Article Options

A rally of RVers: National association celebrates 16th annual camping week

By Laura Chapman, The Southern

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:52 PM CDT

SPARTA - Hundreds of travelers paved their way to Sparta this week as part of the National African-American RVers Association, Inc.'s 16th annual camp rally.

The rally, which began Sunday and ends Sunday, is expected to draw between 300 and 400 RVers to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex north of Sparta, said Elbert Smith of Dallas, first vice president of the association.

Many attendees have been coming since the association began 16 years ago, Smith said, making the yearly rally an opportunity to see old friends.

"It's a big family reunion," he said.

Although many came early, the crowd is expected to pick up significantly on Wednesday, when the official opening ceremony begins at 7 p.m.

Numbers for this year's rally are expected to be less than previous years - when as many as 1,000 would attend, Smith said.

Recent gas increases have kept some people from taking as many road trips, keeping some people from this year's rally, he said. For Smith, staying home wasn't an option, despite the high travel expenses.

"We're gonna come regardless because, hey, this is what we like to do," Smith said.

Although gas prices make travel more difficult, Clarence Dailey of St. Louis said getting out on the road was still an important part of life, but means making some travel cutbacks.

"You don't go as far, but you still go," he said.

Sparta Mayor Rob Link, who was visiting the rally Monday afternoon, said it had been a good experience to work with the association and hopes they'll consider having a future rally in Sparta.

"We're extremely pleased to have them in town, not just for us, but for the whole area," Link said.

Another part of the rally is to offer informational sessions, which teach attendees about issues such as health care and money management, said rally co-chairwoman Gloria Shelton of Cincinnati.

"There will be a world of things for people to learn," she said.

In addition to the sessions and activities for adults, the rally also offers a children's program, she said.

Although the rally is designed as a fellowship and educational opportunity for association members, anyone can attend, Smith said.

"If you do one, you'll come back to another," Smith said.

- Dave Taylor contributed to this report.

laura.chapman@thesouthern.com  

351-5816