This past weekend a group of Checker’s gathered in Put-in-Bay, Ohio for great get together. Hosted by Dave Kniffen, Checker fans had a great time for this first time event, as usual the event brought new and old friends together. The group gathered at Dave’s event center, The Giving Tree Orchards and Event Barn, for meet and greet, show off their Checkers and dine on a BBQ dinner.

According to Dave the Giving Tree Orchards and Barn “is a barn that we transformed into a reception hall for our rustic New Year’s Eve Wedding. We had so much fun doing this, and feel we have a unique gift to share with other people that we decided to rent this out for weddings, receptions, anniversary, birthday or graduation parties”

This year we have seen limited participation at many Checker events across the country, perhaps its because are Checkers are getting older.  The Elkhart, Indiana Checker show pulled in 10 Checkers. The Prescott, Arizona show organized by Walt Lynn and Dan Smith had eight Checker participate, like the Macungie, PA show three weeks ago, the Put-In-Bay show had five participants. Big or small, just getting two Checkers together can be a ball.

Some little ones, got to climb all over the Aerobus

Dave and his family entertained long time Checker fan Zandra and Tim Bower, who pulled in with their spectacular 1982 Checker Winkoff. Also attending was Rick and Kathy Lucius entertain all with their massive multi colored themed Checker Aerobus.  Sadly this writer could not attend, have been called out to New Jersey for a work emergency.

Day 2 and it was time to move onto Put-In-Bay and join some of the events on the island.  Rick and Kathy switchout out the Aerobus and appeared in their beautiful Checker A11 Taxicab.  Three cars entered the Put-In_Bay antique car pararde and show.  Dave in his blue Marathon, the Boweres in their Winkoff and the Lucius A11.

Dave was so happy with the event, there is already talk about doing another informal meet up during apple season in his orchard!  A big thank you to David for pulling off the first time event.

Happy Checker Faces!!!