By Janet Frey, F96957
May 2015
A GMC Motorhomes International chapter convention drew the owners of approximately 120 GMC motorhomes to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls from September 27 to October 2, 2014. Oktoberfest and the emergence of fall colors provided the backdrop for a 40th anniversary celebration of the 1974 GMC motorhome.
The semiannual conventions are a great way to share information about the classic motorhomes, to renew friendships, and to greet the “newbies” — GMC owners attending for the first time. At this event, 21 newbies were on hand, which illustrates the continuing popularity of a vintage motorhome that still draws admiring glances for its sleek appearance and innovative styling.
Chippewa Falls is a beautiful Midwestern town that heartily welcomed the convention. Several FMCA members were featured in interviews on local TV, which raised awareness of our presence. Many convention attendees commented on the friendliness of the town’s residents in stores and restaurants.
The picturesque downtown offers quaint shops, parks, and eateries. The area’s attractions include the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and, in nearby Menomonie, the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. Its historic theater, built in 1889, was recently named one of “15 Spectacular Theaters in the World” by CNN Travel and features local entertainment. Residents are very proud of their history, and they continue to support attractions such as Irvine Park and Zoo. The beautiful park offers many outdoor activities, and the small zoo is quite impressive for a town of this size.
Of course, no convention would be complete without food, and the area offers some of the best. The German influence showed in the specialties served by the caterers — German meatballs and potatoes, sausages, and sauerkraut.
Seminar sessions covered technical topics such as maintenance, fiberglass repair, and mentoring programs. Nontechnical sessions included how and what to pack; downsizing your “stuff”; learning how the GMC works; staying healthy while traveling; and, for copilots, learning to drive the GMC. Attendees also made blankets for a local charity and enjoyed crafts and a ladies’ luncheon.
One of the convention’s premier events, the open house, allowed visitors to see the GMCs inside and out, while motorhome owners explained original features or showed off upgrades. It is quite an adventure to see how many of these 40-year-old motorhomes have been preserved or totally renovated.
Our GMC convention manager, Kim Weeks, planned a day of celebration for Oktoberfest that featured clothing befitting the occasion (lederhosen, dirndls, flower crowns, and braids), special crafts (German star ornaments and Scherenschnitte, the art of paper cutting), and food. In addition to a wonderful catered meal, she included some fun contests involving beer drinking and sauerkraut eating — all PG-rated, of course! Attendees certainly enjoyed the week’s activities and especially the warm hospitality of local residents.
If you own a classic GMC, consider joining the GMC Motorhomes International chapter. Its two annual conventions offer fun, fellowship, and information about service and parts. For more information, visit www.gmcmi.com.