President Of Northwest Chapter Discusses Balance & Connection For Upcoming Confab In Albany Oregon
The texture of a rally is to bring people together people of like minds to foster a sense of community. In RV circles, much like the motorcycle community, the interaction increases tenfold with the distinct diversity and the uniqueness of rigs when a cele.
Up to 400 motor homes are expected at the upcoming rally for the Family Motor Coach Association’s Northwest Chapter. In Late June, motorhome owners, enthusiasts and simply those interested in the RV lifestyle will gather at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon.
“Really, the purpose [of the rally] is sun and fellowship. We have a good time getting together,” explains fmca Vice President & Northwest Chapter President Kathie Balogh. “It's all about the people and making sure that the attendees have a terrific time. That is my goal.”
The 2016 Northwest Motor Home Association Rally has many vendors (“It's one stop shopping – it will all be here!”), including vendors for people needing a travel agent, tires, batteries, wiper blades, and other RV technology and accessories. In addition there will be activities like bingo, live entertainment, fitness classes, a swap meet, lady's tea, a movie night, a hotdog bash and other opportunities for guests to have a good time together.
Another large component of the rally is education including various seminars on such topics as purchasing motor homes, new technologies, specific motor home repair and evolving emergency procedures.
“We just want to promote the motor home lifestyle,” continues Balogh. “I think when you get to be in your 60s, 70s and 80s, you [tend] have a younger outlook on life [because] you are free to do what you want to do. [The RV] lifestyle allows you to do that [plus] you meet great people doing the same thing that you do.”
While Balogh admits that many FMCA members are middle age or older, the general age group at the rally (not including children and grandchildren) ranges from 30 years old and higher which isn't to say that Balogh and the FMCA aren't open to younger members. In fact, Balogh is hoping the rally will entice the younger generations.
“We are trying very hard to get younger people interested,” she explained. “It's difficult because of the lifestyle they are leading. A lot of times, younger couples are both working. They have young children. They [really] can't afford to take the time off to drive somewhere. I have two boys…for one of them, his idea of camping is a hotel.” Through social media and marketing though, the FMCA have been reaching out to all ages, hoping to spread awareness of this lifestyle. For people just starting out or who don't know where to even begin, the rally helps create awareness for people in buying their first motorhome, specifically advice on affordable models and vacations based on their income and lifestyle.
“[One of the points of the rally is that] we are hoping to get new members,” says Balogh. “I would like new and old members that are coming to feel welcomed…to feel like we are putting on a party for them…a nice four to five day event where they can talk to other people about their motor homes, and about where they have lived. It's always so good to reconnect with people you only see once or twice a year.”
Currently living on Vancouver Island in Victoria, Canada, Balogh and her husband, Andy, joined FMCA in 2002 and have “grown with the organization. We truly love the lifestyle,” said Balogh, “the ability to get up and go.”
Before she moved to Canada with her husband, Balogh lived in Oregon. She worked as the manager of a travel agency in Portland. At that time she had never been camping at all. In fact, her idea of camping was a four star hotel. It was Andy who introduced her to the idea.
“We have been camping since 1984,” she said. “I just think it's the excitement of being able to just pick up and leave. You can be in one place and decide to go somewhere else tomorrow without having to pack or unpack. I went so many years in the travel business, living out of a suitcase. It's nice to be able to take everything that's yours with you.”
The 2016 Northwest Motor Home Association Rally is not only a time to reconnect, but in Balogh’s eyes, a time to make connections, meet others with the same interests and learn about every aspect of the lifestyle. Above all, it is a time to eat, laugh, be entertained and have fun.
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Check Out:
The Family Motor Coach Association's Northwest Chapter Rally, which takes place at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon June 23rd to 26th, 2016.