By Dan Couch, F290790
January 2013
The 39th Six-State Rally, presented by the Six-State Rally Association (SRA), took place at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma, September 26 through 29, 2012. Prior to our arrival this year, the management and staff at the Expo Center had just completed a renovation project that provided more than 400 full-hookup sites with 50-amp electric service, and many more sites with 30-amp service. The “Motorhome Americana” gathering produced the normal amount of precipitation (rain, that is), helping to reduce the extreme drought conditions prevalent in the area. But this did nothing to diminish the enthusiasm of those in attendance, which included 466 FMCA member families and 66 commercial members.
Thanks go out to our volunteer officers, cadre, and host chapters for the work they did in planning and executing the rally. Our host chapters this year were Caprock Cruisers, Cotton Country Travelers, Happy (OK) Wanderers, Lone Star, Roamin’ Catholics — South Central, and Westex. Without their help and dedication, the rally would not have been the success that it was.
Tuesday, September 25, was setup day for our commercial registrants, the quilt display, and the FMCA Store. The rally officially started on Wednesday, kicking off with a golf scramble and a craft class session in the morning. This was followed by a First Timers Gathering, during which time all first-time Six-State Rally attendees were welcomed and told about the various activities. More than 100 newcomers attended this informative session.
At noon, to the joy of those gathered, the commercial exhibits, the antique tractor display, and the exhibitor coaches all opened. This was followed by the annual pet parade and numerous seminars. The day concluded with entertainment from Pamela G and Jackie B. This duo performed all types of music, singing and playing the mountain dulcimer, guitar, spoons, and piano. They had a particularly great time at the expense of Charlie Adcock, national vice president, South Central Area.
Thursday came bright and early with our first full breakfast, which featured scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, juice, and coffee. Those who came for breakfast also enjoyed great music by the Frustrated Maestros — South Central. With a full stomach and a song in our hearts, it was time for the morning devotions handled by the Coaches for Christ — South Central chapter and our SRA chaplain. A full slate of seminars was scheduled for the day and many members took the opportunity to attend. The morning also brought the Quilt Social, which displayed the handiwork of many FMCA members. South Central Area quilters made and donated 174 quilts and blankets. Fifty-eight of these items were distributed to Fisher House, a unit of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and the remaining 116 to the Spinning Spools Quilting Guild in Shawnee for distribution to local charities. Our thanks and gratitude go to the women and men who participated in this great endeavor.
FMCA presentations related to creating and maintaining chapter Web sites and chapter bylaws were a part of morning seminar presentations. The afternoon included an opportunity to meet the FMCA national officers who were in attendance and to participate in national director training. All of this occurred before the Ice Cream Social at 3:00 p.m. The South Central Area has the best ice cream social, since all attendees are given a full pint of ice cream, not just a specialty item. Fred Kennedy, former national vice president, South Central Area, began this during his term of office and is ensuring its continuation.
On Thursday night prior to the entertainment, we took time to thank those people who put in so many hours planning, organizing, and presenting the rally. The group of three large men and one small man known as “Three Men and a Tenor” showed us what fun you can have when you love what you are doing. The group sings and does comedy. They had a guest appearance from the King himself — Elvis (also known as Darrell Gilliland, former national vice president, South Central Area). Women in the front row were very excited as Elvis swiveled his hips.
Friday was Patriotic Day and again started with a full breakfast, great music from the Frustrated Maestros, and a morning devotional. Additional FMCA sessions related to chapter newsletter tips and support for chapters were on the agenda, in addition to numerous seminars and craft activities. Exhibits and show coaches were open for all attendees as well. The women took time out to dress in their red hats and purple clothing for their annual Red Hat Luncheon and entertainment. This sent the men out scavenging for their own lunch.
Based upon the rally theme of “Motorhome Americana” and it being Patriotic Day, the night’s entertainment was a professional rodeo put on by the International Professional Rodeo Association. The rodeo included bull riding, bareback bronc riding, and saddle bronc riding. In the roping category, the calves won by a lopsided margin. We also were entertained by cowgirls doing difficult barrel racing. The rodeo was well done, and professional points were awarded to the participants, who came from across the country to compete. Next year, we are hoping to arrange a Sprint car race in Sedalia, Missouri, to top this unique experience.
Saturday started with another great breakfast, music, and morning devotions. Exhibits were open and a couple of seminars were available in the morning for those not involved in the Six-State Rally Association annual meeting. The SRA annual meeting showed that the association is in good hands and that our financial status is sound.
To focus briefly on the show coaches supplied by a local dealer, McClain’s RV Superstores of Oklahoma City brought 28 motorhomes and was able to sell four or five of them. Our commercial registrants provided more than 30 seminars, which generally were well attended, and they sold approximately $50,000 in merchandise while on-site. The craft volunteers held 10 sessions that had great participation.
The afternoon tractor pulls had to be cancelled because of muddy conditions. The rally concluded on Saturday night with a performance by Dave Alexander and His Western Swing Band.
We closed the rally satisfied that Shawnee is indeed a great place to gather and have a good time with our fellow motorhomers. After packing up, lifting our jacks, and making sure the spouse was on board (and the antenna was down), we said our good-byes and headed for our next adventure or home to rest.