Adventure Peaks!
The association’s 109th International Convention & RV Expo gathered members in Redmond, Oregon, for an RV-themed celebration. Here’s what you saw — or what you missed.
By Robbin Gould, Editor
November/December 2024
Mystery writer Ted Haynes weaves many Central Oregon locations into his books. They include the towns of Sunriver, Bend, La Pine, and Redmond; the Deschutes River and Deschutes National Forest; lava tubes and lava fields; and the picturesque Cascade Mountains. Appearing at the “Adventure Peaks” convention hosted by FMCA (DBA Family RV Association) in Redmond, August 14 through 17, Ted described the area’s geological and human history and discussed The Sunriver Murders, his newest novel.
The featured “Supersized Book Club” author added local flavor to the association’s 109th International Convention & RV Expo Presented By Beaver Coach Sales, which took place at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Amid a scenic backdrop featuring the Three Sisters mountains, the event offered an immersion into the fun and camaraderie of the RV lifestyle.
The official RV count was 883. This number included 664 family RVs, 42 Passport registrations (attendees who did not stay on-site), and 177 commercial RVs. The event marked the association’s sixth trip to Redmond; the last was in 2014.
The “Adventure Peaks” convention was a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and activities. Here’s a sampling.
WHAT A WELCOME!
Early in the week, RVers traveled downtown for the “Beaver Coach Sales Welcome To Redmond Party.” This special event took place at two establishments within a block of each other. At the Blacksmith Public House, a popular taproom, beer pub, and coffee bar, attendees enjoyed beverages and danced to hits performed by the high-energy Summer Groove Party Band. Just around the corner at Wild Ride Brewing, patrons sampled an extensive array of craft beverage offerings — with the option of turning a beer, cider, or seltzer into a “slushie.” Local cuisine was available from food trucks parked at both locations.
“SCHOOL” IS COOL!
More than 100 seminar sessions were presented. On the tech side, RVers of all experience levels soaked up knowledge related to the care, components, and operation of their homes on wheels. For example, tire expert Roger Marble delved into tire selection, loading, inflation, and replacement. In a second “master class,” he discussed tire failures and probable causes. Other industry pros covered solar technology, lithium batteries, towing, suspensions, RV-based internet, and more.
Among the lifestyle topics, cooking expert Janet Sadlack focused on convection-microwave ovens, while Maureen Milne’s air fryer seminar drew a crowd. And in a lively discussion titled “Yes, She Should, And Can,” Glenda Milner and Claire Porter offered tips and encouragement for would-be RV drivers.
The always-popular crafts sessions saw attendees creating black lava bead bracelets, painting an Oregon coast scene, and making other masterpieces.
LET’S GO SHOPPING!
Companies from within and outside the RV industry showcased their wares at the RV Expo. Some exhibitors also performed on-site service, repairs, and installations.
Outdoors, exhibits showcased all types of motorized and towable RVs, both new and preowned. What better way to compare and contrast than personally touring a selection of homes on wheels at one time? E-bikes and other items filled the outdoor supplier demonstration displays.
Indoors, booths were stocked with RV products (awnings, tow bars), info about RV services (guided caravans, windshield replacement), and various others (cooking, RV resorts). In addition, the “FMCA Connections” area featured companies that provide member benefits and services, along with national office staff members lending assistance.
“We purchased new theater seating, had our Blue Ox tow bar serviced, an electrical issue addressed, and got the coach weighed. We also found an advocate for future health insurance. We appreciate the helpfulness of all the friendly people,” one member posted in FMCA’s Redmond attendees Facebook group.
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC!
Evening performers included The Substitutes, who showed off their rock-and-roll best during the “Altitude Adjustment Party” at the Kleen Tank Town Center. And those who thrill to the blues heard songs from giants of the genre, such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King, performed by the Critical Blues Band. The Brian Hanson Band wowed the crowd with country hits made famous by George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and others. And Long Gone Wilder treated their audience to a mix of blues, rock, and country classics.
The Frustrated Maestros — members of the association’s music-oriented chapters — continued their convention tradition with two performances. And singer/songwriter/guitarist Paul Eddy spanned the decades with well-known acoustic numbers, interspersed with his originals.
In the evenings, folks who weren’t ready to call it quits had another option: “Karaoke With A Keck,” hosted by Lamar Keck.
FUN AND GAMES!
From card bingo to a bean bag toss tourney . . . from a fancy-hat contest to a best-whiskers competition . . . even a trivia challenge . . . people stayed busy with fun activities sponsored by Henderson’s Line-Up.
The “High Desert Hangout” was the site for some games. There, folks also took a break or took a selfie at the “Picture Yourself In Redmond” Magical Photo Machine sponsored by CDI Custom Paint. Outdoor doings at the Kleen Tank Town Center included Roadmaster Coffee Hour and the Miller Insurance Ice Cream Social.
On the final afternoon, the “Mountain Magic” Parade began the farewell celebration. Despite the blustery winds, participants completed the procession — no small feat for the military veterans carrying the Canadian and U.S. national flags along with six flags from the U.S. military service branches. Threatening weather caused evening activities to be cancelled, however. (The sun returned later. Mother Nature was just kidding!)
DRIVEN TO CARE!
Attendees raised funds for the association’s designated convention charity: Hospice Of Redmond’s Camp Sunrise, a “grief camp” that helps children deal with the loss of a loved one. Donations of gift baskets and other biddable items filled tables for the Driven To Care Silent Auction. In a second event, 109 folks traveled the Magic Mile —a one-mile run/walk/ride around the grounds — paying a small signup fee as a donation. Together, the events raised $5,310. Quilts and blankets made by the On-Road Quilters group and the On The Road Stitchers chapter were also part of the donation.
VOLUNTEERS ROCK!
Approximately 400 attendees pitched in to help at the Redmond convention, assisting with parking, security, Information Center staffing, activity carts, seminars, and more. Their efforts helped to ensure the success of the “Adventure Peaks” convention. Thank you.
IT’S A WRAP!
As one attendee commented on FMCA’s Facebook page: “Thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard to put it all together, to volunteer, and to present. Hope to see you all in Perry!”
AVAST, ME HEARTIES!
Speaking of Perry, the Family RV Association returns to that popular location for the 110th International Convention & RV Expo, March 12 through 15, 2025, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Nicknamed “Return To Perry: Lafitte’s Lost Treasure,” the event will be full of pirate shenanigans. So, plan to join your fellow buccaneers. See pages 46 to 48 in this issue of the magazine or visit FMCA.com. Yo-ho-ho!
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Source: https://familyrvingmag.com/2024/11/01/adventure-peaks/
