If you have not yet made your reservations for the RV event of the year,
do so as soon as possible. The Rally 2007 in Redmond, Oregon, hosted by
Affinity Group Inc. and its affiliates, promises entertainment,
education, camaraderie and fun, all in a glorious setting. Spread out
across the 132-acre Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, in Oregon’s
high-desert landscape, the site is just 15 minutes from Bend, a city
renown for its outdoor activities.
This four-day gathering of “everything RV” runs from July 19 through
July 22, with an early-bird option, and features hundreds of motorhomes
and trailers from dozens of manufacturers. For those thinking of a new
RV, this is a great opportunity to check out different models
first-hand. In addition, the almost-limitless number of exhibitors will
be featuring everything from generators and air conditioners, to copper
bracelets and candy corn.
More than 150 seminars — about 50 per day — are scheduled for
the event. RV experts from around the country will share their
knowledge of electrical systems, digital photography, healthy cooking,
caravans and more.
Of course, what would an RV rally be without fun and frivolity?
The always-popular Dog Show is on the list, as is the exciting attempt
to break the World Record for “Largest Whoopee Cushion Sit.” More
serious entertainers appearing on the big stage include TV-icon Suzanne
Somers, Gary Puckett and BJ Thomas, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Ticket to
Ride — A Tribute to the Beatles.
A number of colorful and historical optional tours are being offered;
among them are a trip on the Mt. Hood Railroad, a visit to the Deschutes
Brewery and an exploration of Shaniko Ghost Town & Fossil Beds.
These tours are very popular and do sell out quickly, so check out The
Rally site today for reservations, prices and details: www.therally.com.
And for those RVers lucky enough to combine The Rally with a
vacation to the state so famous for its beaches and beach campgrounds,
consider a drive along Highway 101 with stops at Coos Bay and Florence,
in particular. Inland, a visit to Smith Rock State Park, a dramatic area
of compressed volcanic ash, offers great views and hiking trails. A
rafting journey on the Deschutes River promises wild adventure for the
more daring, and a trip to the Pine Mountain Observatory 26 miles
southeast of Bend should appeal to stargazers. Oregon, home to Mt. Hood,
Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Bachelor, also boasts fertile fishing; two areas
to consider are the Billy Chinook River and Prineville Reservoir. And
not to be overlooked are the plethora of golf courses, ranging from easy
to championship, throughout the state.
For more general information: www.oregontourism.com.
