Author Topic: FMCA Rally in Chander, AZ March 7-10, 2017 (Read 10687 times)

Dream Chasers · « **on:** September 14, 2016, 03:44:51 PM »

We have registered to attend this Rally. It was recommended to us as new RVers and some neighbors thought we would really enjoy it. One of them mentioned getting there early. But then what? Where do we go? Do we just park outside the venue and wait? He said something about when you get there early then you get to your space early. Not sure if he meant a few days early or just a few hours, but really think he meant days. Very confusing. I wrote to FMCA but no response. Any insight?

Betty Brewer · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2016, 04:05:55 PM »

As new RVers you will indeed like this rally. Lots of information available! We too have registered and we have been to MANY MANY of these rallies. Chandler area will be a first for us. Typically when you register you will get a packet assigning you to a specific day and time (am or pm) for your arrival. They do this to ensure traffic flows well. We often go in early and the registration packet you will receive in the mail shortly before the rally begins may give you those details. A day or two early is the most we ever consider as they may not yet be set up to park RV's . All this is done by volunteers. We do pay for the early days. None of the venues will be open early, nor will there be any scheduled activities. We don't find we get any preferential treatment for early arrival. In fact one year the early people got parked the farthest away of anyone. Guess they filled in the lots from the back. One reason to go in early is if you are meeting friends and want to use the holding area to gather up. Often they will tell you to gather up before hand and arrive at same time as friends in order to be parked together.

When you arrive they have a "holding area" where you may park until your designated time or to pick up a last minute packet. Our experience has been that there are really good signs all around directing you to the parking areas. Follow the directions in your registration packet as they often have several entries into a venue and want you to come a specific way. The specific details are seldom available quite this early before a rally. Hang in there and watch your mail closer to the rally time.
You may also keep checking the FMCA website for information.

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2016, 06:11:29 PM »

Thanks for the great info. I guess we are just a little anxious.

Betty Brewer · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2016, 06:44:50 PM »

Well I like your anticipation! I'm glad you started this thread so those of us going to Chandler March 2017 can keep in touch and maybe meet up!
Betty

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2016, 06:55:45 PM »

We would love that. We'll keep in touvh as it gets closer.

Wendy · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2016, 11:18:05 PM »

We're signed up, too. The Chandler site sounds like an interesting venue.

Jeff · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2016, 10:09:19 PM »

Betty, generator?

WILDEBILL308 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2016, 11:01:45 PM »

One of the fun events that they will have is a chapter fair. If you do not belong to a local chapter there will be people there from all the represented chapters to give you information on their chapters and try to recruit you as a new member. This is a great way to find a local chapter you might like to join.
As to going in early I think one day or two(sometimes it depends on the what the venue allows) is a good idea as it helps beat some of the congestion of all the coaches coming in and it gives you some time to relax and explore the area before you get busey at the rally.
I am currently at the FMCA 6-State rally in Shawnee Oklahoma. We came as a group of 20 coaches. You have to notify them beforehand if you want to be parked together and come in together. We met up at a location off site and unhooked our toads before entering the grounds to speed up the parking process.
Bill

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2016, 07:20:59 AM »

We don't have a group unless you all would like to make one.

I posted on the Destinations & Routes asking about best route to take from Dallas to Phoenix. This would be from Feb 27th to Mar 7th, the first day of the rally. So now that the suggestions above say 2 days early is best, then we would have 6 days to drive there. We are wondering about taking I-20 to I-10 or go a little out of the way through Oklahoma City. Anything really great not to be missed along either route?

Ken & Sheila · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2016, 08:00:21 AM »

Quote from: Jeff on September 15, 2016, 10:09:19 PM

Betty, generator?

Jeff, we plan to sign up for the generator section. And yes T&B signed up for the generator section.

Are you going to join us?

ken

Jeff · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2016, 09:23:27 AM »

Ken

You bet!

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2016, 03:05:16 PM »

We also registered for the generator section. Looking forward to meeting all of you. I enjoy reading all of your posts. Hope you don't mind us joining in your reunion.

We received some good advise on the Destinations section.

WILDEBILL308 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2016, 09:20:33 PM »

Quote from: Dream Chasers on September 16, 2016, 07:20:59 AM

We don't have a group unless you all would like to make one.

I posted on the Destinations & Routes asking about best route to take from Dallas to Phoenix. This would be from Feb 27th to Mar 7th, the first day of the rally. So now that the suggestions above say 2 days early is best, then we would have 6 days to drive there. We are wondering about taking I-20 to I-10 or go a little out of the way through Oklahoma City. Anything really great not to be missed along either route?

Where are you coming from? I would stick to the southern route that time of the year.
What I recommended was to check with The venue and FMCA to see if you can get in early. I like to get in early to have some time before it gets hectic.
We need to set up a forum meet and greet.
Bill

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #13 on:** September 17, 2016, 07:23:42 AM »

We are from Florida and, yes we have decided on the southern route.

