Cheers for Oktoberfest, and to the RVers who put it on!
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
October 2018
The original Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany, usually from the third weekend in September until the first Sunday of October. It began in 1810. Only slightly less legendary in some RV circles is the four-day Oktoberfest put on by FMCA’s California chapter.
Every year since 1975, the members of this chapter have spread the RV version of good cheer at a spot somewhere in California. This year, a beer garden; kegs filled with German-style brew; bingo, shuffleboard, and other games; catered food; live entertainment; craft sessions; and seminars are planned.
The rally dates are October 4 through 7, and the registration deadline is September 15. But, don’t worry if it’s past that deadline. Chapter president Ed Speakman said the rally venue, Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, California, is typically very accommodating; anyone interested in attending should contact him.
California chapter rallies are a great way to get to know a club that has welcomed new members since 1965. The group now invites owners of towable RVs to join them, too. And families with children are always warmly welcomed. The California chapter was the first FMCA chapter in that state.
If you’ve ever attended the Western Area Rally in Indio, California, chances are you’ve already benefitted from California chapter members’ volunteer work. “Our chapter plays a very big part of supporting that rally,” Ed noted. At the 2018 event, individual chapter members could be seen painting the backdrop for the stage, working on the sound system, handling day passes, staffing the info desk, entering a float in the parade, and putting on the pet show — just to name a few things.
The chapter’s annual rally schedule starts in January at Indio, and continues through May; it resumes with rallies in September, October, and November. Ed said that most rallies are in Southern California, but they have gone farther north in the state, such as to Valencia, and to neighboring states, as they did this past February at a casino in Laughlin, Nevada. That rally was held jointly with FMCA’s Beat The Odds chapter. Themed rallies are popular; each November, a Thanksgiving rally is held, and this past March, members enjoyed a St. Patrick’s Day rally.
RVers typically can expect meals and hookups at all California chapter rallies, where Ed said an average of 30 to 35 RVs attend. Of course, that figure will likely be higher at Oktoberfest! To attend Oktoberfest or for more information about joining the California chapter, contact Ed Speakman at (360) 479-3326; [email protected] The website www.ccfmca.com also is helpful.
For general information about FMCA chapters, contact the Chapter Services Department at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622; [email protected]
If you would like your chapter to be featured in Chapter Spotlight, contact FRV associate editor Peggy Jordan, (800) 543-3622, ext. 212; [email protected]