Feel the love at New York’s Empire Center this June
Starting things off with a bang–or more appropriately, with wedding bells–the first Camping World/Good Sam Rally of 2013 is hosting the largest marriage-vow-renewal ceremony the world has ever seen, with unmarried Rally-goers as honored guests. If more than 1,087 couples reaffirm their wedding pledge, the Syracuse Rally will go down in history. Participating husbands and wives are encouraged to dress in their nuptial best to be eligible for a bona fide bridal registry of prizes or simply come as they are, renew their vows, enjoy the festivities and be a part of the record-making group.
The union of the Rally’s two partners–Camping World and Good Sam–is another marriage made in heaven, bringing together the latest RVs, accessories and services with an engaging schedule of seminars, activities and entertainment. Presiding over it all is Camping World and Good Sam Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis, answering Rally-goers’ questions and giving a sneak peak at the good things to come for club members.
For Rally “newlyweds” as well as those RVing on their own, the Empire Expo Center is the place to shop for a new domicile-on-wheels and perhaps drive one off into the sunset. Rally-goers can spend their days touring hundreds of new and used recreational vehicles-from entry-level travel trailers to million-dollar motorhomes and meet representatives from the leading RV manufacturers before making a deal.
Like a reception table stacked with wedding gifts, the Syracuse Rally showcases an astonishing array of must-have gear. Product displays stretch as far as the eye can see with everything from steering stabilizers and braking systems to windshield replacements and safety lights. Many of the major suppliers will be available to handle maintenance requests right on the spot. Camping World’s own on-site store stocks hundreds of RV accessories and likewise has service and installation technicians on hand.
Rally seminars run the gamut from RV maintenance to microwave cooking, all with expert speakers at the microphone. The Culinary Experience, sponsored by Camping World/Good Sam, brings back Surreal Gourmet Bob Blumer to demonstrate simple yet inspired recipes and share his passion for food and travel. Trailer Life and MotorHome Publisher Bob Livingston conducts his RVing 101 class, Dogs for the Deaf President Robin Dickson shepherds the popular Rally dog show, and Good Sam’s 2012 RVer of the Year Fred Moore leads a patriotic flag placing ceremony at nearby Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
The Rally then travels to the world’s entertainment capital, as superstar Wayne Newton imports the sizzle of Las Vegas to the Syracuse stage, wowing the crowd with his legendary showmanship and crooning his signature “Danke Schoen.” Syracuse headliner Reba, the indisputable Queen of Country, hits the high notes as she returns to the Rally by popular demand following a dazzling Daytona Beach The Rally is a great opportunity to see new RVs and perhaps trade up to a new one. show last year that left the audience cheering for more.
For those traveling to the Rally on their own, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the absence of wedding vows. The daily Singles Mingle brings together unmarried RVers for morning coffee. Camping World’s Match ‘N’ Win game introduces fellow Rally-goers and awards coveted prizes. Of course, the ultimate icebreaker is joining a Good Sam chapter, and the Rally’s the perfect place to do that. Good Sam’s state and provincial directors greet Rally goers throughout the event and spread the word about the benefits of chapter membership.
The Syracuse Rally is one honeymoon destination where everyone’s welcome, including the kids and family pets. With a nonstop lineup of youth activities, children and teens age six through 17 do their own thing while grownups browse the exhibits and take advantage of the seminars. Leashed dogs can ramble through many of the venues and take center stage at the 12th Rally dog show, Empire State Dogs.
Don’t miss your chance to bring the whole family to central New York this June for the world’s greatest RV spectacle, the Camping World/Good Sam Rally.