Ted, please excuse my ignorance as I'm fairly new to the COG forum. What is " The National" ? I'm assuming some kind of Concours meet? 
Why wouldn't they plan it for like a Thur-Sun so people don't have to use so much vacation time? OMG!!!!!
It's the big one Ethyl... My heart,,, MY HEART!!!!!
Quick,,, someone get the Flog-o-matic.

He dun went and ask'd the wrong questions.
I feel a floggin' commin'!! <evil grin>

Err Ronnie, the reason it's a weeklong is,,
it ain't a weekend gatherin'. it's the COG National event. {sed with Banners flying and Trumpets playing in the background}
Folks come from all over the Nation. (some further)
Compared to some,,, Helen Georgia is pretty close to Chimney Rock NC.
Fer instance,,, (I live in Houston) Some are coming from Canada/California/Europe..
And, since your close,,, You could arrive on Thurs. and depart the Sunday after.
(You wouldn't want to, but ya could)
By the way; S'cuse me for pickin' on ya...
But, ya gave me a chance....

Couldn't help myself.........
Ride safe, Ted