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GOOD SAM RALLY / PHOENIX, AZ
www.phoenixinternationalraceway.com
Summary:
The Good Sam Rally was held at the Phoenix International Raceway and we both felt this was an interesting backdrop for this event. The actual rally was held in the center of the track. There were 300 booths in the Vendor's Tent with everything you didn't know you needed but now couldn't live without. There were constant Seminars to choose from all day...every day... at no extra cost. A tent with an offering of live music...non-stop... if you would like to rest from all the hubbub. I missed the 'Dog Fashion Show'...and if you know me...you know I was disappointed! (Excitement: They had to extricate a snake that wandered into the Rally. Hopefully he was taken back to the desert where he belongs.) There was a huge RV Show. (They allowed individuals to test drive, any RV they might be interested in, around the race track....let me tell you...that was a strange site!) Then there were gift cards to Campers World and Flying J given away the first night...I'm talking gift cards for $1000 and up each!...nice surprise for many Good Sam Members! All life time members that had belonged to Good Sam for over 30 years (and there were many) each family received a $5000 Flying J gift card. If it was your birthday (maybe a dozen people responded) you received a $500 gift card. The crowd was stunned...and happy!
Highlights/Thursday thru Sunday
Thursday Evening:
Bowzer's Rock N'Roll Party www.bowzerparty.com . The desert evening air made a gentle breeze that cooled things off and we relaxed and were well entertained this first night by this 60's era singing group. Bowzer even threw in a little 'high end' piano...he said he had classical training from childhood. There was impromptu audience participation and lots of spontaneous laughter. We were off to a good start for the weekend!
Friday Morning:
I have found the Cadillac of bike paths!!! The Phoenix International Race Track all to ourselves, except for the occasional RV!!! We rode around to our heart's content. photos below
Friday Noon:
We took some time out from the Rally to visit Reuben and Pauline Deerhake. The Deerhake's are from our area and moved to Phoenix upon retirement, about 27 years ago. They celebrated their 65th Anniversary recently...I'm impressed with how young they seem...this is a very active couple. Reuben showed us around Sun City West's recreation and crafting facilities while Pauline put the finishing touches on lunch. We sat and talked for some time after a delicious meal...eventually said our goodbye's and headed back to the Rally. photos below
Friday Night:
Bill Cosby was this evening's entertainment and he kept the crowd of thousands of people in the palm of his hand. He entertains while feeding you wisdom...Bill always has a point to make, you know.
Saturday Night:
Even though neither of us are big country music fans, we still enjoyed Martina McBride's show!She sung her heart out and we were very impressed!
Sunday Morning:
Good Sam always offers an Interdenominational Church Service for their campers. It was good to see the attendance was very high.
Sunday Evening:
Beatles tribute band called Ticket to Ride was Sunday evening's entertainment. It was a pleasant way to wrap up a full Good Sam weekend!
