Fun in Phoenix — Good Sam hosted a grand Rally for thousands in Arizona’s hottest city.
The Arizona sun beamed down as 3,370 RVs convened March 22 through 25 at Phoenix International Raceway at the first of three 2012 Good Sam Rallies, presented by DISH. Rally guests from all across North America were treated to a bustling RV extravaganza with summery weather, spectacular entertainment, a taste of Arizona culture and the chance to make new RVing friends.
Saturday night showcased a memorable performance by contemporary country superstar Martina McBride. Opening night on Thursday featured none other than Bowzer of Sha Na Na, who sped onto the track in a bright red 1952 Kaiser convertible. On the final night, the audience sang along to beloved Fab Four hits with Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride.
Rally-goers spent their days attending more than 130 seminars, strolling through more than 400 new RVs and shopping at the giant trade show that overflowed with RV products and travel gear. Whether attendees were seasoned RVers or newbies, this was the place to be.
The RV Safety Education Foundation led informative sessions on air brakes and propane and electrical system safety. Trailer Life, MotorHome and Camping Life publisher Bob Livingston enlightened everyone at his popular RVing 101 seminar. Local experts taught Rally-goers to cook in a Dutch oven and make bear claw paper quilts. Guests learned about the host state through a series of seminars presented by Phoenixís Heard Museum and listened to former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr. and Arizona state historian Marshall Trimble. And baseball fans caught a spring-training game.
Beyond the Rallyís traditional offerings, from Camping World’s Match ’N’ Win contest to the eighth annual dog show, the Phoenix event featured lots of new activities. More than 500 military veterans marched along the track in a salute to each branch of service. RV historian David Woodworth showed off his classic Model A Ford towing a 1931 Covered Wagon trailer as well as camping accessories from the past 100 years. And Dr. Buckís Wild West show thoroughly entertained the audience with smokiní gunfights, trick roping and bucking horses.
Rally guests also gave back during the event, with volunteers cleaning up the nearby Tres Rios Wetlands project, lovingly making and donating more than 500 blankets for Project Linus and contributing nearly $10,000 to Dogs for the Deaf, an amount spurred by Good Sam and Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonisí offer of a generous match.
With the Louisville Rally right around the corner and the Daytona Rally coming up this fall, the good times just keep rolling. Staged June 21 through 24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the Louisville event takes place in one of the best Rally venue in North America with all of the activities, including the RV displays, housed in air-conditioned comfort.
Like the Phoenix Rally, the Louisville Rally will present world-class entertainment each evening, enjoyed in the expo centerís acclaimed Freedom Hall. Rally-goers can sing along to ìEveryday Is a Winding Road,î ìRaindrops Keep Falliní on My Head,î and ìAll the Gold in California,î with headliners Sheryl Crowe, Burt Bacharach and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. Rally-goers can also shake their hips to ìJailhouse Rockî and ìDonít Be Cruelî during the Elvis-impersonator contest. Word has it that the King of Rock íní Roll himselfóor a reasonable facsimileówill also be in the building!
Many of the Phoenix seminars will again take place in Louisville, including the optional RV Safe Driver training class, where participants completing the course may be eligible for discounts on vehicle insurance. Optional guided tours will take Rally-goers to must-see local attractions such as the Louisville Slugger museum, Churchill Downs and the horse farms of Lexington, along with a scenic steamboat cruise on the Ohio River.
The third Rally of 2012 takes place November 2 through 4 in Daytona Beach, Florida, at legendary Daytona International Speedway. Prospective RV buyers can test-drive new motorhomes on the hallowed track, the site of the Daytona 500. Some guests will come for the auto-racing history, but everyone will be on hand for the new RVs, the exhibits, the educational seminars and the good company. American Idol alumna and recording sensation Katherine McPhee will light up the Daytona stage, and the rest of the entertainment lineup will be announced soon.
For more information on the Louisville and Daytona Rallies, visit the Rally website, TheRally.com, or call 877-749-7122. Rally registration includes overnight RV parking, and discounts are available when reserving spots at both events. The Rally Passport option entitles admission to all events but doesnít include overnight camping. Day passes are good for a single dayís admission to the RV display and exhibit area and donít include seminars, entertainment or overnight parking.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
We are proud to welcome and thank the sponsors of The Good Sam Rally 2012. This valuable support ensures a quality experience for all guests, participants and volunteers-allowing The Good Sam Rally to offer the informative seminars, fabulous entertainment, abundance of activities and more. Thank you for your generosity and assistance in making this the industryís biggest event of the year and the Greatest RV Rally in the World.
Presenting Sponsor
DISH
Official Sponsor
Progressive
Official Good Sam Rally Fuel Provider
Pilot Flying J
Wireless Services & CyberLounge Sponsor
GS Insurance Agency
Day Stage Sponsor
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
Veterans’ Day Recognition Sponsor
Coast to Coast Resorts
Hospitality Sponsors
Camping world and Trailer Life
Vintage RV Display Sponsored by
Good Sam ESP and Good Sam Emergency Road Service