It is with regret that I must once again announce that we must cancel our Western Area Rally for 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic was in full swing when we had to cancel our rally for 2021. Since then, things improved greatly with the distribution of vaccines to combat this virus. Through the year everything was looking positive and we had great optimism to be able to once again have our rally in Indio. While we were marching along with preliminary work for the rally (preparing a budget, getting program artwork done, working on filling vacant captains’ positions, etc.) a couple of things occurred that were not foreseen. First was the surfacing of the “Delta Variant” of the Corona Virus. In case you didn’t know, throughout the pandemic, the fairgrounds in Indio have been used for Covid testing, vaccination and patient treatment. It is also designated a Federal Medical Station (FMS) which involves using one of the fairground buildings (one that we use for seminars) to stockpile medical supplies for emergency use. We had thought all of this would end sometime in late summer. Instead, we have learned that Riverside County Public Health will not release the fairgrounds until the end of November at the earliest. This is due to the onset of the delta variant and the coming fall/winter seasons which will bring people back indoors with the CDC anticipating that Covid cases will be increasing. Another thing that no one anticipated was the move by Riverside County to put the fairgrounds up for bid for a business to assume management and operation of the fairgrounds. They put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) on the fairground’s website with the submission deadline of August 26^th. We have no idea how long the selection process will take or when they will take over management of the fairgrounds. We would have to enter into a new contract with the winning company for use of the fairgrounds. Any contract we enter into must first be reviewed by FMCA’s legal staff. We cannot accept a contract proposal without FMCA legal approval. As you can well imagine, there is no way all of this can be accomplished in time to have our rally or if we can even get acceptable terms with the new management.

On a personal note, this month marks the start of my 2^nd year as your WMHA President and FMCA National Vice President. My main goal was to grow our Indio rally and reverse the downward attendance trend. There were several indicators to show we were well on our way. Instead, I have had the unfortunate task of having to cancel our rally, twice now. This was not how I envisioned my term as your president. I have received many words of encouragement and support from the Western Area as well as FMCA. I want to thank everyone for hanging in there as we work through these trying times.

Bob Golk
President, WMHA

In order to have a successful Indio Rally every year, we need volunteers to fill over 50 Captain positions. We presently need members to step up and fill the following Captain positions:

Debbie and I wish everyone in the Western Area a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Although these are very trying times I hope everyone is making the best of the season and able to spend time with family and friends safely.  We were so looking forward to seeing everyone in January at our Indio rally.    Here is to hoping 2021 will bring an end to this awful pandemic and we will all once again be traveling and enjoying the RV life style.  Stay safe, stay healthy and looking forward to seeing everyone once again.

Bob & Debbie

Here is the latest COVID Waiver required for all FMCA Rallies, instructions for use are in the document.

Download FMCA Chapter and Area COVID Waiver