As FMCA plans a March return to its most-visited convention venue, one RVer recalls attending her first convention, also at that Georgia location.
By Chic Holliday, F352307
February 2021
Chic Holliday
As a teenager, one of my favorite songs was “Cruising Down The River.” Little did I know that cruising would be in my distant future, only in a new Gulf Stream Atrium motorhome.
In 2005 we were on the way to experience our first FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, March 21 through 24, 2005. It was the association’s 73rd International Convention, nicknamed “America On The Move.”
We drove up from Jacksonville, Florida, through Waycross, Georgia, via country roads, to arrive at the intersection of Interstate 75 and the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, the convention site. We paused at the overpass and were overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of RVs coming from the north on I-75, and hundreds more coming from the south. Fortunately, fellow RVers let us “blend in line.” Little did we know this event would attract more than 6,400 RVs.
We proudly wore brown ribbons attached to our badges, which designated us as first-time convention attendees. Upon arriving at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, we were welcomed by everyone we met!
Terry Holliday signed up as a tram volunteer at his first FMCA convention, in 2005 in Perry, Georgia.
The best was yet to come. My husband, Terry, upon hearing of the need for tram volunteers, signed up for duty and donned his “Trams” cap. His task was to stay in the rear of the tram along its route, ensuring the safety of riders. He announced
his rules: “No spitting, cussing, or smoking” (for humor), and for real: “Wait until the tram comes to a complete stop when boarding and disembarking!” Through the week, people greeted him wherever they saw him around the convention grounds and repeated his “no spitting, cussing, or smoking” spiel.
My job was to sign us up for a safe driving course. We were advised to arrive early, as it filled up fast. We received a certificate of completion afterward.
I tired myself out with a couple of days shopping, visiting, and learning about many products displayed by the exhibitors.
One fun thing I did was to mail myself a self-addressed envelope that was stamped with a special commemorative postmark from the convention. What a creative souvenir, which greeted us when we returned home. I also purchased a full-color aerial photo of the convention site, which showed those thousands of RVs.
A daily newsletter from FMCA’s 2005 convention at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.
A daily convention newsletter kept us up-to-date and included entertainment schedules, weather, and — before the days of text messaging and event app notifications — “breaking” news!
Entertainment was scheduled during the daytime and nighttime hours. The Oak Ridge Boys appeared on stage the final evening. They had the crowd singing and moving along to the music. What a send-off!
We’re retired now, and health concerns have stifled any long-distance traveling. But for us, the “America On The Move” convention was the best of times.
Fellow FMCAers: Keep on moving on. And remember, you’re never too old for a happy childhood.
FMCA will welcome attendees to its 102nd International Convention & RV Expo, March 10 through 13, 2021, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. This will mark the 12th FMCA event at that popular venue. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, safety measures will be in place to ensure that convention staples such as exhibits, seminars, entertainment, and special events can be offered.