"WOW! What an awesome event.... We are just occasional RV'ers as I still work, but are really looking forward to... The Rally," enthused a signed-up guest from Ventura, CA in an undated EONS post. "All my research indicates it is a fun time and an opportunity to meet some great people."
Some 4500 RV units from nearly every state and province are expected to pull in to Albuquerque, NM between April 15 and 21, 2009 for the tenth annual Rally (formerly called the Great North American RV Rally). Some 10,000 travelers are expected to be joined by several thousand day visitors and volunteers.
Why a Huge RV Rally?
"RV rallies have been around for about 30 years, though they appeal to various segments of the RVing world," according to a media background article on the Rally site. "Some are only for motorhomes; others are for a particular...manufacturer (such as Airstream)." The Rally offers a comprehensive approach, catering to all brands and types of RV, and the event has been immensely popular.
An RV rally, where RVers meet at a common destination, is different from an RV Caravan, where the units travel together to their destination.
The size of the event and the urban locations (Expo Center New Mexico and Balloon Fiesta Park) mean that there are no full-service sites and few partial hookups (electricity only). Visitors must plan on dry camping for up to seven days.
Events at The Rally 2009
The huge schedule of events will appeal to both the RV enthusiast and the just-plain-tourist.
- Balloon Rides - hot air balloon rides over the city of Albuquerque (additional fee)
- Boy Scout Day - Boy Scouts and former Scouts have free admission
- Charity Events - RV visitors can help out the host community
- Commercial Displays - some 500 booths for all things RV and more
- Dog Show - with a number of events of a fun nature
- Entertainment - Neil Sedaka, Rita Coolidge, The Osmonds, and Papa Doo Run Run
- Going Green - "First Annual GO Green Ideas Contest!"
- Golf Tournament- a scramble at Arroyo del Oso Golf Course
- Optional Tours around New Mexico (additional fee)
- Pet Adoption - in conjunction with the City of Albuquerque, adopt a pet with the trimmings - neutered, all shots, etc. (extra fee)
- RV Seminars - 30 a day for each of the five days, on RV-related topics, for a staggering total of 150 seminars
- Wine Tasting - at one of the commercial booths
- World Record Attempt - a new Guinness World Record™ for "Most People Wearing Balloon Hats."
- Youth Program - supervised activities children and teens (ages 6-17) so parents and guardians are free to attend Rally events.
Exhausted just reading the list? The incredible number of activities means that visitors will have to plan their days carefully, including some built-in time for rest and relaxation.
Hosting Organizations
An event of this size requires generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers. The event is hosted by
- Good Sam Club
- Camping World President's Club
- Coast to Coast Resorts
- Trailer Life and Motorhome magazines
- Woodall's Publications
All of these sponsors are part of Affinity Group (Ventura, CA).
How to Join The Rally
The well-designed web site for The Rally is probably the most convenient way to register. The fee includes admission, all seminars and exhibits, day activities, and evening entertainment.
“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we continue to add programs and events of value to The Rally, and this year is no exception,” said Sue Bray, vice president and executive director of the Good Sam Club. “The ‘Going Green’ ideas contest will bring conservation issues to the forefront of RVers minds. We also plan to honor our inaugural Good Sam Club RVer of the Year, Richard Daniels, who has used our vast network of RVers nationwide to rescue homeless dogs and cats in need. It just goes to show you what RVers can accomplish working together in an organization of this size.”
For sure, The Rally seems to live up to its billing of "the greatest RV rally in the world"!
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