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 onboard. 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.)

Traffic advisory information.  Viewers/readers/listeners in Minot and surrounding areas will notice RVs of all types and sizes arriving at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds as the attendees and exhibitors move in on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, August 11, 12, and 13. The area around the fairgrounds will be more congested than normal during arrival times.

The event is expected to have a positive economic impact on the surrounding area as tourists visit local attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, gas stations, and more.