Motorhome Owners Group To “Rock” In Redmond, Oregon

Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), an international organization for families who own and enjoy the recreational use of motorhomes, currently is finalizing plans and registering families and exhibitors for the group’s August 11-14, 2010, motorhome showcase in Redmond, Oregon.  The group will convene at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, and approximately 2,000 motorhomes and some 6,000 people are expected to gather for this fun-filled event, which has been dubbed “Redmond Rocks! Feel The Excitement!”

The association hosts conventions twice a year in varying locations with the purpose of celebrating the motorhome lifestyle and is making its fourth visit to Redmond, having met in the city in 2001, 2004, and 2007 also. Convention activities include a motorhome exhibition that brings together major motorhome manufacturers and dealers from throughout the United States and Canada, as well as manufacturers and distributors of a multitude of RV accessories and components, and suppliers of various services related to RVs. For those considering the purchase of a motorhome, the convention provides an opportunity to view an assortment of makes and models all in one location. A variety of 2010 models, in many different sizes and price ranges, will be on display, and it’s likely that some manufacturers will have 2011 models ready as well.

In addition to the motorhome show, highlights include seminars on a variety of topics related to motorhomes and RV travel, tours involving local sites and scenes, daytime and evening entertainment, and numerous social activities.

While the convention is organized for Family Motor Coach Association members, the organization also invites members of the public to attend and provides various admission options. For those who want to view only the motorhome exhibition, admission costs $7 per day; children 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult. Those who would prefer to take in the exhibits and also attend seminars and entertainment may purchase a Daily Passport, which is available for $65 per person ($55 for FMCA members).  Those who own a motorhome are invited to take part in all of the activities and also to bring their motorhome and stay with the rest of the group at the Expo Center. The price for non-FMCA members is $194 prior to July 19, 2010, and $224 after that date; this non-member fee automatically grants a one-year FMCA membership to the motorhome owner. The FMCA member price is $144 for early-bird registrations and $174 after July 19.

The association welcomes all motorhome owners as members. Dues are $50 for the first year, and $40 per year thereafter.  Those who do not yet own a motorhome but are interested in learning more may sign up for a subscription to Family Motor Coachingmagazine for $30 per year.

Family Motor Coach Association is owned by its membership, governed by elected officers, and has a paid staff of employees at its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.  FMCA was founded in 1963 by a contingent of “house car” owners who decided to term their then-unusual vehicles “motor coaches.”  Today the association has approximately 100,000 member families.

FMCA’s purpose is to organize social activities, exchange valuable motorhome information, and supply benefits to enhance the motorhome lifestyle.  One of the primary benefits of FMCA membership is a subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine, the official publication of FMCA.  The monthly magazine publishes association news; travel articles of particular interest to motorhome owners; technical articles concerning motorhome mechanics, housekeeping, and the latest RV products and accessories; and display and classified advertising.  Other benefits of membership include trip routing; mail forwarding; a medical air evacuation program; accidental death insurance; a fuel discount program; full access to FMCA.com; and group rates on an emergency roadside assistance plan. The association hosts two international conventions per year in varying locations across the United States.  Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation.

For more information, visit FMCA.com or call the FMCA national office at (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622.

Nikki

Nikki is a writer and editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest.