our last full day of our Krazy fun-filled, inaugural rally.

A view from the outside looking in, while our wonderful guests gave Kay and Ron a well deserved standing ovation.  Rivoli Rallies is humbled by all of those who believed in our vision and helped it to come true.

​Coffee and doughnuts were interesting today as we prepared for Savannah’s Scottish Games and Celtic Festival. 

​BUT FIRST, we stopped at Ft. Jackson, a restored 19th century fort, were we were sworn in.  If we were sworn to secrecy, I just failed…..

​We toured the inside of the fort

​Leave it to Kay to find what those soldiers did for fun.
 
We learned about the medical practices and medicines that were used.

​AND we saw a canon demonstration.

​Once we were relieved of our duties, we marched on to the Scottish Festival.

​Savannah has always had a bit of Scottish flavor, with one of the earliest social organizations, St. Andrew’s Society formed in 1737, filling an important need in the community.  What an experience to see all the clans celebrating their “roots.” 

​The modern great pipes were developed in the Scottish Highlands.  Some historians believe the pipes were used in Scotland as early as 100 AD!  The piper was held in higher esteem in Scotland than anywhere else.  By 1500, every clan chieftain worthy of the name had a piper in his retinue. 

​Herding demonstrations were throughout the day.  The border collie is a breed of herding dog that originated along the borders of England, Wales and Scotland.  They are regarded as the most intelligent dog breed and considered the world’s best sheep herding dogs. 

​Watching the collie herd the geese was cute.  Although their herding ability is instinctive, they must be trained to “work” the livestock.  We were beyond impressed. 

​The children’s race was also quite cute.  On your mark, get set, GO!

​Great lunch with great entertainment.

​The afternoon was comprised of COMPETITION, one of the oldest forms of human interaction.  Strength and endurance is the name of the game!  Who is the biggest, the strongest, the fastest?  The Highland games started around 2000 BC  in Ireland, spreading to Scotland by the 5th century BC, beating out the Greeks by over 1,000 years. 
 
In the heat of the day, we watched the Sheaf Toss, using a pitchfork to launch a 20 lb. sack of hay over a bar, not sure how high that bar is. 

​Throwing metal weights with chain handles where the competitor attempts to throw the weight as far as they can by spinning with the weight.  It is down in two segments.  The first, using a lighter weight, 14 lbs for women and 28 for men.  The second, using heavier weights of 28 for women, 42 for masters and 56 for men. 

​The Caber Toss takes center stage.  The caber is about 20 ft. tall and weighs about 100-150 lbs!  The caber is set upright in front of the competitor who then hoists it into his hands while at the same time stands erect.  You must balance the caber while running forward until tossing it end over end.  The object is to flip the caber so that it lands straight in front at 12 o’clock.  WOW!

​There was so much going on you just could not see everything.  So we are looking forward to next year.
 
Back at the ranch, we celebrated Cinco De Mayo. 

​The campground put on a HUGE pool party celebration for us, complete with tacos and margaritas.  Meanwhile, RiVoli Rallies gave out lots and lots of door prizes.

​Not only that, Linda and Ted celebrated their wedding anniversary.

​We were so excited they decided to spend this special day with us.  Happy 45th!!!!!!!