The club assembled for what has become our twice-yearly Pre-Convention FMCA rally. This time, we gathered at the Cam-Plex in Gillette, Wyoming.
August 20 – August 22, 2023
Arriving two and a half days before the convention began, we assembled at the event site and drove as a Caravan to our assigned location for the coming week. Conveniently parked next to each other made our group meals and meetings much easier than being in different lots. In view of one of the main activity buildings, we turn a lot of heads and get a lot of attention from other Convention goers. It never fails we have people asking questions about our LTVs that want to size up or down from their current RVs.
Because we have so few tow vehicles and are settled in, the club hosts group meals. Mike and Karen Scwartz served as Chuckwagon hosts. They graciously fed us Sunday evening sandwiches, salads, and ice cream treats. Monday morning was homemade breakfast burritos, and Monday evening, they grilled burgers and hotdogs, along with fruits, salads, and cake! That day, Shirley Johnson led a group discussion highlighting the Convention activities, and Annette Goodson led a well-received demo of various cooking appliances she uses on the road.
Tuesday began Convention activities for First Time attendees, so a sleep-in day was scheduled. Mid-morning, we gathered for a discussion on various camping methods and shared our other LTV Travelers Club activities. Bob and Annette Goodson moderated this session. In the afternoon, FMCA orientation and Chapter Fair began. We gathered for a Bring Your Own Dinner that evening, with desserts furnished. FMCA Opening Ceremony and nightly entertainment started at 7:00 pm.
August 23 – August 26, 2023
The Convention is in full swing! Educational seminars, a trade show, various contests, pickleball classes and tournaments, on-site vendor installations and repairs, plus all sorts of entertainment took our group in different directions. The convention charity events of a Walk/Run, Ladies Luncheon, and a Silent Auction raised nearly $8,000 for the Gillette Habitat for Humanity! We departed Sunday morning after a full week of sharing with old and new friends.
We want to say a special thanks to the following:
- LTV for providing our desserts and sharing the cost of a golf cart rental for ice runs and trips to the far side of the Cam-Plex Facility for evening entertainment.
- FMCA for allowing two free early camp days for our entire group, not just those who volunteered as Convention staff.
- Mike & Karen Schwartz for cooking for so many from our little LTV kitchen.
- Bob & Annette Goodson for moderating discussions.
Written by: Shirley Johnson
Comments