THE SONOMA COUNTY
FALCONS FOR FUN CHAPTER

2004 FCA NATIONAL CONVENTION
OVERLAND PARK, KS
July 14-18, 2004...al aiello

I’m goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come… I had the words of that familiar old song running through my mind the week before the FCA National Convention.

The Mid America Chapter did a wonderful job as hosts for the show that was held July 14^th – July 18^th at the Double Tree Hotel in Overland Park. The show was well organized and everybody appeared to be having a great time. The hospitality room was well stocked with food and refreshments and the hotel was an excellent location for a national convention.

The VALVE COVER RACES were a big hit at this year’s FCA National Convention, and they’re coming to California next year…stay tuned for details.

Lois and I, along with her father (Walt) made the trek to this year’s convention. While at the show, we enjoyed the company of fellow Californians----Ray Johnson, Ron & Rosie Wilson, Ken & Bonnie Overmiller.

Lois and I opted for taking the big Falcon in the sky. The adventurous Overmillers drove their 65 Ranchero Deluxe to the show, then continued on to Massachusetts---and then drove all the way back to California!!!

This is Cliff McKay’s 1963 Custom...   it kind of reminds me of a Chuck Barris creation… There’s a story here, but you will have to ask Cliff next year when he comes to the California Convention. Cliff was elected to the FCA Board of Directors in KC.

The weather was cooler this year compared to the scorcher in Texas last year. A thunderstorm rolled in late one night and it created some havoc on the show field. The wind blew hard and the sky opened up with a downpour. It was fortunate that no cars were damaged and the show went on without a hitch.

This was the 25^th Silver Anniversary for the Falcon Club of America. Roy Sword (FCA Founder) was honored at the Awards Banquet. As Roy looked over the banquet crowd, he remarked that the club was a lot different and larger that it was 25 years ago. That is true, but the good people in the FCA are a constant and the reason for the success of the Falcon Club of America.

This is a photo of Roy Sword’s 1965 Sprint Convertible as shown at the 2004 FCA National Convention…one of 300 produced. That’s Roy Sword and FCA Secretary Joe Tatti in the background. I had a special interest in this Sprint because it has the same colors as mine…the only real difference is that Roy’s has an automatic and mine has 4 speed….oh yeah---did I mention that Roy’s is restored and in much better condition…a real beauty….

There were approximately 200 cars and 500 persons at the show. The Mile High Chapter based in Colorado won the "Best Participation" award with over 30 of their members in attendance.

I hope that all of you reading this will attend next year’s show. Information regarding next year’s show can be found at www.westcoastfalcons.com, and upcoming national and regional newsletters.ª

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