DAKOTA PCA EVENTS
WE ARE ACTIVE!
For a PCA region that has more miles than members, the Dakota Region has a lot going on. It doesn’t matter if you are from here in the Dakota’s or are from another region, come join us for some fun. In addition to dinners and social events, you will find some of the best, well organized drives in the country. Keep an eye on the “Happenings” column below for a list of upcoming events. Or contact us at DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com to get updates. Either way, the Dakota Region lives by the PCA motto, “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people”.
Happenings!
- Run to the River, April 27 & 28, registration is closing soon. Registration deadline and guest room registrations close on Thursday, March 28. Contact the River Ranch at Cedar Shores resort in Oacoma, SD directly at 605-234-6376 for rooms. This is a chance for the whole region to meet in a central (?) location. Come join us! For more information email DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com.
- Fourth annual Father’s Day Drive is June 13 – 16. This year’s event makes it’s return to Wyoming and Montana, departing from and returning to Rapid City. Day one takes us to Cody, WY via Cloud Peak Skyway. Day two will take us to Bozeman, MT via Yellowstone Park. On day three we will return to Cody via Cooke City/Beartooth Pass, then returning to Rapid City via the Medicine Hat Wheel Passage on day four. Expect full days with scenic drives through Yellowstone, the Beartooth Pass, Chief Joseph Hwy and more. Room blocks are secured, rest and lunch stops are lined up. For more information email 3Lflat6@gmail.com or DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com. To register use https://clubregistration.net/events/signup.cfm/event/14641.
- Mark your calendars! Join the Dakota Region for a leisurely 3-hour tour (no, not that “3-hour tour…) of towns in southwestern Minnesota, as well as some of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, on August 10th at 1:30 PM. The group will start from the parking lot of the Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, SD. We will eventually drive to the Hi Lo Club in Lakefield, MN for supper at 5:00 PM. Trivia questions regarding “that other 3-hour tour” may surface. Watch the website and FB for registration information. Incidentally, an unofficial pole picks Mary Ann over Ginger by a two to one ratio.
- Run for the Hills XXII is coming up on August 22 – 25. Even after all those years people keep coming back for the amazing drives and friendship this event offers. Based in Keystone, SD, RFTH takes you on drives through both the northern and southern Black Hills with sites that include Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, and the infamous city of Sturgis. Come see the home where the buffalo roam! For more information email RFTH.DRPCA@yahoo.com or DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com.
- RVBOW-WOW. On September 12 and 13 the winning drive of Rivers Valleys Bluffs Of Wisconsin, We’re on Our Way will take you to the Mississippi river in a casual Fall excursion. This event is limited to 20 cars and has a relaxed format with dinning and site seeing. For more information email dakpor18@gmail.com or DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com.
- Canyons to Canyons tour has become one of the Dakota Region’s most popular driving events. Held each fall as the leaves in the Black Hills are painting their own scenic pictures, this drive takes you through some beautiful country. C2C planning is underway as we speak. Watch this page for more information or email DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com.
“COMMENTARY”
- We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. Unfortunately, some of us might not be able to drive our P-cars to church. But remember, we will be back on warm dry roads before you know it.
- Run for the Hills has officially hit the 40 car maximum registrations. But if you didn’t get in, we will put you on the waiting list and cross our fingers. We are all looking forward to getting together in August.
- The Flags and Wheels go cart racing was a blast. You wouldn’t want to scrape fenders like that in your own car! The de-briefing was great, as always. We can’t wait to see what Crystal has planned for us next.
- Who’s ready to drive fast(ish) and not get in trouble? Let’s meet up at Flags and Wheels in Rapid City to drive race carts! The green flag drops at 2pm on Saturday, February 17. We can continue to socialize after the racing with drinks and food. Location yet to be determined. RSVP to dakotaregionpca@gmail.com by Thursday, Feb. 15th. For more information and to sign their release, please go to flagsandwheels.com. Come to drive or just socialize, we look forward to seeing you!
- If you haven’t noticed, registration for Run for the Hills has opened. The 40 available spots are filling up fast. If you plan to attend, register NOW!
- In the last two weeks Dakota Region PCA has had two Holiday gatherings. On December 9 Robb and JoAnn from Hill City invited their fellow members to Jingle and Mingle. Great fun, people, conversations, and location. If you missed it, you MISSED it! Then on the 19th DRPCA had a Holiday dinner at Minerva’s in Sioux Falls. Fourty members, spouses and guests were there to celebrate the season. Thanks to Kieth and Shelley for putting this together.
- On December 13, 2023 the RFTH committee was happy to present a check for $7500 to Wellfully in Rapid City. This contribution came from registration fees paid for Run for the Hills XXII last summer. Thanks to all of you for helping the Dakota Region support their needed programs.
