At the FMCA Pima Fairgrounds - Update 1

Our Roadtrek 210P at the Pima County Fairgrounds

Officially, 1,128 RVs are here!

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Hello Everyone!  We made it to the FMCA International Convention at the PIMA County Fairgrounds in Tucson, AZ.  Nice weather and we were able to park with a group of Roadtrekkers.  We are members of the FMCA and the Roadtrek International Chapter.  Our scheduled arrival was on March 18th and this date was assigned by the FMCA.  With hundreds of RVs arriving, it is critical to stagger the entry dates, which are officially on the 18th and 19th. We have 30A hookup, with water and sewer connections nearby. It's a great location and we can walk to showers, etc.  We're parked on asphalt and get some shade, too. 

We had some difficulty getting into the group, but the FMCA staff at the fairgrounds were extremely helpful.  Our thanks to the staff and volunteers. 

Not every Roadtrek at the fairgrounds is parked with the group.  

Our Roadtrek group at the Pima County Fairgrounds

This is our first RV trek since November 2022.  We're having a good time and we hope to travel more in 2024.

Update 1 March 21

There is lots to do. We have attended coffee and donuts at 8am, the opening ceremonies, various entertainment, exhibits, some sessions including "Ask the Experts" which is about all things RV.  G attended the Ladies Luncheon (ticket required). We also went to the karaoke and took turns at the mike.  The astronomy group had set up telescopes and as it got dark we looked upon the craters of the moon, the cloud bands of Saturn and we could observe four of its moons. The Orien Nebula was a treat through an 11-inch Celestron reflective telescope.  We shared birthday cake with the Roadtrek Chapter president, too. Thanks to the many volunteers in their golf carts who gave us rides!  Nevertheless, we got a lot of walks in.   

Opening Ceremonies at Sunset

Comedian Mark Cordes

Sharing Birthday greetings with the Chapter President

Quite a Karaoke setup at the Cantina

Celestron 11-inch reflector telescope

G with the Celestron - it is quite large

Me using the Star Map (r) App to determine which stars and planets I was observing

(c) 2024 Norman Retzke 

Karaoke at the Cantina March 26, 2022

 

Karaoke in the Cantina

Many thanks to the FMCA for extending the dates for the Karaoke at the Cantina, Pima County Fairgrounds. Quite a surprise when the 7pm stage show headliners showed up at the Cantina at about 9:30pm and did a couple of songs. 

(c) N. Retzke 2022

At The FMCA Rally - Batteries

 

Electric Vehicle

While at the FMCA Rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds I noticed this electric vehicle on display.  The batteries had been removed from the chassis and are sitting on the bed.  Of course, there are seminars about RV batteries and also vendors.  I found this old vehicle to be interesting.

Wooden crated lead-acid batteries

Close-up view of the batteries

Gould was the battery manufacturer.  At one time they produced electrical switchgear, automation products and all sorts of electrical distribution hardware.

(c) N. Retzke 2022

At the Rally - FMCA - Day 2

 

Central Park at the Pima County Fairgrounds

Central Park at night, after the concert

Day 2 was a blast.  Seminars, food, vendors and entertainment.

Southwest Surfers Concert

Walking back to the Roadtrek

Roadtrek Group, at night

(c) Norman Retzke 2022

At the Rally - FMCA

 

Norm at the Rally

It's March 23, the first day of the Rally. We are parked with the Roadtrekkers and they are a nice group of people. We attended our first "Meet and Greet" yesterday at the 4:00 Happy Hour.

Entry was about 10:00am yesterday and the drive was uneventful.  The FMCA people we met were all extremely pleasant and helpful. We got an escort to our space, then we went on a walking tour of the central area. 

Today we'll be attending several seminars in the morning, and then vendor's areas this afternoon.

Entry to the Fairgrounds

A part of the Roadtrek International Chapter Attendees area
 

Our 210P

(c) 2022 Norman Retzke