AUG 6-12 2017 - GOSHEN IN - FROG International

[Capt. Mike]

Originally Posted by RVBuff

We'll be first timers at the FIR this year. Could some of you veterans share a little info on what to expect--food, exhibits, entertainment, showers, what if we don't get full hookups, etc.
Many thanks and looking forward to it.

RVBuff,

There are about 260 FHU permanent sites at the fairgrounds. With nearly 800 rigs registered, obviously, not everybody will get FHU. Everybody WILL get water and electric hookups. In order to minimize the need for people to unhook and go to a dump station in the middle of the rally, Forest River pays a pump-out service to come in with a couple of trucks and empty everybody's holding tanks once during the rally...probably Wednesday, but it make take them two days to finish, so it might be Thursday before they get everybody finished.

In addition, there are a couple of restrooms with showers around the fairgrounds. Also, if you want to call the pump-out service for a second pump-out, you can (phone number will be available), at your expense. If I remember correctly, it was $25 for an extra on-site pump-out by the trucks last year.

As far as entertainment, there will be a concert on the outdoor stage on Friday night. There may be other entertainment on at least one other evening after dinner.

There are two buildings of vendors - probably 50 in all - selling everything from kitchen gadgets to RV bedding and mattresses to replacement/upgrade steps to you-name-it.

Forest River will bring in 35 or 40 new units for an RV show...and, yes, you can buy one right there at the fairgrounds.

All of the meals this year are catered by Nelsons, and they are VERY GOOD. Anything that you heard about last year's food being not very good - forget it. Nelson's has been the primary caterer at every FR International Rally except last year. You will be impressed with them. There are 4 dinners and six breakfasts, all served buffet-style. Lunches are NOT available at the fairgrounds, but some of the optional tours do include lunch.

Most of the temporary hookups that the fairgrounds lays out are 30 amp service, so if your unit requires 50 amp, make sure you have an adapter. If you get lucky enough to get in a FHU spot, you need to remember a few things: Most of the FHU spots have one hose bib for every two sites, so bring sa "Y" to connect two hoses. In addition, all of the sewer drops, hose bibs, and power pedestals are at the rear of the FHU sites. Extra sewer hoses, water hose, and an extension for your power cord MAY BE NECESSARY, depending on where your utility connections are on your RV.

Wi-fi is severely limited at the fairgrounds, so don't count on getting good (if any) service. There is no cable television service, and over-the-air television is somewhat limited. 3 or 4 stations, out of South Bend, if I remember correctly.

The GREAT part of this rally, however, is the friends you will make and the experience of attending one of the largest RV events you will probably ever attend. It feels somewhat like a county fair, an RV rally, and a big party, all rolled into one.

Relax, enjoy yourself, and have a great time.

[Capt. Mike]

Oh, and some of the FHU sites only have 50 amp service, so if you have 30 amp service in your unit, make sure you have a 50 amp male to 30 amp female adapter, as well as a 30 amp male to 50 amp female for the temp hook-ups.

[RVBuff]

Thanks Capt. Mike & Herk...That info will be very helpful. We would still welcome anything anyone else wants to add.

[RVBuff]

Thanks GL1800Rider for the link to Herk's tips.

[CTMDP]

Just an opinion, I sometimes think this thread should be more about Goshen, Indiana - FROG International Rally instead of count downs and many thank you to follow. I'm all for the count down but not the two pages of thank you. Information on this threads topic (past, present and future) is what I always look for which will make me more prepared to take this trip. I do believe TB is providing a great service and truly hope he continues to the day of the rally.

[dblr]

Thanks TB!!!!
There is a Goshen survival thread with lots of important info for the rally
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nds-88352.html
If you have any specific questions it might be best to ask or even try a search.

[SailorSam20500]

Here is a meat and potatoes question..

Since there is no one in the park before the rally, is it really necessary to call the fairgrounds to let them know if we want to come in before Sunday (but after the official earliest arrival date)? Or can we just show up and pay the fairgrounds for the extra days?

[Herk7769]

The 2017 Phrank-VA Memorial Countdown Thread is LIVE and STUCK

Post countdown related posts there:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...wn-133175.html


Thank you TB for continuing to keep Phrank's Memory alive.

Herk

As I understand it, you will need to let the Fairground know when you are coming in and pay the fees for the early arrival. They will notify Bob and the parking crew so we know to look for ya when you arrive.

[MartyQ]

Herk....
Check the link.

[Herk7769]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...wn-133175.html

Try this one. I made so many changes last night and moved the thread from my work space to the forum more than once. I may have copied an "old path" from an unrefreshed page.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

Here is a meat and potatoes question..

Since there is no one in the park before the rally, is it really necessary to call the fairgrounds to let them know if we want to come in before Sunday (but after the official earliest arrival date)? Or can we just show up and pay the fairgrounds for the extra days?

This post may can help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1470039

[richp]

Hi,

Thanks for splitting this thread from the countdown.

In the FR Rally FAQ, it mentions that some groups organized by brand might be parked together, but evidently it was not a sure thing.

Has any decision been made on this topic?

Thanks.

Rich Phillips

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by richp

Hi,

Thanks for splitting this thread from the countdown.

In the FR Rally FAQ, it mentions that some groups organized by brand might be parked together, but evidently it was not a sure thing.

Has any decision been made on this topic?

Thanks.

Rich Phillips

Last I heard parking will be "as assigned" and most areas will have mixed parking. Some, by virtue of shear numbers in attendance, will be mostly parked as a group. Even the Cedar Creeks will overflow the Track area this year, so it will not be possible to park even them as they have been in the past (Cedar Creek maintenance team will set up a satellite location in the track as a service depot).

As stated before, if you want to park with friends, plan on arriving together. Remember, if one of your group requires handicap parking, they alone will be in the handicap area; the rest will be parked in the area assigned.

[SYE]

Just a reminder, If you plan on drinking any alcohol there, you cannot buy it in Indiana on Sunday!!

[B and B]

Originally Posted by SYE

Just a reminder, If you plan on drinking any alcohol there, you cannot buy it in Indiana on Sunday!!

So bring a bottle of jack and case of Bud to tie you over or tie one on!

[lsauer1]

If they parked by brand, we would be lonely, as we are the only Reflection that comes to the rallies so far.

[SYE]

Originally Posted by lsauer1

If they parked by brand, we would be lonely, as we are the only Reflection that comes to the rallies so far.

So how does a Reflection get a spot at a Forest River rally as they are owned by Winnebago last I knew?

[lsauer1]

Nope. Reflection is a model that was produced 2000 to 2004 by Forest River. We just had ours painted and updated so we look all brand new. Come see us.

[SYE]

Originally Posted by lsauer1

Nope. Reflection is a model that was produced 2000 to 2004 by Forest River. We just had ours painted and updated so we look all brand new. Come see us.

Never knew that they made one called Reflection, just looked it up!!

[lsauer1]

It's a beautiful coach.