- If you haven’t started to make plans to attend the National PCA Parade in Birmingham this June, here is another reason for you to go. There are a limited number of spots available to attend a Porsche Track Experience Performance course at Barber Motorsports Park. You can register at 770-290-7000 before February 13 to receive a 10% discount. More information for this and other events is available at porscheparade.org.
- Announcement and reminders… Remember that we have a Jingle and Mingle in Hill City on December 9. This is sure to be a great time for all. Then we have a Christmas party in Sioux Falls on December 19. Hope you all can make it to one or both of these. We have a date set to present a RFTH donation check to Wellfully on December 13 at 1pm. We would love to have people be there to support the donation and hear about their agency and the great work they do. If you can’t be there you can learn more at wellfullypacc.org.
- Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! We hope you have a wonderful day filled with family and friends. And give thanks for all that we have living in the USA.
- JINGLE AND MINGLE! Let’s Jingle and Mingle in the Black Hills. Join us for cocktails and music at the Hoffman Bunkhouse on Saturday, December 9th at 5:00 pm. The address is 24212 Hwy 385 in Hill City, SD. RSVP for this Potluck and BYOB by text to our hosts, Robb and JoAnn, at 605-381-8006.
- CHANGE OF DATE! Christmas Party – Sioux Falls! The Christmas party, Sioux Falls, has been moved to December 19 at 6 o’clock the place to be is Minerva’s at 301 S. Philips Ave in Sioux Falls. Dakota Region PCA will hold their annual Christmas party – East River version. There will be an optional gift exchange ($20 minimum) for those interested. RSVP to Keith Thomas by phone or text at 518-316-0472. Be there or be square!
- We have two dinner gatherings coming up. The first is on October 24 at 5:30. Craig and Susan Arnold have a dinner at the Blue Rock Bar and Grill all planned out. The address is 4021 Bobhalla Dr. in Sioux Falls. RSVP to Keith Thomas by October 20th, 518-316-0472. The second dinner is set for November 4 at 4 pm at the home of Tony and Kori Downs in Rapid City. Please bring a traditional / favorite dish to share, BYOB. There will be an optional white elephant gift exchange ($20 maximum) as well. RSVP to dakotaregionpca@gmail.com.
- Dakota Region PCA lost a great member last week. Dave Nordland passed away. Over the years Dave wore many hats: Marine Corps Colonel, radio and cell phone expert, husband, father, PCA board member, and all-around great guy. Dave joined the PCA in 2002, was there when the Dakota Region was re-organized and has been active ever since. If there was a PCA event, Dave was likely there. The club won’t be the same without him. Godspeed Dave, we will miss you.
- Last week’s Mellow Yellow brought together friends from near and far. Casual drives, dining, and socializing make for the perfect get away. Everyone agrees that a few days spent with friends in the Mississippi River valley is good for the soul.
- Run for the Hills 2023 was a big success! Over 40 cars were divided into four groups for drives in the Northern and Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. The drives were fun, the scenery was outstanding, and the people were superb! Set aside the dates of August 22-25, 2024 to come experience RFTH XXII.
- Bob Hanson, a longtime Dakota PCA member passed away unexpectedly this summer. He was a true Porsche fan and a great guy. The Dakota Region PCA has organized a drive in his honor, to be held on August 12, 2023. The drive will depart from Schulte Subaru (7601 S Minnesota St, Sioux Falls) about noon, following the Cars and Coffee that morning. Please RSVP to Keith Thomas, text or call @ 518-316-0472. Thanks Keith, for putting this together.
- The CANYON TO CANYON TOUR brings a great day of touring the Black Hills! The driving this year is stellar with cool weather (but not too cool for top-down motoring) and open roads without all the tourists clogging the place up. This one-day event will start and stop in Rapid City and explore the numerous and beautiful canyons and fall scenery of the Black Hills. Plan on several hours of mountain driving in the morning, with lunch, followed by several hours of driving in the afternoon. The day will end at a local restaurant where anyone so inclined can order their own food and beverages. Meet at Koyote Koffee, 3464 Sturgis Rd. at 8:30AM on October 14, 2023. This may be the last drive before the gravel and loose impediments find their way onto the roads this winter. Please RSVP by Oct. 4 to DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com so we have a solid number for lunch reservations. This is a no charge, FUN tour. Hope to see you there!
- What are you doing on Saturday, July 29? Well, at 3 o’clock you have a chance spend some quality time with fellow PCA’ers with no obligation other than enjoying your time with your fellow members. Allan a Crystal Mack have invited you to a happy hour at their home in Spearfish. It is BYOB and you can bring an appetizer to share. Allan and Crystal have talked about inviting us for a while, and it has come together. Even if you have plans, you should consider joining all of us. To RSVP and get the address, email DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com. See you there!
