Equity Lifestyle Properties
Victoria Palms
By Randy Berman, photos courtesy Equity Lifestyle Properties
From the southern tip of the Texas border to the bays of Florida’s coast, to the deserts of Arizona, Encore RV Resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds throughout the United States have been celebrating the Canada 150 and showing their appreciation for their guests from the North.
Why are these Canadian celebrations happening across America? Encore RV Resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds serve as the winter home to thousands of Canadian natives who flock to the warm weather of the American South. Unlike the birds that migrate south for the food sources, budding plants, and warmth of the sun, it’s the love of community, travel, daily activities, and of course, the warmth of the sun too, that brings these Canadians together to winter in America.
Nearly 800 people celebrated Canada 150 events at Victoria Palms RV Resort in the south of Texas. Resort Activities Director Lori Fanaselle and her team put together quite the celebration, even showing an IMAX Movie to educate non-Canadians about the beautiful country to the north. “Everyone was happy, it brought the whole park together, Canadians and Americans alike,” said Fanaselle. With over 80 activities ranging from petanque, pickleball and shuffleboard tournaments to concerts, jam sessions and dances, the celebration was a success.
Equity Lifestyle Properties
Paradise Park
Just west down the interstate in the heart of Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, Sunshine RV Resort had nearly 600 residents and guests take part in the Canada 150 festivities. Among the events, the Canadian dance and cocktail hour drew a crowd, followed by a feast of Canadian-style pizza. Nearby is Paradise Park RV Resort, another Canadian hotspot filled with year round opportunities for fun. There, residents and guests played trivia and other games with an enlightening bonus presentation on the history of Canada. “Our Canada 150 event was a big hit. The best was saved for last ... beavertails and Nanaimo bars,” added Paradise Park Manager, Patricia Spencer.
Equity Lifestyle Properties
Royal Coachman
Travel east across the southern border of the United States and you’ll find yourself in the sunshine state of Florida, where Canadians seemingly do not rest. Royal Coachman RV Resort is one of the highest-rated RV resorts in the state. It is here where hundreds of residents and guests celebrated Canada and the Confederation with many of the same types of festivities and events.
Not to be left out of the fun, Arizona’s Monte Vista Village RV Resort celebrated the annual Can-Am games as part of their Canada 150 celebration. The Can-Am games foster a spirit of friendly competition, with Canadians competing with their American neighbours in various sporting events. The softball fields at Monte Vista are filled with waving flags in the stands as residents and guests dress up and proudly cheer on their respective teams.
For Encore and Thousand Trails, the Canadian snowbird population makes up a significant percentage of their winter season residents and guests across the Southern United States. Whether it’s the French Canadians from Quebec who often head south to Florida or Canadians from other provinces who frequent properties in California, Arizona, Texas and Florida, all enjoy the hospitality of Encore and Thousand Trails properties, which make them feel right at home. “Canada 150 was a huge success. Our guests loved to see how much we appreciate them,” said Encore and Thousand Trails spokesman Simon Bensmail.
To stay informed on special deals and to find out other neat little Canadian tidbits, check out Encore and Thousand Trails’ CanadianBlog.RVOnTheGo.com and of course, if you are looking to get away and enjoy some fun in the sun, find your next winter destination at www.RVOnTheGo.com.