Eyes of Texas

EYES OF TEXAS RALLY IN CONROE, TX

With a statue of one of the great heroes of Texas history, Sam Houston, overlooking the area for the October rally, the EYES OF TEXAS smiled and the rally was great fun with several new activities for first-timers and experienced motor homers to enjoy.

Our EYES OF TEXAS rally offered talented, entertainment with a Texas swing flavor, knowledgeable seminar presenters, creative craft teachers and a host of industrious exhibitors and motorhome dealers.  Our 4 national FMCA Officers shared insights and valuable information during seminars.  The registration was officially reported as 329 Family Coaches, 27 Live-In Vendors, and 33 Show Coaches.

Everything is Bigger in Texas!  It was “RV-Heaven” to have show coaches from Foretravel, Motorhomes of Texas, Holiday World RV, Ron Hoover RV and De Montrond RV.  We all enjoyed the burgers and franks that Ron Hoover grilled at lunch and the happy hour under the awning at De Montrond RV.

ACTIVITIES

There were lots of choice of things to do, to learn and to buy, in addition to enjoying and making new friends. The Ladies Luncheon with outstanding comedian, “Just Peppi,” was enjoyed by all.  The 45 Seminars captured the attention of 1,020 participants. The Education Seminars garnered an audience of 249 members learning about cell services, Galveston, Travel safety, and more.  The 9 FMCA sponsored seminars offered information on officer responsibilities, services and safety.  The 28 product specific seminars engaged 556 in attendance and fostered lots of shopping.

Craft projects from the quick and fun to elegant were offered in 14 sessions.  The Golf Scramble at the Panorama Village Golf Course kept 14 early arrivals busy.  The Texas Swing, Country and Bluegrass Jams hosted by the Frustrated Maestro chapter were enjoyed each afternoon by both the musicians and the audience. Line Dancing with National FMCA Secretary, Gay Young, was great fun for dancers and observers.  The Ice Cream Social with pints of vanilla ice cream for each was a cool pleasure.

The Chapter Fair offered opportunities for joining over a dozen chapters.  The First Timer Gathering and the Meet Your FMCA and SCA Officers drew crowds.  Our Evening Entertainment included Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band, Hot Club of Cowtown, Dave and Daphne, and Goldwing Express – and dancing.   Our Veterans were honored on Friday, and we all went Western on Saturday.  Our three bountiful breakfasts set the tone for each day, as did the Morning Devotion provided by the Coaches for Christ chapter and the evening Mass.  Many enjoyed the Cajun Catfish Festival in Conroe on Saturday.

NEW EVENTS

The Chili Cook-Off had 11 entrants with 3 named as winners but over 100 people enjoyed the Tasting of each pot of chili.  Voters cast their votes for the “favorite chili” by donating $1 per vote.  $272.50 was raised for charity.  Winners recognized were Dennis Mzaferis, Rodger Donnelly, and Phyllis Avella.

The Dog Obstacle Course offered a test for the pet and the owner.  Over 25 entrants jumped, wove and stepped through the paces—all were awarded prizes for participating.   Hopefully it was as great fun for the entrants as it was for the observers!

GENEROSITY

The Quilt Social was a success with participants enjoying the tales from the Trunk Turning by a local quilter.  The Quilt Display was evidence of our South Central Area’s generosity – 503 quilts were donated by our chapters to Conroe Soldiers and Families, to the San Antonio and Conroe Fisher House programs.  Thousand Trails of Texas and Rolling Thunder chapters donated 183 from each chapter.  Covered Wagons donated 63 and Happy OK Wanderers donated 62. All donations were displayed and appreciated.

The Houston Fisher House was also the designated charity for the 50/50 donations of $1104.  Door Prizes contributed by 39 generous exhibitors and chapters were accepted with great appreciation.

SPECIAL SPONSORSHIPS

RV Fog Doctor, Ancira RV, Holiday World RV, Xtreme Paint and Graphics, FMCA RV Insurance, Fantasy and Creative Tours, Ron Hoover RV, and DeMontrond RV generously provided additional support for rally activities.

VOLUNTEERS

Five chapters provided the majority of volunteer talent: Bluebonnet Travelers, Cruisin’ Cajuns, River City Travelers, Roughnecks, and South Texas Renegades.  Of course, 60 or more additional volunteers from the Six-State Rally Association provided the planning, leadership and implementation of each daily activity.  Officers were elected in the Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Saturday afternoon.

EYES OF TEXAS bought us all an opportunity to make new friends as well as to enjoy the friends we see each year from the 45 chapters drawn from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN SHAWNEE, OK

Full hook ups – many on concrete, great entertainment and events are awaiting you next September 11 – 14 in Shawnee, OK.  Register your coach and bring a coach with you so we can spread the word about the FUN at the South Central Area Rallies.