- It is the Fourth of July. Enjoy the fireworks. But celebrate Independence Day. Remember that the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you is that you were born in the U.S.A.
- July 8 will bring a nice drive in the Sioux Falls area. Meet up at the Flying J Travel Center at 8:30 with a 9:00 roll out for a drive to the Lake Okoboji area. Lunch will be at Bracco’s and we will drive to Round Lake Vineyard and Winery. The route is yet to be determined, but we know Keith will plan a great drive. For details and to RSVP contact Kieth and Shelley Thomas by phone or text (518-316-0472). You don’t want to miss this one.
- Thanks, Scott for organizing some great Father’s Day drives. You took us down the road less traveled, to the south side of the Badlands and beyond. Great fun!
- Cars and Coffee are always a fun event. A computer search will give you information on those close to you, and there should be some close to all of us. Fargo has events on July 9, August 19, September 17, and October 28. Check their Facebook page for locations. Sioux City has dates of June 24 and 29, July 29, August 26, and September 30, all at High Ground Coffee and Espresso Bar. Sioux Falls is the 2nd Saturday of each month, at Schulte Subaru. In the Black Hills we have July 15 at Pioneer Bank in Belle Fourche, August 19 at Reflective Rides in Rapid City, September 17 at Pure Bean at Box Elder / Ellsworth, October 14 & 28. Oct. 14 is location TBD, the 18th is at Fitzgerald Field in Rapid. Hope to see you at one or more of these!
- The Mello Yellow tour has hit it’s maximum of 20 cars. If you still think you want to join, but aren’t registered, there is a waiting list. Just email dakpor18@gmail.com. It’s a great time, and not a surprise that it sells out!
- If you haven’t signed up for the Father’s Day drive yet, do it now! This event will offer drives on June 17 and 18, visiting Devil’s Tower and the Badlands. Email DakotaRegionPCA@gmail.com to add your name to the registration list today.
- The Cars and Coffee at Schulte Subaru last week was a huge success. Over 600 entries overall, and more than a half dozen Dakota Region PCA’ers. One car that got a lot of attention was a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (the car James Dean unfortunately made famous). That’s a pretty rare car to see in the Dakota’s.
- Dakota Region lost a great guy last week. Bob Hansen from Sioux Falls passed away due to complications from heart surgery. Bob joined PCA in August of 1983. His smile and quiet chuckle made regular appearances at Dakota Region events. You can find his obituary on the Sioux Falls Argus Leader’s website. We will miss you Bob.
- The Cars and Coffee at Schulte Subaru was postponed for a week due to weather. Keep her shined up so you can show her off. Join your DRPCA friends at the Porsche Paddock.
- If you haven’t driven your P-car to the ice cream shop yet this year, Shame on You!
- Even in the north end of the Dakota Region, things are thawing out. Bismarck had eight feet of snow this winter! As it melts you might need to put swimming goggles and flippers on when you go to the grocery store, but the roads will be dry before you know it!
- If you have never attended a Cars and Coffee, you should do it. They are a great place to meet and talk with those with similar interests. There is a Cars and Coffee scheduled for Saturday, May 13, starting at 8:00 am at Schulte Subaru in Sioux Falls. A number of our Dakota Region PCA members are planning to be there. For those who are a little apprehensive about attending, this is the perfect time. You know you will have PCA friends there to greet you.
- There is a dinner plan in the works for April 19 in Sioux Falls. In order to pick a venue and set things up we would like to have a show of hands for those who are interested. Please email John F. at dakpor18@gmail.com to let him know.
- The North Dakota state legislature is considering a change in the law to eliminate front license plates. A few years ago, South Dakota offered a rear plate only option, with some restrictions on miles driven, etc. It has been very well received. If you are in North Dakota you might want to contact your state representative to make sure this law passes.
- The Counts of the Cobblestone car show is Feb. 17-19 at the Monument (Civic Center) in Rapid City. If you haven’t seen it, this is one of the biggest car shows in the Dakotas. It is definitely worth checking out.
- Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Remember to give the love of your life a big kiss! Then leave the garage, go in the house, and give a greeting card to your spouse.
- Spring is upcoming! Keep the faith. The days are getting longer.
- On Saturday, January 14, Dakota Region had a dinner gathering at the Sturgis Brewing Company in Sturgis, SD. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Of the eight cars that showed up, seven were Porsches. Not bad for a mid-winter dinner! Two attendees were new members, and both promised to stay involved. Special thanks go to Crystal and Lynn for lining things up, and to Jay for his unexpected surprise,