Soon, recreational vehicle owners and others curious about the world of RV travel will gather at the “Return To Perry: Lafitte’s Lost Treasure” convention presented by Family RV Association (FRVA), formerly known as FMCA.
The event — the association’s 110th International Convention & RV Expo — will take place March 12-15 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia.
This popular venue has been the site of 13 previous Family RV Association conventions, and the event is open to Family RV Association members and any others who would like to attend, with or without an RV.
The Perry gathering will be the organization’s first international convention under a new name. In 2024 the group transitioned from Family Motor Coach Association to Family RV Association to more fully reflect its membership, which encompasses owners of all types of RVs.
The “Lafitte’s Lost Treasure” theme is loosely based on French pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte, who gained notoriety for his thievery on the high seas.
“We’re taking a lighthearted dive into the pirate world with activities that add a little extra fun to our already full schedule of exhibits, seminars, and live entertainment,” said Doug Uhlenbrock, director of events. Special events include the “Drop Anchor” meet and greet and the “Buccaneer Boomfest” fireworks show.
Attendees will have a special opportunity to meet Kevin and Patrice McCabe, hosts and producers of Discovery Channel’s “RV There Yet?” travel series, set to begin its fourth season. The couple crisscrosses the U.S. in a motorhome and chronicles their adventures, discoveries, and campfire fun. They will be filming a future “RV There Yet?” episode during the convention. The fairgrounds’ Georgia Grown building will be transformed into the “RV There Yet?” Discovery Zone, an interactive RV marketplace with product demos, educational seminars, Winnebago RVs, and an area for screening episodes of the TV show.
For folks looking for a new or new-to-them motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel, manufacturers and dealers will display numerous possibilities during the RV Expo portion of the event. Company representatives also will showcase RV-related products and services, along with other items to enhance an RVer’s journey.
Because the RV learning never stops, more than 100 hours of seminars are lined up for the event. These include presentations by nationally known tire, towing, and fire-safety experts. Additional sessions will cover RV upkeep and operation, RV caravan travel, full-time RVing, microwave-convection cooking and a host of other topics.
Attendees are invited to camp on-site in their RVs for the event. Registration is $270, plus electric. For those who wish to attend the event but will not be staying on site in their RVs, other options include a “full passport” to participate in all event activities ($220 for two people) or a one-day “passport” for $50 per person to take in all the activities. Daily admission to tour the RV Expo exhibits only is $10 per person or $25 for a family of three or more. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult; holders of an active military ID are also admitted free.
RV Expo hours are Wednesday, March 12, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, March 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The day pass for Wednesday is also good for admission on Thursday.
Folks who are “RV curious” can join experienced RVers Meagan Butler and Maureen Milne for an interactive conversation titled “RV Essentials.” They will discuss finding the right RV, towing or driving, finding a campsite, roadside assistance, and other topics. Presentations will be on Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14, at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 15, at 12:00 p.m.
For more information about the “Return To Perry: Lafitte’s Lost Treasure” convention, and to register, visit http://www.FRVA.com.
