Well over 11,000 delegates gathered in Greenville, South Carolina, from July 2 to July 6, for what some have called the best overall Wing Ding atmosphere ever.

From the Registration Tables of Wing Ding 30 in the Carolina First Center’s main halls to the bustling vendor trade show floor there to the Main Street of Greenville during the annual Wing Ding Light Parade and for the rest of the weekend, delegates appeared not only to enjoy GWRRA’s efforts to welcome friends and family but also the city of Greenville’s efforts as well.

Both Executive Director Melissa Eason and the city of Greenville’s Mayor Pro Tempore Lillian Flemming helped set a welcoming and relaxed mood at Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, July 3, to a crowd of over 3,000, some dressed in the ’50s and ’60s attire that was the day’s “Decades of the Day” theme.

But sponsored events adding to the fun began even before that, on July 2, with a ride to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville in the morning, followed by the International Couple of the Year Selection and, later, the Talent Show and the Wing Ding 30th Anniversary Pre-Event Entertainment/Dance with DJ Scooter Davis in the Bi-Lo Center. The events were well-attended and went extremely well, helping set the mood for a wonderful Wing Ding atmosphere.

After Opening Ceremonies, the vendor floor opened, regularly scheduled events began, and Wing Ding 30 was in full swing. From the Amazing Team Challenge to the Mascot and Krazy Hat Contests to the Overseas Delegates Reception, everyone seemed to be having a great time. And wonderful weather held for Greenville’s Downtown “Welcome Party” and the subsequent Light Parade down Main Street—with spectators several feet deep along the route—so that the day was about perfect overall.

Friday, July 4, saw both the events and Wing Ding attendees happy mood continue with planned seminars, poker runs, Rider Education courses, Bike Show judging, field events, and more. And though the Grand Parade did not quite reach its goal to top the Guinness Word Records™ for “Largest Parade of Honda Motorcycles”, delegates definitely enjoyed the AT&T Red, White and Blue Celebration afterward and Downtown Greenville’s Fireworks display.

Saturday morning, a huge crowd gathered for the Drill Team Performance before some rain fell, causing the Top Gun Competition and a couple of other outdoor events to be canceled. But even rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of Wing Ding delegates, many of whom simply headed indoors to the vendor floor for more shopping or perhaps to watch world-famous motorcycle artist Chris Cruz (who rarely makes public appearances anymore) work on several Wings. Rounding out the evening was the J&M Dance Party with the always exciting Crawfish Band and a special announcement and prize award from J&M regarding its brand new Bluetooth® Wireless Helmet Headsets.

By Sunday, with its Statistical Awards, demo rides, Prize Extravaganza Winners, and more still happening, many delegates were saying they were having such a good time that they didn’t want to go home yet. But, of course, all good things must come to an end, and thousands gathered again at the Bi-Lo Center for Closing Ceremonies and the Grand Prize Drawings, including the 2009 Gold Wing Drawing.

All in all, so many delegates expressed their enthusiasm for this year’s event, that we can hardly wait to host our family reunion next year in Tulsa! See you there!