By Leeann Leroy, F269999
February 2014
The Badger chapter closed out the 50th anniversary celebration of Family Motor Coach Association with a “Bang!” The theme for the chapter’s final rally of 2013, which took place September 19-22 at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson, Wisconsin, was Old West Days. Members were encouraged to dress in Western attire and, boy, oh boy, did they ever do that. We had cowboys, cowgirls, American Indians, bandits, sheriffs, a dance-hall girl, a prairie lady, and several “old codgers.” Many members joined in a parade of costumed Western “dudes” and endured good-natured cajoling from the crowd.
It just so happened that the Wisconsin Pinto Horse Show was being held on the grounds at the same time as our rally, so we felt right at home with our cowboy hats and Western attire.
On Thursday afternoon, the opening day of the rally, many members visited one of the meat markets in Jefferson while others browsed around town, checking out the hot spots to eat or shop.
On Friday, several members toured one of the area’s largest dairy farms. Others stayed on the grounds to visit and play beanbag toss. In the evening, we had a fish fry. Unfortunately, a storm blew through the area, sending folks back to their motorhomes. I guess we were having too much fun!
The Badger chapter currently has 148 member families. Annual membership dues are $15, and we hold four rallies a year between May and September. Our rallies are usually based on a theme, and we collect food or money for pantries in the areas where we gather. Oftentimes we will visit places of interest near our rally location, or participate in games or craft sessions. We have potlucks or catered meals on Saturday morning and Saturday evening, with some kind of entertainment after dinner.
All FMCA members are welcome to attend our rallies, which are listed in the “Association Calendar” section of Family Motor Coaching magazine. For more information about joining the chapter or participating in a rally, contact FMCA’s Chapter department: chapters@fmca.com or (800) 543-3622.