11th National Rally Shawnee, OK Recap
September 21-25, 2025
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Dates: | September 21-25, 2025 |
| Location: | Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center 1700 W Independence St Shawnee, OK 74804 |
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| Hosts: | Nick and Dee Dee McClain Pam Clark |
Forty-eight (48) attendees came in 26 coaches (representing 17 states) to gather at the 52-acre Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma, for the 11th Biennial Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club National Rally. Two members did not require RV sites. Oklahoma, the "Sooner State," boasts the most drivable miles, 400, of the Historic Route 66 and the upcoming centennial celebration of Route 66 set the perfect tone for the rally. Shawnee, a welcoming city of about 31,000 residents, features three museums, five casinos (owned by 4 tribes), and hosts numerous rodeos year-round (as attendees arrived over the weekend some enjoyed watching barrel racing at the Expo's rodeo arena).
Sunday at 3:30 pm, the rally officially began with a warm and friendly Meet & Greet, complete with BBQ sandwiches, potato salad, chips, and drinks. Nick McClain opened the event, followed by a welcome from Stacy Moore of the Visit Shawnee Welcome Center. Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, gave a wonderful and engaging presentation on the history of Route 66, having personally traveled all 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Everyone joined in singing the club's signature song "Born Free". The national rally hosts and club officers were recognized, and the past-President team, Jerry and Mary Breu, were honored for their many dedicated years of service. The evening concluded with Cracker Barrel gift card drawings and the Biennial Executive Board of Directors Meeting, chaired by President Pam Clark. Board meeting minutes will be posted later on the club website.
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Monday, attendees were up bright and early, boarding the bus for the all-day Route 66 guided tour with Birona Aswad of Simply Travel Inc. Highlights of the tour included driving on the actual Historic Route 66 and stops at the Route 66 Interpretive Center (Chandler), Route 66 Bowl (Chandler), Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum (Warwick), the Red Round Barn (Arcadia), National Cowboy Museum (OKC) and lunch. The tour continued with stops at the Centennial Land Run Monument (OKC), Oklahoma City National Memorial (OKC), Painted Horses (Shawnee) and a sweet stop at a Braum's famous Ice Cream & Dairy Store (Shawnee) before returning to the Expo Center.
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Tuesday morning began with the Biennial Club Business Meeting, chaired by President Pam Clark. The business included officer elections, officer presentations, approval of the 2023 meeting minutes, and appreciation plaque presentations to the outgoing officers, President Jerry and Mary Breu, and VP-NE Region Marilyn and Bob Gray (in absentia). Business meeting minutes will be posted later on the club website. The officers elected for the next two years, including first-time officers Annie and Robert Walker, are as follows:
| President: | Pam Clark |
| Newsletter Editor: | Kim Curtis |
| Secretary/Treasurer: | Sandy Perley |
| Website Administrator: | Dave Moffat |
| Rally/Caravan Coordinator: | Nick McClain |
| VP-NW Region: | Rick and Susan Zimmerman |
| VP-NC Region: | Anton and Carolyn Hol |
| VP-NE Region: | Annie and Robert Walker |
| VP-SW Region: | Phyllis and Jim Howard |
| VP-SE Region: | Gregg and Martha Bindshedler |
| VP-SC Region: | Open (volunteers needed) |
Following the meeting, Ron Bash led the always-popular Technical Panel. At the Afternoon Tea rally attendees enjoyed playing games of Shishibe (bingo), which are used to teach the Citizen Potawatomi language. That evening, the Taco Party was a hit, featuring the announcement of the next National Rally in Lebanon, TN, and a nostalgic slideshow of past rallies.
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Wednesday, after a catered hot breakfast, Anton and Carolyn Hol organized the Coach Open House, a favorite among attendees. Later came the group photo, Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, and a delicious evening meal. A highlight of the night was the club's generous donation to the Shawnee Salvation Army Food Bank - a total of $930 ($600 food + $330 cash). The evening wrapped up with an outstanding performance by Texas country and western singer Byron Haynie, followed by more Cracker Barrel gift card drawings.
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At Thursday's continental breakfast, Nick thanked the more than 30 volunteers who contributed to the success of the National Rally. The breakfast also brought fond farewells as friends shared hugs, goodbyes, and travel plans. A small group departed to continue their adventure westward, including another rally and additional stops on Historic Route 66.
It was, in every way, a great place to be.
Submitted by Nick and Dee Dee McClain.
Photos by Linda Atwood