Differences Between FMCA Rallies, Conventions

[Forrrosie]

My wife and I have been to two FMCA rallies but they were both in Perry, Ga., and were both international rallies (I think). We enjoyed them both as well as two chapter rallies we have been to. However, we were unable to attend Perry this year. We are trying to find another rally to attend this year. We are looking at the rally in Elkhart, Ind., in May called an INTO Rally and the rally in Madison, Wisc., called a family reunion rally. We do not know the difference and do not know what to expect at either rally. Can someone who has been to several large FMCA rally's tell us what to expect at each of these. We want something like the Perry, Ga., rallies or almost that big. What is the difference between an INTO rally and the Family Reunion rally? Which one has more showcase motorhomes and more educational classes?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer. Sad to say, but we really have no idea what the rallies are like, except for what we know from the rallies we have attended at Perry. Is there somewhere on FMCA.com where they discuss the different rallies in detail?

[rossboyer]

The INTO rally is sponsored by the International Area, one of FMCA's 10 area associations. Attendance my be 150 to 250 coaches. There will be entertainment, vendors and seminars. Excellent camping facilities.

Madison, FMCA's international convention -- now called Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase -- will be similar to Perry, but possibly larger since this is the first time we have been there. Attendance should be 2,500 to 3,000 or more. Probably 1,000 display coaches, a full buildings of indoor vendors, nightly entertainment, and 18 or more seminars each day. Electric is available at an additional charge.

If you are looking for a rally that is about 800 coaches, you might consider Great Lakes Area Spring Spree (GLASS) over Memorial Day weekend (May 26-30). GLASS is located in Berrien Springs, Mich., about 35 miles north of South Bend, Ind., just off US 31. The display coaches will be about 100 to 150, 200 to 300 indoor vendors, and four nights of entertainment. Some meals are provided and there is an optional meal package. There will be dry camping with 30-amp plug but do not count on running air conditioners or heaters; water close to be able to fill up and then disconnect; and a dump station.

More details on the rallies are in the Family Motor Coaching magazine for all of these if you want to know more. Or possibly, like us, you may decide to attend all three.

[tmoning]

Motorhome owners making new friends and reminiscing with old ones are standard pastimes at FMCA area rallies, family reunions and chapter rallies. So, how do these events differ?

Area Rally

In most years, each of FMCA's 10 areas holds an area rally, where members gather to socialize, view exhibits, attend seminars and enjoy quality entertainment. Area rallies are organized by FMCA areas and area associations.

Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase

Formerly called internatiional conventions, FMCA's Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcases are organized by the FMCA national office. They are much larger in size and scope than area rallies and chapter rallies. Attendees enjoy a motorhome exhibition -- major motorhome manufacturers and dealers display approximately 1,000 motor coaches -- and hundreds of booths offer RV components and accessories. Informative seminars, social activities and professional entertainment also are part of the conventions.

Chapter Rally

FMCA chapters -- more than 500 of them -- hold chapter rallies throughout the year. They can be casual campground get-togethers or fully planned events with games, catered meals, entertainment and visits to local attractions. Many are held on weekends and at locations not far from the chapter members' home bases, thus giving them the chance to use their motorhomes more often and without traveling great distances. Chapter rally activities vary, and often center on a theme. But all activities promote fun and fellowship among attendees.