Dirksen handles details of GNR
    Imagine throwing a week-long party for a couple of thousand friends.  What do you do to keep them entertained?  How do you get them from here to there?  How do you make it a memorable event?
       Each year Rosie Dirksen, WIT Special Events Coordinator, makes all the necessary plans and more for the Grand National Rally in Forest City, IA, and then counts on key people, volunteers from the International Association of Local Chapter Presidents and International Association of State Club Presidents among others, to carry it out for a successful rally.
      "It's kind of like, I bake the cake but then I hand it down to someone else to frost," she explained.  "Without all the volunteers it wouldn't be possible.
      Dirksen handles all the registrations received for the rally and makes sure everyone has a spot for the biggest event of the year.  She also arranges all the tours (before and during GNR), seminars and classes and then keeps track of who signs up for those activities to make sure all goes well.  Then there is the daily entertainment and "people movers" to plan for and ....well, the list goes on.
      She says the hardest part is that last week before the rally starts as she gets every last item in place for the volunteers to take over.   The best part is definitely the people, from the rally attendees to the helpers.
     "When you see them year after year, you make special bonds with these people," Dirksen said.
     Dirksen also handles arrangements for all other special rallies held on the grounds, which has been six to seven events each year.  On a daily basis Dirksen also picks up the office mail and opens it to be distributed to the staff.
     Dirksen worked for Winnebago Industries for about 10 years before quitting for about six years when she had her youngest son.  She worked in the ship out department and then personnel, where one of her favorite things was working with people.  After taking a break, in 1992, she had the opportunity to begin part-time as coordinator of GNR and she was glad to have a job that would put her in contact with people again.  She started with the WIT staff in May that year and GNR was set for June.  "I spent that year watching and learning.  The second GNR was when I got into it all," she recalls.  At that time GNR was just one week--there was no pre-rally parking or events, Dirksen said.  There were also only about 250 electrical sites so there were long waiting list to handle.  Now there are about 1,400 electric hook-ups, but that creates new challenges, she says.
     Another major change took place recently when the main gate was moved to the south side of the grounds and no parking was allowed on the grounds.
     Dirksen said as soon as she closes up one GNR, it's time to start on the next year's.  Plans are now well underway for the next GNR.
     Rosie and her husband Dennis, who is a manufacturing engineer with Winnebago Industries, have a total of seven children.  She also has two grandchildren.  She enjoys reading, crocheting afghans for her family and walking.  Dirksen and co-worker Laurel Ericksen walk together about an hour a day at least five days a week, either outside if the weather cooperates of at the local civic auditorium.  Rosie said they have also entered a few walk races for fun.
     She also likes watching her son play high school sports such as basketball, track and cross country and has even learned a bit about each one.
     As a family they enjoy boating and motorcycling and their favorite family vacation was to Disneyworld in Florida.  She and her husband Dennis also like visiting Sturgis, SD, on a motorcycle.
     If you have questions or need information about Grand National Rally, contact Dirksen at 641-585-6464.