Join thousands of RVers in Tucson, Arizona, this March for FMCA’s “Fiesta Del Sol” convention.
By Doug Uhlenbrock, Director Of Events
February 2024
Crooner Pete DeJesse
The Pima County Fairgrounds will be in full bloom with fun-seeking RVers popping up in the southern Arizona desert for FMCA’s 108th International Convention & RV Expo, March 20-23, 2024. What better place to celebrate the sun and the beginning of spring than Tucson, with its bright, cloudless days and cool, starry nights? Combine the great weather with four-plus days of engaging, entertaining, and educational activities and you have an RV festival like no other.
FMCA Chapter Fair
This will be FMCA’s third visit to the Pima County Fairgrounds, a fantastic venue for an RV event, with expansive exposition and conference spaces, great outdoor recreation areas, and plenty of parking. The road construction surrounding the grounds during the 2022 convention has been completed, giving attendees easy access from Interstate 10, which should make arrival and departure a breeze.
So, what’s in store for those attending this brilliant gathering? Plenty, beginning with a “Welcome to Tucson” party on Monday, March 18, at the Cantina. Hang out with friends inside or enjoy the sunset outdoors with games and entertainment on the lawn.
Good Trouble
On Tuesday, if you’re a first-timer to the Pima County Fairgrounds, be sure to take one of the “Walkabout” guided tours of the convention grounds to find out where everything is before the start of the show. That afternoon, soak up more knowledge at the First-Timer’s Orientation followed by the FMCA Chapter Fair. In the evening, attendees can choose between the ever-popular Card Bingo and a performance by Good Trouble, one of the area’s favorite classic rock bands, who will be playing on the grounds at the Kleen Tank Town Center Stage in Central Park.
The convention officially gets started on Wednesday with seminars beginning at 9:00 a.m. What sets FMCA conventions apart from other rallies is the number of seminars presented. Nearly 100 educational sessions are slated for the “Fiesta Del Sol” event, with topics covering travel, RV tech, insurance, health, lifestyle, and more. It’s not just the total but also the quality of these sessions that makes the program so impressive. FMCA’s seminar schedule features industry leaders and experts sharing their knowledge and insights with attendees.
Baja Caravan
Many of those same insiders will welcome attendees to their exhibits in the Old Pueblo Conference and Event Center when the Expo portion of the convention commences at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday. Find what you need or discover what you want as RV-related companies display their products and services. And make sure to check out the RV Display area to see the latest and greatest models available. See one you like? Maybe you’ll be driving or towing it off the grounds to your next destination.
Kickoff Concert featuring The R.A.W. Band
Just before the opening of the exhibits, be sure to catch the convention Kickoff Concert in Central Park featuring The R.A.W. Band, a classic rock trio who wowed attendees during the 2022 show. The group will return to the stage later that afternoon, leading up to Opening Ceremonies and comedian/“Spouse Whisperer” Mark Cordes, who will take the audience through a hilarious insight into relationships, from first dates to exploring all the ups and downs of marriage.
Mark Cordes
Information about other special and featured entertainment can be found on FMCA.com under the Events drop-down tab.
The Coolers
On Thursday evening, March 21, participating FMCA chapters will host a Chapter Block Party at Central Park and in the parking areas around the complex. If you want to find out what chapters are all about and perhaps join one, this gathering will give you an opportunity to meet their members and see them in action. Then on Saturday evening, enjoy the sunset and be sure to catch – or participate in – “La Puesta Del Sol” Parade and Chapterfest. Participate in the parade or join spectators lining the streets, then make your way over to Central Park and the Cantina to join chapters as they close this event in style. Mariachi Nuevo Azteca will provide the entertainment as the sun sets on what promises to be a spectacular show.
Mariachi Nuevo Azteca
Other entertainment will include the country sounds of Kevin Pakulis and Rancho Deluxe on Friday evening on the Main Stage; crooner Pete DeJesse; local blues and soul favorites The Coolers; and the smooth folk/surf/reggae rock sounds of Baja Caravan at the Town Center Stage during the daytime hours. Check out FMCA.com for information about all of the scheduled entertainment and other acts that will be added as we get closer to the event.
Kevin Pakulis and Rancho Deluxe
A variety of other activities sure to brighten attendees’ days and nights are planned as well: trivia, cornhole, karaoke, stargazing, and more. Also, FMCA’s Driven To Care initiative to benefit a charitable organization in the community will once again raise money through the Magic Mile fun run/walk event and the Silent Auction. The “Fiesta Del Sol” designated charity will be the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona, an organization serving families who have a child/teen diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder.
For more information about the “Fiesta Del Sol” convention, and to register, visit FMCA.com and click the Events tab on the drop-down box. Or give us a call at (800) 543-3622 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We hope to see thousands of shining smiles as FMCA celebrates sunny days and great times in Tucson.