Whether they’re called “conventions” or “family reunions,” FMCA’s international events are a time of friendship, fun, exhibits, entertainment, seminars, and more, all enjoyed by folks who love the motorhome lifestyle. With FMCA’s 85th Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase set to take place March 14-17 in Perry, Georgia, this question seemed timely:
If you’ve attended FMCA international conventions, which has been your favorite, and why?
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Of the many conventions we’ve attended and enjoyed in our 25 years in FMCA, one stands out in our memories: the August 2000 convention at Naval Air Station Brunswick in Brunswick, Maine. It was GREAT: weather, attendance, participation, volunteers, cooperation of the many offices and agencies involved, friendliness of the local folks “” all worked together. Never again will we have such an event at an operational naval airfield. It was the largest FMCA convention ever, with more than 7,400 coaches! The evening entertainment program had to be given twice each night, because of the huge number of members attending and the limited bleacher seating space in the entertainment hangar. One of those entertainers was Lee Greenwood, who performed his signature song, “God Bless the USA.” While this was pre-9/11, the picture of us all standing up and holding our arms high to the sky while singing along with him is still firmly in my mind’s eye. God Bless the USA! It was, in all ways, a GREAT convention.
Bob & Sue Haught, F82522
Etowah, North Carolina
My first convention! Oops . . . which first? Since my husband and I are both second-generation FMCA members, I have two first conventions. I went with my parents to the July 1977 convention at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York. Jim and I attended our first convention in 1993 at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia, after marrying and getting a motorhome.
In 1977 I was amazed at the number of different motorhomes. When my mom and I were viewing a very elaborate motorhome on display, I commented that it was too glitzy and reminded me of a hooker’s palace. My mom asked, “How would you know?” In 1993 I was excited to let our son participate in all the scheduled youth activities and not have to worry about who he was with or where he was. And maybe someday I’ll be attending another first convention when our son gets a motorhome and joins FMCA!
Jim & Pat Sennet, F16182D
Traveling The USA
I liked the Redmond, Oregon, conventions at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, as the weather and parking were great. The facilities are very good, and the city is very friendly. We attended the August 2010 convention in Redmond, as well as the 2004 and 2007 gatherings there. The best was probably 2007, in our minds.
Luverne Underhill, F303097
Scottsdale, Arizona
Future questions:
1. Do you recycle when on the road? If so, how?
2. Describe an act of kindness shown to you by a fellow RVer.
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