Nearly 6,500 Good Sam members travelled to Syracuse, N.Y., for the very first Camping World/Good Sam Rally in the Northeast. Filling the Empire Expo Center and its surrounding New York State Fairgrounds from June 13 to 16, the Rally brought in thousands of RVers eager to check out hundreds of new towable and motorized models and buy the latest gear from more than 200 exhibitors. A huge Camping World store was created inside the expo center, where Rally-goers took advantage of equally huge discounts and special offers. Leading RV suppliers such as Thetford, Onan, Dometic Freightliner and Roadmaster were ready to handle just about any maintenance request.
The entertainment was first rate, as Wayne Newton kicked things off Friday night. But before Mr. Las Vegas took the stage, more than 700 brides and grooms — many decked out in their wedding finery — passed through the Rally turnstiles to reaffirm their marriage vows in the company of thousands of fellow RVers.
The Get Re-Hitched at the Rally event, sponsored by Reese, had its sights set on breaking the world record for the world’s largest wedding-vow renewal ceremony. Although the effort fell short of the 1,088 couples needed to set a new record, no one seemed to mind, as the crowd blissfully recited their “I do’s” and sealed them with a kiss, as ordained by Reverend Neil Hollis. It was all about having fun, said Rally spokesperson Mark Boggess, and if the smiles on the official Rally photographer’s website, tallmanproductions.smugmug.com, are any indication, that they did. Congratulations go out to a pair of lucky couples who won round-trip airfare for two to anywhere in the continental United States by virtue of being married the longest (65 years) and the shortest (five weeks).
On Saturday, Reba gave the concert of a lifetime, wowing the crowd with her many hits and closing the show with a rousing performance of “Fancy” — complete with a sequined red dress. The Rally closed Sunday with the vocal harmony stylings of The Vogues and a spectacular fireworks display.
In addition to the hundreds of informational seminars covering the many aspects of the RV lifestyle, Rally-goers also celebrated military veterans with a special parade. Food Network chef Bob Blumer took ordinary cooking to the next level during the Good Sam Culinary Experience, and Rally dogs and their owners strutted their stuff during the Empire State Dogs show.
The Camping World/Good Sam Rally heads south to Atlanta, Ga., October 17-20. To find out more, visit www.therally.com.
