FMCA International Convention and RV Expo
FMCA
Members of FMCA, a Cincinnati-based organization for RV owners, will head to Georgia in mid-March for a four-day event focusing on various aspects of their favorite form of travel. A small city on wheels will take shape as the owners of more than 2,500 RVs converge on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, March 15 through 18. During FMCA’s 97th International Convention and RV Expo, which has been dubbed “Southern Charm,” in honor of the host area, attendees will participate in various activities designed to enhance the RV lifestyle.
Organizers have scheduled more than 100 educational sessions aimed at helping RV owners glean more enjoyment from their homes on wheels. Various RV experts will conduct seminars during the event. Topics range from tire maintenance, technology, and safe driving to microwave-convection cooking and RV trips to Alaska.
Attendees also will be able to tour RVs of all types, sizes, and price ranges as part of the RV showcase that will take place during the event. Looking for a diesel-powered motorhome with all of the latest luxuries? Or maybe a fifth-wheel or conventional travel trailer that provides the amenities needed to enjoy the RV life? Explore these options and everything in between as you consider what would best suit your travel style.
Other organized activities include fun-filled games and exciting daytime and evening entertainment. On tap is a performance by Southern humorist/speaker Jeanne Robertson. The 6-foot-2-inch former Miss North Carolina, and Miss Congeniality winner in the Miss America Pageant, is as funny as she is statuesque. Texas native Thomas Michael Riley will share his original country music, and two-time Grammy-nominated Big Mike and the Booty Papas from Macon will treat listeners to a collection of tasty blues, contemporary R&B, country, and classic rock. The Grapevine, a 10-piece band, will play music from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. And on another night, the Macon Pops will present their symphonic take on music from the 1960s through the 2010s.
Attendees also will have time for plenty of socializing with their fellow RV owners during the week.
Members of the public are invited to join the fun. For those who want to view only the RV displays and the supplier and component exhibits, admission costs $10 per day or $25 for a family of three or more; children 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult. Individuals with an active military ID are admitted free as well. Those who would like to take in the exhibits and also attend seminars and entertainment may purchase a Daily Passport, which is available for $50 per person. Free public parking will be available at the North Entrance of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter off Larry Walker Parkway. Follow the signs to Lot F.
Hours for viewing the exhibits are as follows:
- Thursday, March 15 – 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
- Friday, March 16 - Sunday, March 18 – 9:00 am-5:00 pm
RV owners are invited to take part in all of the activities and also to bring their RV and stay with the group at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. The gate registration price is $225 and also grants the RV owner a one-year FMCA membership. (An additional fee is charged for electric.)
FMCA Convention Facts
What is FMCA? FMCA is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of recreation vehicles (RVs). The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has more than 75,000 active member families. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine; group discounts on a roadside assistance program, motorhome insurance, and member-only RV tours and caravans; a tire purchasing program; discounts on mobile internet plans from Verizon and Sprint; and a medical emergency and travel assistance plan that is included with paid membership dues and is valued at $105 per family. The association also hosts two conventions each year, which is what will bring the group to Perry, Georgia, in mid-March. The event, which will be the group's 97th International Convention, has been dubbed “Southern Charm” in honor of the host area.
Convention dates and location: The “Southern Charm” event will take place Thursday through Sunday, March 15 through 18, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.
Convention activities: Association members will gather to enjoy activities such as a sizable RV exhibition. Leading manufacturers and dealers will bring new RVs for viewing. A variety of RVs will be on display. In addition, companies will exhibit RV components, accessories, campground information, home products, and more. Other options will include informative seminars, entertainment, and social activities.
How many people are expected to attend? More than 2,500 RVs and some 6,000 people are expected to gather at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.
Can the public attend? Area residents are welcome to come view the RVs and the RV-related components and accessories that will be on display. Daily admission for exhibits is $10 per person or $25 for a family of three or more; children 12 and under admitted free with an accompanying adult. Individuals with an active military ID will be admitted free. A Daily Passport that provides admittance to the exhibits, seminars, and evening entertainment is available for $50 per person. Show hours on Thursday, March 15, will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours on Friday through Sunday, March 16 through 18, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free public parking will be available at the North Entrance of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter off Larry Walker Parkway. Follow the signs to Lot F.
Again, the cost to view the RVs and the displays of RV components and accessories is $10 per person. Thursday’s admission ticket is good on Friday, March 16, as well. Other admission options are available for those who want to take part in more activities. And all owners of self-contained RVs are invited to sign up to stay in their RV at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. The $225 gate registration fee also grants an RV owner a complimentary one-year FMCA membership. Electric hookups cost extra.
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