The Family Motor Coach Association reported that the RV Club’s 100th International Convention and RV Expo met with great success. The North Dakota State Fairgrounds staff and the residents of the city of Minot extended a warm welcome to the RVing families and commercial vendors who participated. Attendees hailed from 47 states and six Canadian provinces. Nearly 1,800 RVs were on hand during the event.
Highlights of the celebration included an evening with featured speaker Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, who gained worldwide recognition after he and his crew guided U.S. Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing on New York’s Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009, saving the lives of all 155 people onboard. A large crowd gathered on Thursday evening, August 15, to hear Captain Sullenberger tell of the events and lessons in his life that prepared him for the quick decisions that had to be made that day.
Another treat for attendees was a performance by The Spinners, who brought their hits from the 1970s to the stage on Friday, Aug. 16. Popular local group Soulshine performed on Saturday, the last evening, and a dance party resulted, with attendees packing the area in front of the stage.
A Magic Mile charity fun run/walk took place on Friday, with proceeds from the event donated to the North Dakota State Fair Foundation, which funds annual scholarships for deserving youth.
“It’s remarkable to think that FMCA started in 1963 with a gathering of 18 families who owned ‘house cars’ and since then has hosted 100 conventions where RV owners have gathered to celebrate all things RVing,” said FMCA president Jon Walker. “Yes, the vehicles we travel in make this lifestyle possible, but it’s really all about the people. My wife, Sondra, and I have met so many wonderful people while traveling across North America in our RV. FMCA conventions bring RVers together, and we sure do have a great time.”
