By Carole Hazeltine, F376336, & Wayne Thomas, F395373
July 2016
In April 1991, a group of northern California FMCA members led by Bruce and Alice Ackerman formed a new FMCA chapter. Members elected Bruce chapter president, chose the name Sierra Ramblers, and decided to hold six rallies a year. From its start with 25 families, the chapter has grown to about 70 member families today.
In 1992 chapter members agreed to make red jackets their signature look, and those red jackets are still worn by members to this day.
Every January, the Sierra Ramblers are greeters at the Western Area Rally in Indio, California. The chapter first served as greeter volunteers at FMCA’s international convention in Pomona, California, in 1993.
Chapter rallies began as weekend outings and have evolved to four- and five-day events. Recent rallies were held in Brookings, Oregon, during the Southern Oregon Kite Festival; in Eureka, California, during the kinetic sculpture races; and in Grants Pass, Oregon, where we rode jet boats on the Rogue River. We also have enjoyed watching auto racing in California at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. And each September we gather for a rally in Grass Valley, California, during the Draft Horse Classic.
We have held our annual Christmas rally in Woodland, California, for many years; chapter members bring canned food for the Yolo Food Bank, and toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. We also hold rallies in other northern California locations, such as Chico, Jackson, Calistoga, Bodega Bay, and many more. Typically between 25 and 30 motorhomes are present at each outing, and we have a great time, with plenty of fun and laughter. Games and tours are always offered, but most of all we enjoy the friendship of fellow members.
Each April, we celebrate our chapter anniversary with a rally at the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson, California, where the chapter was formed. Our silver anniversary rally, held April 13-16, 2016, was extra special, and we had a great turnout of 31 coaches. A few charter members attended: Jack and Dorothy Boen, Don Randall, and Jim Starr. Chapter president Wayne Thomas honored them with lifetime Sierra Rambler membership badges, and Dorothy received a tiara to wear throughout the rally.
On Thursday a group of fellas played golf and some of the ladies enjoyed a floral wine glass craft. That evening we gathered for a group photo all decked out in our Rambler red. Following a potluck dinner, we held our first pound auction (items weighed about a pound), with auctioneer Wayne Thomas doing a great job of catching all the bids. We raised $600 for Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California.
On Friday morning, our trail boss team prepared an anniversary breakfast with mimosas. In the afternoon we played a spirited game of bunco. We then enjoyed a catered dinner that was worthy of a silver anniversary, followed by a beautiful cake.
We would love for you to visit sometime and come join in our fun. You are always welcome. For information, contact Roberta Thomas at (707) 217-8390.
In April 1991, a group of northern California FMCA members led by Bruce and Alice Ackerman formed a new FMCA chapter. Members elected Bruce chapter president, chose the name Sierra Ramblers, and decided to hold six rallies a year. From its start with 25 families, the chapter has grown to about 70 member families today.