RV owners from throughout North America — members of FMCA, the world’s largest not-for-profit association for RV owners — will head to North Dakota in mid-August for a four-day event focusing on various aspects of their favorite form of travel. Nearly 2,000 RVs will converge on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds & Agricenter, August 14 through 17. In honor of the host area, and in celebration of an FMCA convention milestone, “Magic Minot — 100 Times The Fun” is the theme for FMCA’s 100th International Convention and RV Expo. Attendees will participate in a multitude of activities designed to enhance the RV lifestyle.
Organizers have scheduled more than 100 educational sessions aimed at helping RV owners glean more enjoyment from their homes on wheels. Various RV experts will conduct seminars during the event. Topics range from tire maintenance, technology, and safe driving to microwave-convection cooking and RV trips to Alaska.
Attendees also will be able to tour RVs of all types, sizes, and price ranges as part of the RV Expo that will take place during the event. Looking for a diesel-powered motorhome with all of the latest luxuries? Or maybe a fifth-wheel or conventional travel trailer that provides the amenities needed to enjoy everything from weekend getaways to cross-country adventures? Explore these options and everything in between as you consider what would best suit your travel style.
Other organized activities include fun-filled games and exciting daytime and evening entertainment. On Thursday evening, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger will be the featured speaker. Captain Sullenberger gained worldwide acclaim on January 15, 2009, when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York’s frigid Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people on board. On Friday evening, The Spinners will share their many hits from the 1970s. Music and dance tunes on Saturday evening will be provided by Soulshine, a popular local group. A number of local entertainers will be on hand during the daytime hours.
Attendees also will have time for plenty of socializing with their fellow RV owners during the week, taking part in organized as well as informal gatherings.
Members of the public are invited to join the fun. For those who want to view only the RV displays and the supplier and component exhibits, admission costs $10 per day or $25 for a family of three or more; children 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult. Individuals with an active military ID are admitted free as well. Saturday, August 17, has been declared “Minot Day,” and all local residents will be admitted free to the RV Expo portion of the event.
Those who would like to take in the exhibits and also attend seminars and entertainment may purchase a Daily Passport, which is available for $50 per person.
Free public parking will be available inside Gate E and across the street from Gate E of the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, off Burdick Expressway.
Exhibit hours are as follows: Wednesday, August 14, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday, August 15, through Saturday, August 17, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
RV owners are invited to take part in all of the activities and also to bring their RV and stay with the group at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. The gate registration price is $245 and also grants RV owners who are new to FMCA a one-year FMCA membership. (An additional fee is charged for electric.)
FMCA Convention Facts
What is FMCA?
FMCA is an international organization for families who own and enjoy the use of recreation vehicles (RVs). The association maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has more than 150,000 active members. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family RVing; group discounts on a roadside assistance program, RV insurance, and member-only RV tours and caravans; a tire purchasing program; discounts on mobile internet plans from Verizon and Sprint; and a medical emergency and travel assistance plan that is included with paid membership dues and is valued at $105 per family. The association also hosts two conventions each year, which is what will bring the group to Minot, North Dakota, in mid-August. The event, which will be the FMCA’s 100th International Convention, has been dubbed “Magic Minot — 100 Times The Fun,” in honor of the host area and in celebration of the 100th convention milestone.
Convention dates and location:
The “Magic Minot” event will take place Wednesday through Saturday, August 14 through 17, at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot.
Convention activities:
RV owners will gather to enjoy a sizable RV exhibition, among other activities. Leading manufacturers and dealers will bring new RVs for viewing. A variety of RVs will be on display. In addition, companies will exhibit RV components, accessories, campground information, home products, and more. Other convention options will include informative seminars, entertainment, and social activities.
How many people are expected to attend?
Nearly 2,000 RVs and some 5,000 people are expected to gather at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.
Can the public attend?
Area residents are welcome to come view the RVs and the RV-related components and accessories that will be on display. Daily admission for exhibits is $10 per person or $25 for a family of three or more; children 12 and under admitted free with an accompanying adult. Individuals with an active military ID will be admitted free. Saturday, August 17, has been declared “Minot Day,” and all local residents will be admitted free to the RV Expo portion of the event.
A Daily Passport that provides admittance to the exhibits, seminars, and evening entertainment is available for $50 per person. Show hours on Wednesday, August 14, will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours on Thursday through Saturday, August 15 through 17, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free public parking will be available inside Gate E and across the street from Gate E of the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, off Burdick Expressway.
Again, the cost to view the RVs and the displays of RV components and accessories is $10 per person. Wednesday’s admission ticket is good on Thursday, August 15, as well. Other admission options are available for those who want to take part in more activities. And all owners of self-contained RVs are invited to sign up to stay in their RV at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. The $245 gate registration fee also grants RV owners who are new to FMCA a complimentary one-year membership. Electric hookups cost extra.