By Kelly Fedeli, F359212
May 2013
The Oswego Harborfest Rally, co-hosted by the Vintage Birds, Pen-NY Mixers, Fingerlakers, and New York Centrals chapters of FMCA, was a delightfully fun-filled, laid-back event on the shores of Lake Ontario. It was held July 25 through 29, 2012, in Oswego, New York, during Harborfest, a four-day event held each year in the city during the last week of July and filled with entertainment, family events, and other activities.
Fifteen Blue Birds and approximately 80 other RVs of various makes and models camped on a large, paved lot that was the former site of a boiler works. Although dry camping was required, the conditions were ideal for a terrific outing.
On Wednesday evening, those who arrived early were treated to Jim Miller’s scrumptious fresh fish fry with all the fixings. It was a great way to begin the rally, rekindle relationships, and meet new friends.
Each morning we were greeted with freshly made coffee, pastries, and Greek yogurt under a large and welcoming tent. The tent served as the rally’s central meeting place and was the perfect site for extended periods of camaraderie throughout the day.
Following morning coffee, attendees could choose from a variety of activities that took place both at the rally site and in town. A popular destination for the women was the Calico Gals Harborview Quilt Shop and Sewing Center, as well as other shopping sites in Oswego. Large crowds were always ready to board the trolley that shuttled folks from the campground right into the heart of the Oswego Harborfest.
On Thursday night, the group enjoyed a huge buffet of appetizers and freshly made margaritas. The fun escalated as Jim Miller and his wife, Sherry, awarded door prizes donated by various local businesses. Later, some of us wandered into town to take in the opening sights and sounds of Harborfest. In addition to the great food, hundreds of vendors, and carnival rides, the festival featured an impressive lineup of live entertainment. Thursday’s featured act was a band called Big Shot, which included the original saxophone, trumpet, and guitar players from Billy Joel’s band. They were excellent.
On Friday morning, before any of us had our coffee, a group left camp for a guided fishing excursion on Lake Ontario. Those who participated in the trip were on the boat all day and returned that evening hungry and sunburned, but with some impressive catches.
The featured act on Friday evening was singer and songwriter Kenny Loggins, looking and sounding just as he did in the 1980s. Before a crowd of thousands, he performed all of his greatest hits without missing a beat.
The main event on Saturday took place in the evening. At dusk, we assembled lawn chairs on the shores of Lake Ontario and on the grassy knoll of Fort Ontario to watch a spectacular fireworks display over the water. While we had an excellent view of the show, the boats anchored on the lake probably had the best seats in the house. Again, the entertainment was tops.
On Sunday, the group was treated to a pizza and ice cream social sponsored by Camping World. Our rally hosts fired up the blenders again for icy-cold beverages that were a perfect complement to this treat.
Many of our friends departed on Sunday evening for new camping destinations or the simple comforts of home. The rest of the group left early Monday morning with many new rally memories.