This weekend, the Camp Howze Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA), the local chapter of an international organization, invites the public to join them in celebrating the MVPA Jefferson Highway Convoy 2024 with a series of special events.
Each year, the MVPA sets about on a convoy in which members drive vehicles thousands of miles to help keep history alive. This year’s convoy is the Jefferson Highway Convoy, traveling from the Canadian border all the way to New Orleans, LA. The convoy began on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and will arrive in Gainesville, TX on Friday, Oct. 18.
Along the way, local organizations provide places for these travelers to park and stay (typically fairgrounds, as there are many large vehicles to host). Groups like American Legions will provide dinner for the group.
The Camp Howze chapter of MVPA was happy to host the convoy for two nights at the Cooke County Fairgrounds in Gainesville. People in the convoy will sleep in tents, camp in their vehicles or stay at nearby hotels. Excited for the chance to host these individuals, Camp Howze MVPA decided to take advantage of the opportunity to give the convoy a real “Texas party.”
“We had an idea that has basically spiraled out of control,” Camp Howzse MVPA public relations officer Brad Meeks laughed.
Friday, the convoy will arrive around 3 p.m. They’ll enjoy dinner and a viewing of “The Girl Who Wore Freedom,” a documentary about the untold love story of two nations uncovered from the ruins of World War II. The movie’s director and producer will be on hand to answer questions. The event begins at 6 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Tickets are $5 per person and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for this indoor event.
Saturday, Camp Howze MVPA will hold its quarterly pancake breakfast (tickets for the public are $5 each). The convoy will have the day to enjoy local excursions to area wineries and museums, then will return for a large fundraiser event that night. From 7-10 p.m., Camp Howze MVPA is hosting one of the largest USO shows to benefit Veterans and educational programs.
Happy hour and VIP event (featuring exclusive time with the event’s keynote speaker) begins at 6 p.m. and doors open to the public at 7 p.m. The evening includes live music by the Gainesville Swing Orchestra and silent auction including high-end items like wine sets, outdoor games and an Argentina dove hunt.
Attendees will also enjoy a three-course dinner of salad, meats, seasoned green beans, custom desserts and a custom, limited-edition bottle of wine especially for the occasion.
“The unique, fine details that have gone into planning this event are incredible. We really wanted to celebrate this group and give them a real highlight of their trip,” Meeks said. “We’ve pulled out all the stops.”
Because Camp Howze MVPA is a proponent of education, they will also have a motivational keynote speaker. Military hero Shilo Harris survived a devastating IED explosion while in Iraq that left him with severe burns, lost fingers and ears. He shares his story of recovery, perseverance, faith and service.
The event will also feature exhibits from a dozen area military museums. Honored guests include Jim Haun, WWII, Korea and Vietnam veteran; Gene Bomar, WWII veteran; and Joe Carter, WWII veteran from Branson, MO. The evening’s emcee will be Bob Sarver, who hosts the world’s largest parade (Veteran’s Day Parade in Branson, MO). People are encouraged to dress in vintage 40’s, dress military or smart casual attire.
Tickets for Saturday’s USO show are $40 to $75 and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com.
Sunday, the convoy will get one more meal and enjoy an early morning service before hitting the road to their next destination.
The weekend’s events are sponsored by VFW Gainesville, American Legion Auxiliary of Lake Kiowa, Iron Soldiers Coffee Company, C & L Services, 4U Credit Union, Quasar Energy Services, Tierra Real Estate and Tractor Bob’s. The Gainesville VFW is providing all of the food, cooking and service for the weekend’s festivities.
People in the Whitesboro area will be able to see the Jefferson Highway Convoy around 3 p.m. this Friday. The convoy consists of 23 vehicles with participation from five different countries. For more information, visit www.mvpa.org.
