The North Dakota State Fairgrounds will come alive with myriad activities when FMCA comes to town.
By Robbin Gould, Editor
July 2019
If you plan to attend FMCA’s 100th International Convention & RV Expo, August 14 through 17, 2019, in Minot, North Dakota, prepare for a schedule bursting with fun things to do. In addition to seminars and exhibits galore to explore, the following events have been placed on the “Minot Magic — 100 Times The Fun” convention agenda, with more to come.
Eventful Evenings
On Tuesday evening, August 13, Card Bingo will offer players a little friendly competition — with a few prizes and laughs thrown in.
“Theater goers” assembled for Movie Night on Wednesday, August 14, will view the feature film Sully, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks.
Also that evening, the Badlands Express Band and DJ Dance will get the party going with a mix of old and new country, classic rock, and show tunes in the Flickertail Gardens picnic area.
Following Opening Ceremonies on Thursday evening, August 15, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, renowned captain of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” will address the audience. Captain “Sully” Sullenberger gained worldwide acclaim on January 15, 2009, when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York’s Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people onboard.
During his presentation, “208 Seconds: A Lifetime of Lessons,” Captain “Sully” Sullenberger will reveal the important lessons he learned throughout his life, in the military, and as a commercial pilot that made it possible for him to take immediate and heroic action when called upon.
The sounds of the ’70s will fill All Seasons Arena on Friday, August 16, when The Spinners come on stage. The group’s classic sound topped both pop and R&B charts with hit after hit, and its universal appeal continues. Original member Henry Fambrough is joined by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Marvin Taylor, tenor Ronnie Moss, and bass singer Jesse Peck. A soul-infused band led by Keith Ferguson backs them up for “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “Then Came You,” and countless others.
Why not throw a dance party on the final night of the “Minot Magic” convention? Soulshine, a Minot institution for 15 years, will provide the music, including soul, oldies, country, blues, rock, and pop. Darryl Hicks shines on bass and vocals; Van Tvedt on drums; Mike Neff on guitar and vocals; Myles Barcomb on guitar, harmonica, and vocals; and Chris Basden on guitar and vocals.
Daytime Diversions
RVers parked and ready for action on Tuesday, August 13, can participate in several events. These include the Discover North Dakota State Fairgrounds Walkabout, a guided walking tour of the activity areas at the fairgrounds. Convention newcomers are invited to the Orientation For First-Time Attendees, which will be followed by the FMCA Chapter Fair. Attendees who opt to Visit Downtown Minot can take a free shuttle to and from town.
Lexi Wyman, called an authentic, all-American country girl, began writing songs as a child; later, she was mentored by some of the biggest songwriters in country music. Her performance on the FMCA Town Center Stage kicks off the opening of the indoor and outdoor exhibits on Wednesday, August 14. Let the show begin!
Wayne Baumann brings history to life with his portrayal of William F. Cody. Dressed as the legendary Western showman, Wayne will speak on “The Making of Buffalo Bill” and “Buffalo Bill and the Dakota Territory.”
The Frustrated Maestros — singers and musicians from FMCA’s numerous Frustrated Maestros chapters — will perform each morning during Coffee Hour. They’ll also play an afternoon concert and appear during the Ice Cream Social.
Show your skills in the Bean Bag Toss tournament. No partner? No problem. You’ll be paired up to compete if necessary.
Comedian-magician Blake Krabseth has been providing “laughter with astonishment” since 1985. He’ll bring that experience to Minot attendees on the daytime stage.
Save your spot at the Ladies’ Luncheon, featuring entertainment, prizes, and more (preregistration required; call 800-543-3622).
Judges assembled for FMCA’s Whisker Games will determine the top contestant in the beard, goatee, and mustache categories; next, the crowd will choose their overall favorite. Participants and spectators welcome!
The “star” of the Willie & Company ventriloquism act is saucy, sassy Willie, who is likely to have the Minot crowd in stitches. Ventriloquist Peggy Miller has an extraordinary ability to make her audiences completely forget that she is the actual voice behind her characters.
The Tin Star variety band is a longtime favorite with the locals, and it might become yours, too. The trio’s set list includes classic rock, classic country, and new country.
Attendees can get moving around the fairgrounds and contribute to the North Dakota State Fair Foundation at the same time when the Magic Mile Run/Walk commences on Friday morning (preregistration required; visit “Seminars & Activities” under the Events tab at FMCA.com).
Join the Try To Stay Dry Water Balloon Toss at the FMCA Town Center. Winners get bragging rights; others may cool off if an errant balloon hits them just “right.”
If bluegrass is your thing, don’t miss Michael and Jennifer McLain & The Banjocats. The Nashville-based husband-and-wife team and their band will showcase songs from their album, “Hit The Road And Go.” They’ll play during Bites, Beer, Bluegrass, an event at the FMCA Town Center.
The latest chapter of the FMCA Supersized Book Club will introduce attendees to humorist John Bayer, author of 15 Months Of Winter: My Year In North Dakota.
Folks who enjoy taking a musical turn at the mic can gather for Karaoke With A Keck — hosted by Lamar Keck, F272802.
Enjoy a session by Missing Lynx, a Minot-area band that “links” seven decades of country, rock, and R&B music.
Plans are still in the works for the “Minot Magic” convention. For updated information, refer to the Events page on FMCA.com; the Minot event app; or the on-site convention program. Hope to see you there!
More About Minot
To read about scheduled seminars, click here.
To read more about Minot, North, Dakota, click here.