WHEEL LIFE : Somers set to perform at summer RV rally
Entertainer Suzanne Somers is the star headliner for opening night at The Rally (formally the Great North American RV Rally) next summer in Redmond, Ore.
The multifaceted Somers was first seen more than 30 years ago as the mysterious T-Bird driving blonde in George Lucas’ cult movie classic “American Graffiti.”
Since those years she has evolved into a best-selling author, health maven and nightclub performer who has dazzled audiences from Las Vegas to Monte Carlo.
It’s that solo song and dance act that she is bringing to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds July 19, according to Bev Dalton of the Affinity Group Inc., organizers of The Rally.
“She was really gracious and looking forward to coming,” said Dalton on Thursday from her office in Ventura, Calif.
Other confirmed entertainers are singer Gary Puckett of The Union Gap fame and Grammy Award winner BJ Thomas on July 20; contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in July 21; and Ticket to Ride – A Tribute to the Beatles on July 22.
Upward of 4,500 RVs of all kinds, from tent trailers to luxury coaches, are expected to form a temporary encampment for The Rally.
“We have more than 1,000 rigs registered already,” says Dalton. “We are ahead of where we were at this same period the last time we were in Redmond.”
That was back in July 2005 and it one heck of a big party.
During that week about 10,000 RVers (approximately the population of Cheney) roamed the fairgrounds poking their heads into 1,000 late model RVs, meeting lots of new friends, learning from dozens of RVing seminar experts and attending such activities as the enormously popular and funny fancy dress dog show.
According to planners, this is the only national rally opened to everyone in the RV population. You don’t need to have a certain type or make of recreational vehicle in order to attend, or for that matter, even own an RV.
How much?
The Rally’s Web site lists prices for both dry camping and electric hookup spaces. The cost also includes admission to all seminars and exhibits, the various daytime activities and the evening entertainment.
If you register before April 10, prices for July 19 to 22 are:
“Dry camping – $149 for an RV with two adults; $139 for solo adult.
“Spaces with electric hookup – $319 for a rig with two adults; $299 for one RVer.
The cost goes up by $20 on April 10.
Because many RVers want to spend a couple of extra days in Central Oregon, there are accommodations at the fairgrounds for Early Bird Days, July 17 and 18.
“Two days dry camping – $30.
“One day dry camping – $15 (July 18 only).
“Two days electric hookup – $70.
“One day electric hookup – $35 (July 18 only).
“The most important thing for potential guests to know,” says Dalton, “is that if they buy both Early Bird Days they are guaranteed on-site parking.”
Because of the popularity of the event in 2005, many rigs were parked in satellite sites around Redmond and were shuttled into the fairgrounds.
For folks do not own an RV, but would like to attend the event, there is a special Rally Passport that runs $69 per person for July 18 to 22. This gives access to all activities, including entertainment and seminars.
There are also one-day passes for $10 each, but it does not include access to seminars and the star-studded evening entertainment.
Information
“To learn more about The Rally, call toll-free (877) 749-7122 or visit www.rv.net/rally.
“Suzanne Somers’ Web site is www.suzannesomers.com.
“The Affinity Group, Inc., companies include Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines, Good Sam Club, Camping World President’s Club, Coast to Coast Resorts and Woodall’s Publications, www.affinitygroup.com.
Fall RV 101 classes
It’s time again for the RV classes being offered through the Spokane Community Colleges’ Institute for Extended Learning.
Taught by local RV technician John Morrill, both classes meet one-time only for three hours at Sullivan Square, 15402 E. Sprague Ave., suite 12, in Spokane Valley. Each class begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $23.
“The RV Basic Training class is scheduled for Nov. 1 (course number L127).
“The RV Care and Maintenance workshop gives a better understanding of how your RV works. It is offered on Nov. 8 (course number L129).
Both classes include handouts. Advanced registration is required. Call (509) 279-6000 to register by phone, or stop by in person at the IEL office, 3305 W. Fort George Wright Drive weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.