Chapter Tour Event – June 2018

Chapter Tour Event – June 2018

The AZM held its inaugural regional event on June 23, 2018. The Region received its Charter from the Porsche Club of America as the 145th Region in order to provide northern Arizona Porsche owners with more opportunities to participate in local social and driving events. The Chapter Tour was designed to include participants from the major geographical cities of Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff (with Lake Havasu City invited to come to Flagstaff for the evening dinner).

The tour show-cased the cooperation and support from all of the members that helped plan and execute the drive. The morning started out at Panera Bread (our de facto “sponsor”) in Prescott, with a drivers meeting conducted by Bob Frith (Event Coordinator).

Due to the large number of participants, the group was divided into two groups of 12 cars each, led by Steve Sweet (Vice President) and Steve Beer (Secretary). The variety of models and colors spanned the entire Porsche product family- it was a welcome site to know that there is such diverse ownership in the Region. Thank you to Joe Cannon (Chapter Lead) for his help in planning and leading the Prescott kick-off.

The route to the lunch destination of Sedona would trace the familiar mountain drive through Jerome and the backroads to Sedona. A rest break at the Page Springs Fish Hatchery was welcome, with water and cookies to refuel the group in the shade on a very hot day. It is the state’s largest cold-water fish hatchery, producing over 700,000 trout a year. Passing by several wineries and B&Bs along the roadside spawned the idea for a future event outside of Cornville!

Arriving in Sedona from the southern direction avoided the congestion of downtown, but also provided a classic view of the iconic Bell Rock and the surrounding rock formations. Shortly afterwards all 48 participants made it to the Poco Diablo Resort for lunch. Jim Gibson (Chapter Lead) welcomed everyone and planned a tasty buffet. Lunch provided an opportunity to meet and get to know lots of new members. After lunch a survey form was handed out soliciting input for future membership activities; new name badge forms were filled out; a “Get Well” card for Donny Blackburn (President) was circulated; and Maynard Goff (Treasurer) sold raffle tickets for the evening’s dinner event.

The afternoon drive had Mormon Lake as the destination, before heading into Flagstaff for dinner. The drought conditions in Northern Arizona were evident with the low water levels at Lake Mary, and no water in “Mormon Lake”! The lodge was an experience that captured the Western Mountain culture.

Arriving in Flagstaff at the host hotel, everyone looked forward to relaxing after a good drive, with no one getting lost and no incidents. After a social hour, Jeff Karl (Chapter Lead) hosted a wonderful dinner at the restaurant in the Little America Hotel. Several Flagstaff area members also joined the group. Based on the positive conversational “hum” that surrounded the tables, it was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves.

The evening concluded with a raffle for gifts donated by Porsche of Chandler and Porsche of North Scottsdale, and a silent auction for a pair of custom earrings donated by Jeff Karl. The funds raised, plus generous donations from the Las Vegas Region and the Arizona Region, significantly helped the AZM Region cover its start-up costs.

Thank you to everyone that helped plan and who participated in the Arizona Mountain Region’s first major event- we look forward to having many more event opportunities with all of our new members.

Submitted by Steve Beer