Special events planned for Pittsburgh
Special events planned for Pittsburgh convention
Harry McCracken and the Pittsburgh committee have been meeting and making plans for the convention for several months.
Dates for the convention are July 17-21, 2002, at the Hilton Pittsburgh.
In addition to the normally scheduled events such as the Memorial Service, business meeting, and ladies' program, several tours and special activities have been planned.
Tours include the "Just Ducky Tour" of Pittsburgh's points of interest in an authentic World War II amphibious craft. A Gateway Clipper Cruise and lunch buffet also will be offered. All tours are handicap accessible.
"Pittsburgh Night" will be held Thursday night, featuring a buffet dinner with foods unique to the Pittsburgh area. Following the buffet, the Checkerboard Chorus will conduct a sing-along.
Following the Memorial Service Friday morning, there will be a tour of the renovated facilities of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, current home of the 99th Infantry Division museum. Following the tour, there will be a visit to the new 99th Regional Command Headquarters and a catered lunch at the headquarters dining facility.
Friday evening will feature a "welcome to Pittsburgh" social night with entertainment by the Slavjane Folk Ensemble, a younger folk group pattered after the Duquesne University Tambruitizans.
Saturday's activities will include the business meeting and women's program. Also scheduled for Saturday is the dedication ceremony of the new 99th Regional Command Headquarters conducted by the 99th Regional Support Command Headquarters.
The new 99th Regional Support Command Commander, MG Kennedy has been invited to speak at the banquet Saturday evening and the 99th 307th Army Band will provide musical entertainment.
Hotel reservations may be made by calling the Hilton Pittsburgh, 412-391-4600 or writing to 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh PA 15222. Room rates are $97 per night. Cutoff registration date for this discounted rate is June 15, 2002. After that date, the full rate will apply and rooms may not be available.
Several parking options are available including valet parking at the Hilton for $23 per day. Additional parking is available nearby with rates ranging from $8 to $18 per day.
For those arriving by plane, a shuttle service from the airport is available. The fare is $12 one way or $20 round trip.
Registration for the convention is $10 per person before June 15, 2002. After June 15, registration increases to $15 per person. Registration is free for widows and children under 12.
Convention packets will be mailed out by April 1 and more detailed information is printed elsewhere in this issue of the Checkerboard.
For more information, contact McCracken or Donna Bernhardt, PO Box 99, Marion KS 66861, phone 620-382-2165, or e-mail: donna@99div.com.
