The recent Region 6 Rally at The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee, was one for the history books! Region 6 President David Gulley, his wife Mary, and daughter Jennifer went above and beyond to celebrate our club’s legacy and make this rally a truly historic gathering.
With more than 180 WBCCI/ACI memberships represented and support from multiple Airstream dealers and sponsors, this was far from an ordinary Region Rally. The upscale venue near Pigeon Forge provided the perfect backdrop for five days packed with entertainment, education, and community spirit.
Each day brought something special—meals provided for attendees, nightly entertainment, and a highlight event themed around 1955, the year our club was founded. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious as members came together to honor the past while celebrating the present.
The week’s most memorable moment came on opening night, when Joe Peplinski and David Gulley were inducted into the Tin Can Tourists Hall of Fame. Their tireless work preserving and promoting the history of Airstream and other vintage travel trailer brands has had a lasting impact on our community. Both men have dedicated countless hours to documenting, researching, and sharing the stories that keep the heritage of vintage trailering alive for generations to come.
Daytime activities included a fascinating Around the World Caravan slideshow presented by ATWC Advance Scout Christine Charles Ramos, a creative art class led by VAC member Michael Lambert, and two in-depth historical presentations by WBCCI/VAC Historian Joe Peplinski—“Airstream 1931 to Present” and “WBCCI/ACI 1955 to Present.”
From the scenic setting to the heartfelt celebrations, the Region 6 Rally was an unforgettable event filled with camaraderie, laughter, and appreciation for those who continue to preserve the spirit of vintage travel. Congratulations once again to David Gulley and Joe Peplinski—well-deserved inductees into the Tin Can Tourists Hall of Fame!
