🎉 Rolling Rendezvous Rally

The dream of hosting a rally at the Lazydays RV Resort in Tampa has been a long-held aspiration for us, though it seemed lost forever when the property shuttered in 2023. However, the landscape shifted last year when the Hirsch family and Campers Inn RV acquired the dealership, breathing new life into the campground. Their subsequent invitation for us to host our inaugural rally there was met with pure ecstasy; despite it not being on our immediate radar, we embraced the opportunity with a resounding "yes". 

The logistical coordination began instantly as we sought a date that could accommodate all stakeholders. While we initially considered January to coincide with the Tampa RV Super Show, Lazydays was already at full capacity, leading us to pivot toward the autumn months. Florida's fall season offers spectacular weather, and we anticipated many travelers would be heading south for Thanksgiving. Ultimately, we secured Nov 12 through Nov 15 for the first-ever Rolling Rendezvous Rally.

Our focus then shifted to activity planning, where we aimed to depart from traditional seminar formats in favor of a "lovefest" centered on food, family, and the fun of the RVing lifestyle. We envisioned a weekend dedicated to connecting enthusiasts who share a passion for exploring this beautiful country. To set the tone, Patrice and I decided to kick off the festivities on Thursday with a vibrant dance party, featuring DJing and MCing right from the pool patio. This opening event is designed as an interactive introduction for our sponsors and attending fans, allowing everyone to build a community from the very start.

FRIDAY

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Friday morning serves as our official wellness kickoff. Hillsborough River State Park, a cherished local haunt of ours, is situated conveniently close to the Lazydays RV Resort. We have planned an invigorating one-mile morning hike along the scenic Hillsborough River to get everyone's blood pumping. This trail offers a front-row seat to Class 2 rapids and a diverse array of Florida wildlife, including ancient cypress trees and, with any luck, local alligators basking on the banks. The trek culminates at the iconic suspension bridge, providing a spectacular backdrop for a commemorative group photo. For those who prefer a less strenuous morning, vehicle access is available near the bridge so you can still join the party for the photo op.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: The early afternoon offers a choice between relaxation and high-tech exploration. You can choose to lounge by the resort's heated pool to soak up the Florida sun or engage in the Lazydays Scavenger Hunt. Kevin has meticulously developed a custom Geocache Adventure Lab specifically for this event, which guides participants on an interactive tour across the expansive Lazydays property—the largest RV dealership in the world. Completing this digital mission not only provides a comprehensive look at the facility but also enters you for a chance to win a prize.

3:00 PM – 5:30 PM: As the day transitions, we invite you to our "Sip and Shop" showcase held within the rally center. This curated experience features local artisans and specialized RV vendors. All of our valued "RV There Yet?" sponsors will be on-site to offer educational demonstrations of their latest products, answer your technical questions, and provide opportunities to purchase unique gear and handcrafted goods to enhance your mobile lifestyle.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Evening festivities begin with a culinary celebration outside the rally center. The Chief's Cantina food truck will be on-site serving up fresh tacos and enchiladas. We will then transition inside for a full-scale Mexican fiesta, providing a wonderful atmosphere for the entire "RV There Yet?" community to convene, share stories, and enjoy a communal meal.

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: To anchor our first full day, we have curated a Friday night kickoff concert that promises to be a highlight of the rally. We reached out to Nashville-based singer/songwriter Charlie Argo, who viewers will remember from our Season 4 episode. He is bringing his full band to deliver a soulful performance of country-blues music that is sure to captivate the audience. This marks the first time Patrice and I will experience his artistry backed by a full electric band, and we are absolutely thrilled to share this special performance with our fans.

SATURDAY

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: As dedicated college football enthusiasts, Patrice and I invite you to join us in celebrating our collective alma maters. While many of you recognize Patrice as a proud Nebraska Cornhusker and myself as a South Florida Bull from Tampa, we want to see your school spirit on full display. We encourage every rally participant to bring their team colors and transform their campsite into a creative collegiate-themed masterpiece for our decoration contest. Our morning festivities commence with a high-stakes College Football Bracket Challenge—pick the winners of our featured Top 10 games for a chance to win a significant prize. To truly capture the game-day atmosphere, a live marching band will perform to officially kick off our College Game Day celebration.

For those seeking an alternative to the football fever, we have curated two exceptional off-site excursions. A short drive will take you to Keel Farm and Winery, where guided tours are available for a more relaxed morning. Alternatively, adrenaline seekers can head to The Motor Enclave, just ten minutes from the rally, to participate in "The Adrenaline Experience" as featured on RV There Yet? TV.

12:00 PM: Our community comes together for a Tailgate Potluck Lunch. We invite you to bring your signature dish and share your favorite game-day treats as we celebrate the culinary traditions of college football.

1:00 PM: The competition intensifies as Patrice hosts the Burger Cook-Off Contest. Following the selection of contestants the previous evening, our chefs will face off before a panel of celebrity judges. The creator of the rally's best burger will be awarded a premium prize package provided by Magma Grills and Pinnacle Appliances.

2:00 PM: We will officially crown the winner of the Collegiate Campsite Decoration Contest, recognizing the most creative display of school spirit among our participants.

3:00 PM: The Campground Toss Championship begins to determine the premier "cornholer" of the rally. Join us as we start the beanbag tossing and crown our champion.

4:00 PM: Don't miss our commemorative group photo session. We will be providing printed copies of this keepsake for everyone, ensuring you have a permanent memory of the Rolling Rendezvous to display in your RV.

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Dinner features a local food truck specializing in authentic Barbeque. Prepare for a hearty serving of pork butt and ribs to fuel your evening.

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Join us in the rally center for a light and sound extravaganza. I have designed a custom laser light show that celebrates Season 5 of RV There Yet? through an America250 theme.

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: The energy continues in the rally center with a performance by a local band, providing the perfect opportunity to get your groove on.

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Our Saturday night main event features a Rock n' Roll Silent Disco on the lawn. Dancing under the stars, you will use wireless headphones to toggle between two DJs playing top dance hits. It is a unique and hilarious experience to witness the "madness" of a silent disco with your new friends.

SUNDAY

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: One of Patrice's absolute favorite activities involves spending time with animals, so we encourage you to rise early and join us on the expansive lawn outside the rally center for our inaugural goat yoga experience. Our local partners will be bringing these friendly goats to interact with us, providing a unique and joyful way to stretch out and prepare your body and mind for the final day of the rendezvous.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we want to hear directly from you on camera. We are hosting a feedback session in the rally center where our camera crew will be stationed to capture your honest thoughts on the event—what aspects you enjoyed, what could be improved, and any suggestions for future rallies. Our goal is to grow this annual gathering into the premier event in the RV industry, so please don't hold back your insights.

11:00 AM: Official Check-out time.

Throughout the entire weekend, the dedicated "RV There Yet?" camera crew will be in constant attendance, capturing every moment through professional photography and videography. This curated footage is slated for inclusion in Season 6 of the "RV There Yet?" television series on the Discovery Channel, so ensure you are ready for your national TV debut as we document our community's adventures.