Two different groups sent me details; the first is from Rovers North and the second from the East Coast Rover Company -Ben ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Downeast VIII Ready to celebrate Uncle Sam's birthday? For some July 4th weekend mean fireworks, hot dogs, and ballgames. For Land Rover fans it means Downeast VIII in the Rockland, ME, region. This year promises again to be another special weekend. This is not a "club" event, but a multi-faceted gathering run by eager volunteers. Last year, 120 Rovers travelled from as far away as California and Canada. Rovers North is pleased to once again help support and participate in this event, and we'll be there to help at the off-road course Saturday, and at the on Sunday. The Downeast VIII Rally gives us the opportunity to "put a face" to those customers we know only by their telephone voice, and to renew old acquaintances. To accommodate expeditions "from away," Downeast VII will be held from July 5-8 with separate events each day. You may come for one day or enjoy a longer vacation in Maine. This area of mid-coast Maine has hundreds of inns, B&B's, motels, hotels, and campsites to meet every taste. For information, call the Chamber of Commerce for Camden-Rockport (207-236-4404) or Rockland-Thomaston (207-596-0376) The designated Rally Campsite is the Old Massachusetts Homestead, Northport, ME. (207-789-5135). Cabin accommodations are also available. The Whale's Tooth Pub, Lincolnville Beach, ME (Rte .1 , 6-7 north of Camden) will hold an outside buffet/bar Saturday night [July 6] for Downeast participants only! There are many other restaurants nearby to choose from, too. Friday, July 5: Maine Island Walking Tour - Rovers North editor Jeff Aronson welcomes you to visit Vinalhaven, an 80-minute ferry trip from Rockland. Enjoy a wonderful trip through Penobscot Bay and enjoy spectacular scenery on the water and on the island. We'll meet every morning ferry and depart in the late afternoon. Saturday, July 6: Off Road Day [10 am - 4 pm]- It's hard to imagine how, but Mike Smith and Alan Adolphsen promise to enhance and enlarge their highly-praised off-road course [see below for details]. Last year nearly 60 Rovers, from Series I's - III's, Defenders, Discoverys and Range Rovers enjoyed the challenging course. You'll get all the help you need on the trails, and you can run the course as often as you want. The course is non-damaging and has sections to teach the novice and challenge the hard-core off roader. If you prefer, you can watch from the trails and get pointers on off-road techniques from the Rovers North staff. For lunch you'll feast on a huge BBQ. The fee for the entire day is only $5.00, payable at the gate on Saturday (For further information on the Off-Road Day, call 207-594-8086). Sunday, July 7, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head, ME (6 miles S. of Camden), Rte. 1 to Rockland, then Rte 73 to Owls Head. Times: 9 am - 4:30 pm. Last year, over 120 Land Rovers and Rover cars put one quite a show for an estimated 12,000 visitors to this famous museum's air show. US and Canadian clubs have been invited so their could be another great turnout. An added feature this year includes swap sessions: recycle your old parts into new Rovers, or fill a need of your's. Bring whatever you can in the back of your Rover. The Owls Head Air Show is always one of New England's best. Past shows have featured AV-8B Harrier Jump Jets plus B-17, P-51 YAK-11, aerobatics planes and more! Food and gift concessions on site. No entry fee when you and up to three guest arrive in any Rover. Monday, July 8: Lazy Day - If you've got the time, the Downeast organizers promise more fun in the Pine Tree State. Keep your eyes and ears open for announcements during the weekend. Registration: For brochure and information on rally, directions, and accommodations, write Downeast Land Rover Rally, RR 2, Box 23, Lincolnville, ME 04849, or call (207-789-5303). It's important to register in advance to help rally planning; you don't want them to run out of food or room! Send no money but let them know if you're coming by June 30. See you in Maine! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- who... All Rovers and their owners, Series I to newest Range Rover, even Rover cars. where...Mid coast Maine, Rockland and Camden area. when...Scheduled events are from the 5th to 8th of July, 1996. Island walking tour, Fri. 5th Off Road Day, Sat. 6th Owl's Head Musuem Rover show, and Militray Air show, Sun 7th Other things happen on the 8th, to be decided yet. why...because we like you what do you have to do... 1. SHOW UP 2. If you plan to attend the Off Road Day and BBQ, you MUST pre-register by calling ECR at 207.594.8086, or email me at ecrover@midcoast.com. This is a must so we can get a good head count for food and things like that. You can pay at the gate on Sat., but there will be a list at the gate, of those who have pre-registered, so do it! 3. If you want general information, such as where to stay, what is the designated *Rover* campground, where will the group dinner be, etc. etc. Call 207.789.5303 From: Mike Smith East Coast Rover Co. 207.594.8086 21 Tolman Road *Rt. 90* 207.594.8120 fax Warren, Maine 04864 ecrover@midcoast.com Land Rover Service, Sales, Restoration, and More Series Coil Chassis Specialists