Over 2,000 RVs of all shapes and sizes and from all over the United States and Canada (and even Australia!) made their way to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, June 22 through 24, for the second of Good Sam’s 2012 Rallies, presented by DISH.
And it seemed as if there was something for everyone. Nightly entertainment featured superstar Grammy Award-winner Sheryl Crow, the gentle music performed by Burt Bacharach, the country hits of Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and some good old rock ‘n’ roll performed by a number of aspiring Elvis Presleys. Hundreds of vendor booths exhibited the latest RV lifestyle accessories, and all types of RVs were on display including models from Winnebago, Thor, Fleetwood, Jayco, Newmar and Tiffin.
Seminars on a wide variety of topics took place each day such as the history of bourbon, increasing engine performance and even downloading digital photographs. The ladies had their own RV driving seminar plus a session on the hats of the Derby. There were also programs each day designed especially for the kiddos on board. And even the pooches had their own day with the first ever Bark Park, the popular Derby Dogs dog show, and dog training tips from Dogs for the Deaf’s Robin Dickson. Many Rally guests won some fantastic prizes in Camping World’s Match ‘N Win contest, which was also an opportunity to gain new friends at the Rally. Life members were treated to a special reception with Good Sam CEO and Chairman, Marcus Lemonis. And a popular new addition was the Good Sam Culinary Experience featuring Food Network chef Bob Blumer and RV cookbook author Evada Cooper.
On Sunday, military veterans were recognized when they proudly marched behind the flag of their branch of service through the halls of the Kentucky Exposition Center, some still fitting in their actual uniforms. They were reviewed by retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Julius “Bud” Berthold and two Medal of Honor recipients, Woody Williams and Don Jenkins. This military event – sponsored by Coast to Coast Resorts – was humbling to all who attended.
With the Louisville Rally memories still fresh in our minds, we’re looking forward to the next Rallies that will take place. The last Good Sam Rally for 2012 will take place November 2 through 4, at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway. And as recently released, the 2013 Good Sam Rallies will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Balloon Fiesta Field, April 11 through 14, 2013 and Syracuse, New York, June 13 through 16, at the New York State Fair.
The Daytona Rally will feature many of the favorite Louisville activities including the huge trade show, the educational seminars, vintage RVs on display, the Rally Dog Show and the Veterans’ Salute. Most exciting is that they will all be going on in the infield of the World Center of Racing, the Daytona International Speedway!
Daytona’s evening entertainment just can’t be beat. Saturday night’s show will feature the biggest star ever to appear at a Good Sam Rally – Reba McEntire. 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. Over the course of her career, she has produced 64 Top 10 hits, the # 1 TV sitcom for six consecutive years on two networks, successful lines of clothing, footwear and home collections as well as the stint on Broadway that garnered a Drama Critics Circle Award. As if that wasn’t enough, McEntire 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 from the U.S. Congress.
For more information on the Daytona Rally and to view a slideshow of the great times enjoyed in Louisville, visit the Rally website at www.therally.com, or call (877) 749-7122 for more information.
Robert H Farler
I just want to let everyone know how thankfull i am that Victoria and Lorisa were very kind and speedy at resolving my problem and i am very happy to say that i will definetly try to make it to another rally.
Robert Farler
Good Sam says: We’re so glad that we were able to help you with this. Hope to see you at the next Rally!
Robert H Farler
I just want to say and to let everyone know that i had to cancel my reservation at the last minute for the kentucky rally, beyond my control. I called in and was told that i was supposed to have cancelled by a certain date. My reservation was only made two days before that date.I was also told that if my spot could be resold i would get a refund . It seems as if ,over two thousand rvs were there,you certainly filled a lot of spots.How would i know if my spot was resold or not. I hope everyone who makes a reservation from now on out can afforred to lose there money if this should happen to them.I just want to say that i will never make a reservation for another rally.I do not know of anyone who can control what will happen in there life a month ahead. Thank you, Robert H. Farler
Good Sam says: I have contacted you by email to resolve this for you.
Ron Cheroske
At the Phoenix rally (International Speedway) this year, Marcus asked everyone with 20 or more years membership in Good Sam to come down on the field and receive a cash award. Since I have been with Good Sam since 1991, I went down on the field, along with a number of others. Due to the response, Marcus asked us to return to our seats and he would have his staff member look up on the rally register all who qualified and send the cash award ($100 in my case) to their home address. I have never heard anything further. Does Marcus still intend to follow up on this issue?
Sincerely,
Ron Cheroske
Good Sam says: I have contacted you by email to assist further in this matter.