By Gary Granat, F304909
November 2014
We were in the Volunteer State, which has made major contributions to American music, so it should come as no surprise that members of the Monaco America chapter of FMCA were treated to some fine performances during a May 12-15 rally at River Plantation RV Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. Fifty-eight coaches and 118 members attended.
Tuesday night’s “Country Tonite” show was an outstanding act with very talented performers. Then Thursday, for our rally’s finale, we enjoyed Blair Carman and his “pumpin’ piano.” And when we say pumpin’, we really mean it. I’m not sure how his piano survives the pounding it takes. Blair had the crowd going, with a few poodle skirts and “young” men in rolled-up jeans and T-shirts on the dance floor. These two shows gave us superb entertainment.
A highlight of each Monaco America rally is the Ladies’ Tea, in which our ladies offer support to a local charity. In Sevierville, the charity was Sevier County Food Ministries, which received our donations of 200 pounds of food and $1,100 in cash. According to one of its representatives, the charity provides about 1,600 bags of food to needy people every week.
Twice a year Monaco America hosts very active rallies that do a lot of good, and we have fun. This October we’ll be at Oakdale Park in Glen Rose, Texas, and our destination next May is Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Our club has evolved to meet changing times. When chartered in 2001, it was a sponsored chapter of the original Monaco Coach Corporation and was intended for owners of Monaco coaches. We now accept all coaches that meet FMCA’s criteria. Also, people who own towables now can join our rallies as guests of an attending Monaco America member.
We have a core group of dedicated volunteers who make certain our rallies are first-class, with excellent catering, entertainment, and rally site facilities. Our rally goals are to have a truly enjoyable experience, renew friendships, learn some interesting facts, and see more of the beautiful United States.
We invite all motorhome owners to join us. Learn more on our Web site: www.monacoamerica.com.