Daytona Beach was recently named one of America’s top beach destinations by Trip Advisor, ranking sixth based on millions of reviews from travelers from all over the world. Its 23 miles of the “World’s Most Famous Beach” attract visitors of all ages who want to experience the white sand and the blue ocean.
Good Sam rigs will be camped just a few miles inland from the beach at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, the home of the Daytona 500. Rally guests will be able to attend seminars in the famed NASCAR garages and driver meeting rooms, watch first-class entertainment from the grandstands and even have a chance to test drive a motorhome around the 2-1/2 mile track!
All of the Rally activities and entertainment will take place in the infield throughout the day and evening. The huge trade show will showcase hundreds of the latest models of RVs of all shapes and sizes, and there will also be hundreds of supplier booths demonstrating and selling a huge variety of RV-related accessories and gadgets.
Good Sam has pulled out all the stops for the Daytona Rally entertainment. Headliner Reba McEntire will perform on Saturday evening. (For an exclusive Highways interview with McEntire, see the page 14 of the upcoming October-December issue.) Often referred to as the “Queen of Country”, McEntire has performed on Broadway in the revival of Annie Get Your Gun, was nominated for a Grammy award for her starring role in her television series Reba and has sold more than 56 million records around the world. As if that wasn’t enough, she is also the recipient of 15 American Music Awards, 13 ACM Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, two Grammys and is one of only four entertainers in history to be honored with a National Artistic Achievement Award by the U.S. Congress. Her new television show Malibu Country will premier nationally on November 2, the day before her performance at the Good Sam Rally.
The Daytona Rally will also offer the Good Sam Culinary Experience, featuring The Food Network’s “Surreal Gourmet” chef, Bob Blumer. He’ll be demonstrating how to prepare quick, easy, healthy and innovative foods both in the galley and on the grill. Military veterans attending the event will be recognized as they march behind their service branch’s flag in the Rally’s Veterans’ Salute, sponsored by Coast to Coast. Rally goers will also have the opportunity to honor those veterans who are lost by placing flags in a moving memorial tribute. And in addition to dozens of educational seminars each day, Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines’ publisher Bob Livingston will be conducting RVing 101, answering questions and discussing various aspects of the RV industry.
Rally guests can also experience and perhaps relive some RV history by visiting the Rally’s Vintage RV Village, courtesy of Elkhart’s RV/MH Hall of Fame. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about safe driving at the RV Safety Education Foundation’s optional course. This six-hour training session will award a certificate of completion, which may reduce insurance premiums.
There’s so much to do in Florida, and the Rally is making several optional tours available to guests on November 1, Early Bird Day. Itineraries include motor coach tours of Kennedy Space Center, Orlando’s Disney World, Ponce Inlet and the Marine Mammal Center and an airboat tour to Lone Cabbage Fish Camp.
All of the Rally’s entertainment, seminars, trade show and activities come together in Daytona for a fabulous time. But any seasoned Rally guest will tell you that the best part of any Rally is meeting new Good Sam friends from around the world as everyone joins together to form a new Rally community.
More Rally information is always being added on the Rally website, www.therally.com. There are still a limited number of sites available, both dry camping and with 30-amp electric hookups, so don’t miss out on all the fun and excitement. Visit the website, www.therally.com or call toll free 1-800-701-1399 for more information.