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From the point of view that although we (Pam & I) had for the past Ten years organized all of the American Auto Nationals at the Aquadrome we realized the importance of the need to show that 'It was Business as usual' as far as our very first major event for our own club (The AACI) was concerned.
We were solely dependant on the continued support of: our Family members & Team, our Traders & above all the dedicated enthusiasts & associated Clubs who display their vehicles by the Thousands at these events.
Few realize just how many months of hard work & late nights are required to organize several events of this magnitude that are over & done with in a single weekend, so before continuing with the report we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our first AACI Nationals.
Having spent more than Seven days setting up site Equipment prior to the official launch date of the event (Friday 16th April) we could do little more than hope that the usual 'Hard Fast' Enthusiastic vehicle owner would start arriving through the gate although signs were already encouraging in the days leading up to the launch through the hundred or so units that had decided to make the most of it and spend several days on site in readiness for the show.
The AACI SPRINGNATIONALS April 2004
Friday morning dawned with clear Blue Sky's & bright Sunshine, throughout the Day all: Makes, Models of USA vehicles rolled onto the Aquadrome with their Camping units in Tow, Traders who we had set up through Thursday were already open for business as were the Catering Units & Bar.
The Huge Marquee (although fairly busy) did not fill up till later in the evening due to so many units still arriving from all over the UK after many hours of traveling but as the time approached for the first Band to make their way onto the Stage the situation instantly changed & we were on our way to a 'Packed House'. The Wild Angels performed their set on stage and the Marquee sprang to life, our DJ carried through & kept the revelers hopping till Midnight. Pam & myself managed to get to our Bed around five in the Morning but were now confident that our first event was going to be a huge success.
Saturday Morning & once again the Sky's were clear with plenty of Sunshine & the Display fields were in excellent condition.
 I had pre-arranged a meeting of all: AACI Reps, Marshall's & Team scheduled for mid morning in the Marquee Stage Area and it was satisfying to find that so many had turned up for the meeting.
It presented an excellent opportunity for everyone to put faces to names & meet up with old & new friends alike it also provided Pam & I with the opportunity to present all of those present with a 'Certificate' confirming the individuals attendance at our first event, of little value in monitory terms but a way of offering a 'personal vote of thank' to all of theses people.
On completion of the meeting we vacated the Marquee & walked out into the Sunshine to be greeted by many vehicles already parked up on the main events field & a steady stream throughout the morning resulted in several hundred vehicles on display or in the process of being polished by their loving owners, what a terrific start to the first full day on site.
 Traders seemed very busy, as did the Catering units & the sound of the DJ filled the area with appropriate 'Cruising Music'. Many Sponsors displays were prominent in support of the members & general enthusiast, all in all a super display so early into the weekend.
The Van owning fratertinity of the club had organized a 'Rolling Light Show' for Saturday evening in aid of 'The Make A Wish Foundation' (our adopted Charity) and the Vehicles taking part were supported & Policed by the AACI 911 Security Team & what a display it turned out to be with so many people lining the roads to witness the spectacle of what must be the finest display of 'Conversion Van's' I have ever seen and more importantly raised quite a sum of money for the MAW in the process.
 On completion of the display, the 911 Guys returned to cruising the whole of the Aquadrome ensuring the safety & security of all on site, meanwhile the Marquee was alive to the sounds of our DJ & hundreds of revelers were awaiting the performance on stage by 'Status Clone'. What entertainers these Guys are, the whole place was Rocking & packed 'wall to wall' throughout their Gig. The evening simply could not have been more successful.
Sunday & what a change in the Weather, torrential downpours that came with such ferocity that I had already accepted that the main show day would unfortunately be a loss, how wrong could I be, in spite of the very heavy Rain & to my sheer amazement vehicles started to roll into the site & the Marshall's were out there parking them up.
Simply stunning support from these USA vehicle owning people who once again have shown that come hell or high water they will support the Nats. Bless them all.
Somehow Steve Tucker (Chief Judge) and his team managed to carry their duties through & the day ended with presentation of awards to winning vehicles.
 What more can I say? The Springnationals was a great success & we are indebted to so many individuals for their support & loyalty, without your support we just would not be able to stage such events.
Special thanks to our Sponsors, Marshall's, Enthusiasts, 911 Team, Bars, Caterers, Traders, Clubs, our dedicated Team & last but not least my Family who have stood by Pam & myself in fulfilling our dream.
Now were off to sort the 'Back to the 60' weekend & if you cant make it just make sure you do not miss the Super 'Summernationals' in June.
Happy & Safe Cruising to all.
Harry 'n' Pam
click here to see some more pictures
Check out our other AACI show reports:
2007
AACI Rock & Roll Weekend 2007
2005
All Clubs Rally 2005
Summer Nationals June 2005
AACI Rock n Roll Bank Holiday Special 2005
Spring Nationals April 2005
2004
All Clubs Rally 2004
Summer Nationals June 2004
Back to the Sixties May 2004
Spring Nationals April 2004
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