Members of this chapter have enjoyed a half-century of fun.
By Jane Wolf, F51930
June 2022
Founded in March 1974 and chartered that July, the Central Florida Roadrunners (CFR) became the 35th chapter of FMCA. Our chapter has celebrated over 50 years of fun, friendship, and camaraderie. Members join us from all parts of Florida, and many snowbirds consider us part of their winter family.
Our 50th anniversary rally was held March 7 through 10 at the Perry KOA in Perry, Florida. Joe and Jane Wolf and Debbie and Pat Cerreto hosted the rally. Twenty-one RVs were in attendance, and a lot of camaraderie was shared among new members, current members, and former returning members Bob and Dee Wolf. Also attending the celebration rally were Laurie Wilson, one of our FMCA Southeast Area vice presidents, and her husband, Jim.
To begin the rally, warm chocolate chip cookies in clear cellophane pocket envelopes bearing a 50th Anniversary Central Florida Roadrunner logo sticker were hand-delivered to members and guests as they pulled in. Friday morning, a group convened for a golf outing at the Perry Golf and Country Club. Happy hours were held outside, weather permitting, and meals were served in the cozy clubhouse. KOA owners Brian and Debby Somers completely opened their campground and facilities to us. The rally hosts made full use of the clubhouse, which was decorated in CRF club colors, Kelly green and white, with a little gold sprinkled in to commemorate the golden anniversary. Friday night, after a catered Italian dinner, the clubhouse lights were dimmed and attendees watched Airplane, complete with movie popcorn and cookies.
On Saturday, hosts served made-from-scratch egg casseroles along with biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast and then beef stew for dinner. At dinner that evening, we wore black bowties paired with our club shirts and otherwise casual attire, and we enjoyed a cake decorated with the 50th anniversary CFR logo. Each attendee received a lanyard with our roadrunner in the stitching, and refrigerator magnets with the 50th anniversary CFR logo were handed out.
Everyone was able to make it outside for a group photo before the rain came Saturday afternoon. The weather cleared during dinner and was otherwise picture-perfect for the weekend.
Throughout the weekend, a photo loop of the club’s first 40 years was played on a big-screen TV. It showed many outings and activities and brought back memories of the fun times and members throughout the years. George Schipper, our longest current member, shared some of his recollections from past years. We played an interesting game called “Who Did This?” It was fun learning some surprising facts about our members, and the winner received a prize. Throughout the rally, three drawings were held and prizes were awarded.
Our rally ended with doughnuts and an inspirational Sunday morning devotion by Ed Headington.