Ken & Sheila · « **Reply #14 on:** September 17, 2016, 08:30:47 AM »

Quote from: Betty Brewer on September 14, 2016, 06:44:50 PM

Well I like your anticipation! I'm glad you started this thread so those of us going to Chandler March 2017 can keep in touch and maybe meet up!
Betty

You can't hide! I'll find you.

dverstra · « **Reply #15 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:37:40 AM »

MaryAnne and I will be there also. We signed up for the electric section though. This is our first FMCA Rally even though we have been members for a few years.Hopefully we will meet a few of you in Quartzite first though.
Dave

Jomo · « **Reply #16 on:** September 18, 2016, 04:37:42 PM »

Do you have to be a FMCA member to attend this rally?

Becks · « **Reply #17 on:** September 18, 2016, 04:43:14 PM »

Quote from: Jomo on September 18, 2016, 04:37:42 PM

Do you have to be a FMCA member to attend this rally?

Yes

Wendy · « **Reply #18 on:** September 18, 2016, 06:15:16 PM »

Quote from: Jomo on September 18, 2016, 04:37:42 PM

Do you have to be a FMCA member to attend this rally?

Actually, you do not have to be an FMCA member BUT there is an additional registration fee for non-members that equals the cost of a one-year membership so you might just as well join.

Jomo · « **Reply #19 on:** September 18, 2016, 06:25:59 PM »

I don't even seem to find any information on the FMCA site about the rally. Perhaps you have to be a member to get this info as well. My husband would like to attend so we will probably end up joining.

WILDEBILL308 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:38:59 PM »

If you are going to join you might as well do it now and beat the dues increase. It is $50 to join then before the end of the month You could renew one year is $40.00 but 5 years is only $160 do the math. after the first it will be $50 to renew.
When I log in the Chandler Rally is top center of the page.
Here is a heads up to everyone. There is going to be a dues increase at FMCA starting next month. You can renew for up to 5 years at the old rate.

Bill

Terry A. Brewer · « **Reply #21 on:** September 19, 2016, 06:42:52 PM »

Jo

Here is a link to the Chandler Rally...https://www.fmca.com/conventions-64/media/3910

There is an orange button on top to Join if you wish.

Here is some registration info...http://www.fmca.com/conventions-64/chandler-2017/register-now.html

Becks · « **Reply #22 on:** September 19, 2016, 06:58:22 PM »

Thanks Bill, just paid $160.00, good for five more years.

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2017, 06:29:28 PM »

Just received our rally packet today. It even included a Guide for First Timers. Very informative. We are getting excited.

WILDEBILL308 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 23, 2017, 07:59:40 PM »

Be shure to tell them you are first timers when you check in. I will be in the 50amp area with our local groupe The Red River Rovers. We have at least 15 coaches going.
Bill

ArdraF · « **Reply #25 on:** January 24, 2017, 04:28:19 PM »

We also signed up for the generator section. Is anyone going in during early entry?

ArdraF

WILDEBILL308 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 24, 2017, 05:40:00 PM »

We will stay at Silverado RV Resort in Mesa, AZ on March 4 & 5 and will be at the Rawhide Staging Area by 10 am on March 6, 2017. They want to park our group at the same time.
Bill

Ken & Sheila · « **Reply #27 on:** January 24, 2017, 07:21:00 PM »

Quote from: ArdraF on January 24, 2017, 04:28:19 PM

We also signed up for the generator section. Is anyone going in during early entry?

ArdraF

We are planning on Saturday. All the generator folks can meet in the holding area unless someone has a better location to meet.
Sunday is the first official day of parking, but they often will park folks early if they are ready.

ken

Dream Chasers · « **Reply #28 on:** January 24, 2017, 07:33:37 PM »

Quote from: Ken & Sheila on January 24, 2017, 07:21:00 PM

We are planning on Saturday. All the generator folks can meet in the holding area unless someone has a better location to meet.
Sunday is the first official day of parking, but they often will park folks early if they are ready.

ken

We are also planning on being in the holding area on Saturday. We have parking for Sunday for generator section. How do we find others to meet?

Ken & Sheila · « **Reply #29 on:** January 24, 2017, 07:58:18 PM »

Quote from: Dream Chasers on January 24, 2017, 07:33:37 PM

We are also planning on being in the holding area on Saturday. We have parking for Sunday for generator section. How do we find others to meet?

We can try to arrive approximately at the same time, I would vote for sometime before noon if everyone can make it.
Do you have a CB radio in the rig?
Don't worry, we'll figure it out.

ken

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Author Topic: FMCA Rally in Chander, AZ March 7-10, 2017 (Read 10687 times)