2018 FMCA Perry Georgia Rally Recap
March 15-18, 2018
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Dates: | March 15-18, 2018 |
| Location: | Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter 2500 Airport Rd Paso Robles, CA 93446 |
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| Hosts: | Joel and Sandy Lefkowitz Eric and Sue Sandstrom |
Thirty four (34) Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club members came in 18 coaches from 8 states to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter at Perry, Georgia to attend the club's 2018 FMCA Perry Georgia Rally (held within the FMCA's "Southern Charm in Perry" 97th International Convention and RV EXPO - approximately 6,000 people & 3,000 coaches). This excellent rally was held under generally sunny Georgia skies and wonderfully hosted by Joel & Sandy Lefkowitz and Eric (VPSER) & Sue Sandstrom.
While the huge EXPO was a beehive of activity, there was also a lot of buzzing going on in the always friendly and sociable Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club campsite. It was an ideal place for club members to catch up with each other's lives and travels, enjoy our time together and take a break from the numerous and diverse fun and informative EXPO convention activities.
At the Born Free campsite our gracious hosts provided several great activities which included an incredibly appetizing wine and cheese social and an exceptionally delicious pot-luck dinner. The pot-luck consisted of Top-Chef Eric's succulent specialty of well seasoned roast beast, everyone bringing their favorite dish to share and Mary Breu bringing absentee Bruce Gregory's cookie jar full of tasty cookies for dessert. Four pm usually found everyone sitting around Steve and Pat's portable campfire and engaged in lively discussions at the daily social hour. Sunset also found some of our night owl members sitting around the cozy campfire watching the dancing flames, enjoying its warmth, and talking of important matters under the cool, clear evening Georgia skies. Additionally, Irish hearts were happy when the O'Prestons and O'Rhodes and others showed up wearing green apparel with shamrocks and such in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Another celebration took place when hosts Joel and Sandy recognized club member Irene Bezac for her 99th birthday and then led everyone in the traditional happy birthday song in her honor.
In addition to the great camaraderie and activities shared together at the Born Free campsite, members also enjoyed a continuous round of terrific activities provided by FMCA at this 4 day event. These activities included: morning coffee, doughnuts and entertainment for early risers; daily live entertainment at various events; nightly live entertainment with opportunity for dancing with your favorite partner; delicious ice cream social with various toppings: ladies social with fashion show; fine display of all types of new motorhomes; various vendor booths with the latest rv gadgets, widgets and devices; and various travel presentations and seminars.
Travel presentations included planning caravan trips to Alaska, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, New Zealand and, yes, even caravan trips in Australia and South Africa.
Seminars related to motorhomes included information on electrical systems, water systems, house generators, proper towing guidelines, insurance and warranties, driving safety considerations, power train and chassis maintenance, tires and tire pressure and temperature monitoring systems. Also included were technology seminars for creating an online travelogue, organizing photos with Google, smartphone photography and the latest in motorhome collision avoidance system and much more.
Thanks to our wonderful hosts, this rally was filled with camaraderie, fun, entertainment and information - it was just fantastic!
Submitted by Dee Dee and Nick McClain.