That is the question. (You know the answer.)

Come to chef Eleanor O’Dea’s evening cooking demo during Alumapalooza and learn how to create an elegant four course meal in your own Airstream kitchen.

You’ll be picking up skills from a culinary expert: Research and Development Chef and caterer Eleanor holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, and served as a versatile Rounds Chef at the Shelburne Inn in Vermont.

Using an actual Airstream galley, Eleanor will prepare seared sea scallops with vanilla vodka bechamel, pumpkin polenta, wilted greens, and vanilla creme peaches. Here’s the twist: Bacon is the optional ingredient in every course.

Bid at the silent auction during the day for the right to deliver the crucial verdict: will the dishes be baconized? Each will be delicious either way—and you’ll also win the opportunity to sit down and enjoy the meal Chef Eleanor prepared during the demo. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the local food bank.

We’ve got a wonderful lineup of acts taking the stage this year!

JOSH ROGAN Singer-Songwriter
Singer-songwriter-guitarist (and Airstream fulltimer) Josh Rogan will be bringing his original songs to the main stage on Saturday night. His style of music has been described as “southern grit”, “dark, bluesy rock” and “rock and roll soul”. You’ll love this performance; Josh is a down to earth guy that really connects with his audience. (Inside info for returning Alumapaloozers: You know our Saturday morning kick-off tradition? Listen for a surprise from Josh this year!)

ERIC HENNING Master Magician
You’ll enjoy an “award-winning blend of wit and wizardry” when master magician Eric Henning brings his special brand of interactive magic to Alumapalooza on Friday. Eric performs old fashioned slight-of-hand magic with an elegant flair, and has amazed adult audiences around the world as well as in Washington DC, where he entertained at three Presidential Inaugurals and for the First Family’s Halloween party.

ALEXANDER & CHARON The Swordswallowers
Opening for Eric will be the fun and fabulous Alexander Kensington and Charon Henning! Their “horrible and exciting” performances have enthralled Alumaevent attendees across the country. Prepare to be amazed by their all-ages comedy thrill show which includes sword swallowing, fire eating, whip artistry, and shocking extreme stunts. You’ll laugh. You’ll cheer. You’ll hide your eyes.

Wednesday Night Jam Session
Make your own kind of music at the Wednesday night jam session. Hosted by attendees Curtis Remington and Kirk McKellar, this “open mic night” will feature Kirk and Curtis performing their original songs, and other musical acts starring your fellow Airstreamers.

Aluminum Gong Show
And—back by popular demand—the hilarious Aluminum Gong Show returns to Alumapalooza! Do you play an instrument? Tell jokes? Perform stupid pet (or human) tricks? Have an unusual skill that simply defies description? Perfect! Just sign up and do your very best (or worst) to entertain the crowd. All of the money collected during this sidesplitting event will be given to a worthy local cause. Look for the sign-up sheet at the welcome table.

We’re proud to announce the technical experts on the Alumapalooza 5 schedule—

Airstream, Inc.— Experts from the factory include Dave Schumann, Customer Support General Manager; Tim Maxwell, Eastern Regional Sales Manager; and Rick March, National Service Manager Towables. This dream team will share their expertise and intimate knowledge of Airstream coaches during informative seminars about Airstream maintenance, and winterizing and de-winterizing. Bring all your questions about caring for you new model!

Can-Am RV’s Andy Thomson will have you towing like a pro! He’ll explain towing dynamics and how to set up your hitch properly for optimum performance, and host a towing Q&A session, so bring any and all questions and concerns.

A long time Airstream professional from a multi-generation dealership, Andy has been setting people up with unique towing combinations for decades. If you see an Airstream being towed by anything lighter than a small SUV, chances are Andy was the guy behind the rig-up. He’s towed a 34-foot Airstream with a Jaguar, a Chrysler 310, and a mini van (and often makes a trip to the Airstream factory to pick up 23-ft trailers with a diesel Jetta)!

Jake Borens of Dexter Axle will share what you need to know about your running gear, axles, brakes, and bearings during a seminar that’s critical to the health and well-being of your Airstream.

Many newer Airstreamers aren’t aware that wheel bearing and brake maintenance is an important part of the annual service on a trailer. (Unlike your car, your Airstream can’t wait as long between checkups.) No one thinks about these systems…until they break. And that’s a bad thing.

Terry Halstead, an ASE certified master mechanic and Airstream factory-trained service tech, will cover a number of topics during his maintenance seminar. With a background of 15 years of Airstreaming experience, Terry knows his stuff: fasteners, wiring fittings, you name it. He’ll teach you how to fix “the little things” and avoid a trip to the service bay.

Jim Webb, president of Zip Dee Awnings, will guide you through the repair and maintenance of your Airstream awning. Jim has an extensive background in engineering of the awnings, and the inner workings of all the awning features. If you’re having trouble deploying your awning, you may be surprised to learn how it should be properly done!

Colin Hyde, the go-to guy for era-correct restorations has been restoring Airstream trailers to like-new condition for over a decade. You’ll have the exciting opportunity to learn from Colin at his seminar about customizing vintage Airstreams.

At his refurbishment and restoration company, Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations, they do it all: sub flooring replacement and repair, “body off” reconstruction, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, chassis upgrades, and axle replacements.

Vintage owners will be interested in what he has to say about the antilock anti-sway braking systems being introduced to the market.

Widely respected as the expert in Airstream Trailer restorations, Colin is the Vintage Airstream Club technical advisor and panel member of TheVAP (the Vintage Airstream Podcast).

-Updated May 5, 2014-

Looks can be deceiving. Behind the cute, unassuming storefront of the Bicycle Museum of America, multiple stories are filled to the rafters with more than 350 bicycles of all shapes, sizes, makes and models—as well as some made famous in Hollywood.

There are tandems, monocycles, unicycles, penny-farthings, kid’s bikes, and racers. Rare bikes, like the “ice bike” (with skis in place of the front tire), and a fascinating folding military cycle. Accompanying the bicycles are displays of tools, tires, advertising, and riding gear. You’ll even see Pee Wee Herman’s legendary stolen Schwinn used in the movie Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.

The vast stockpile of amazing bicycles at the museum began as the Schwinn Bicycle collection. An individual (Jim Dicke II) purchased the bicycles and associated memorabilia in 1997 and moved the whole kit and kaboodle to New Bremen (only 18 miles from the Alumapalooza grounds at the Airstream factory), where the collection has grown in scope and size.

The state of Ohio holds an important role in the history of the bicycle: the Wright Brothers developed their plans for the first airplane at their bike shop in Dayton, and several prominent bicycle manufactures have been located in Ohio. Huffy (remember your banana seat Stingray?) is still located there today.

The sign up sheet—for this tour, and all the activities at Alumapalooza—will be easy to find at the registration table in the main tent.