"Dakota Expedition" Daytime Entertainment

Convention-goers can expect plenty of good music and quite a few laughs during the August gathering in Minot.

By Doug Uhlenbrock
Associate Editor

Motorhomers who journey to the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot for FMCA's 74th International Convention August 15 through 18 will have plenty to do once they arrive in the "Magic City." They'll have hundreds of new motor coaches to tour, RV products to peruse, seminars to attend, and friends to meet. And, of course, FMCA will have plenty of entertainment for folks to enjoy. Besides the terrific evening entertainment lined up for the "Dakota Expedition" convention, attendees can expect a variety of musical and comedic acts featuring several longtime FMCA favorites, as well as a number of local performers, to help brighten each day.

Early arrivals can get a head start on the fun with longtime convention favorite Howard Cowles, L18517, who will bring his familiar square-dance calls to the Livestock Expo, Seminar 4, Sunday, August 14, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Howard has provided swinging good times at FMCA conventions for more than 35 years. It doesn't matter whether you're an accomplished dancer, a novice who'd like to learn, or someone who just enjoys watching; Howard's skillful calling and instruction will lead to a fun-filled evening for all who attend. Howard also will conduct his "Square Dancing And Line Dancing" seminar on Tuesday and Wednesday during the convention from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Seminar 4. He will appear in Minot courtesy of Coach-Net, C4055, and Fan-Tastic Vent Corp., C3077, each One Star sponsors, and FMCA.

All daytime entertainment will take place in the Coffee Hour area adjacent to the Commercial I building. The Daytime Entertainment Stage will be sponsored by Foretravel Inc., C236, an FMCA Two Star sponsor.

Kicking off the fun on Monday, August 15, at noon will be the  Treble Makers. This local women's group, which includes longtime friends Carol Schnabel, Tarryll Shomento, Shelley Norton, Janie Ripplinger, and Sue Thomas, will perform a selection of tunes from the 1950s and '60s — a cappella and with taped accompaniment — that are sure to raise your spirits and put a bounce in your step.

Taking the stage at 2:00 p.m. will be accordionist Jerry Schlag and guitarist Myron Dammen. Later in the day they will be joined by keyboardist Karen Rath to make up Karen & Fond Memories, which will appear at 6:00 p.m. The Minot area group, which has been together for 10 years, will impress with their selection of country and standard old-time songs. Expect plenty of polkas, waltzes, and two-step selections to get your feet moving.

Magic and laughter combine when Flakey The Magic Clown performs his "Magic Show For Kids Of All Ages" beginning Monday at 3:00 p.m. Flakey, better known as Henry Gartner, F197563, when not in makeup, has delighted FMCA audiences for years with his balloon creations and magic tricks. Flakey often asks members of the audience to help him with his act — with hilarious results — so don't be surprised if he chooses you. Flakey will perform again Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. following the Ice Cream Social. He also will entertain the youngsters at Youth Center registration on Monday, August 15, and at the Youth Center throughout the convention. Flakey will appear in Minot courtesy of Blue Ox, C2903, an FMCA Two Star sponsor.

If one of your favorite activities during FMCA international conventions is to tour the new motorhomes, you can check out the 2005 coaches and get a sneak peek at some of the 2006 models in Minot during the "Motorhome Preview" on Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the outdoor exhibit area. Plenty of bus conversions and production motorhomes in all sizes and price ranges will be open for inspection. In addition, don't miss strolling through the "Class C Area," a special display where type B and type C motorhomes will be garnering attention.

Next up will be one of FMCA's all-time favorite acts, Willie & Company, appearing at 4:00 p.m. Ventriloquist Peggy Miller — with the help of her sidekick, Willie — has spread smiles at FMCA conventions and rallies for more than 15 years. Willie & Company also will appear on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., courtesy of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., C1905, an FMCA Five Star sponsor.

Willie, the 6-year-old star of the show, is quite comfortable on stage and enjoys making the women blush, the men cringe, and the children stare in amazement. He possesses a quick wit, a soft heart, and a treasure trove of amusing stories to keep audiences laughing from start to finish. You'll be surprised how quickly you forget who's really doing the talking. Willie & Company even claims its own "fan club" chapter of FMCA.

At 5:00 p.m. Bill White will present his tribute to country superstar Jim Reeves. Bill, pastor at The Oaks Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, and Reeves' nephew, delights audiences with his smooth renditions of "Gentleman Jim's" classic songs, such as "He'll Have To Go." "Four Walls," "Welcome To My World," and "I Love You Because." Listeners also may be treated to several songs from Bill's most recent gospel album, "Singing The Story." If you miss him on Monday, be sure to catch his Tuesday performance at 10:00 a.m.

Beginning on Tuesday, August 16, start the remaining days of the convention off right with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and doughnuts, while quantities last, at Morning Coffee Hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., courtesy of Guaranty RV Centers, C4161, an FMCA Super Star sponsor. In addition, complimentary newspapers will be distributed at Coffee Hour by the Minot Daily News, an FMCA Five Star sponsor. Also, be sure to get the latest convention information by picking up a copy of the official FMCA "Dakota Expedition" newsletter, sponsored by Workhorse Custom Chassis, C8291, an FMCA Three Star sponsor.

While enjoying your morning refreshments each day, let FMCA's own Frustrated Maestros brighten the early hours with their lively, fun-filled performances from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. This eclectic ensemble, composed of members from various Frustrated Maestros chapters, has been a convention favorite since the original Frustrated Maestros chapter was formed in 1981.

Enjoy the musical comedy of Bernie & Red as they perform Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. You won't be able to control your laughter when this dynamic duo from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, dig into their collection of hilarious stories, parody songs, and original comedy tunes. But Bernie & Red's talents aren't limited to comedy; both are also fine singers, with Bernie accompanying on guitar. The couple will perform again Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. and Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday at noon, stop by the Daytime Entertainment Stage to witness the magical comedy of Blake Krabseth of Magic Touch Entertainment. Blake, who says that he earned his p.h.d. (person with a hyper disposition) from Hard Knocks University, will have everyone howling during his performance. The Minot resident has nearly 20 years of experience performing for conventions, parties, and other social events. By using audience participation and pointing out the humor that can be found in each person's life, Blake keeps everyone engaged throughout the presentation. He will return to the Daytime Entertainment Stage Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

Join the popular duo of Dave & Daphne at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to enjoy a high-energy musical performance. Blending country, gospel, patriotic, and even a little classical music into their show, Dave & Daphne captivate crowds with their versatility and rapport. Dave Salyer toured as Barbara Mandrell's lead guitarist for 10 years and has played alongside many other stars. His partner, Daphne Anderson, who has been described as a cross between Shania Twain and Patsy Cline, brings Southern charm, a fantastic voice, and a quick wit to the stage. If you should miss this show, Dave & Daphne also will appear Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

The Frustrated Maestros will perform again Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the always-popular Ice Cream Social, which will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Coffee Hour area. The group will play some old-time favorites as convention-goers enjoy their tasty treats, which will be provided by Aon Recreation Insurance, C95 (formerly RV Alliance America), an FMCA Super Star sponsor.

On Thursday at noon, join The Hattitudes, a singing group of 11 local women who also are members of the Red Hat Society, for an hour of upbeat music. Dressed in their red hats and purple dresses, they will perform a selection of Broadway classics and songs from the 1940s and '50s. The ensemble was formed three years ago when several ladies decided to serve the community by singing at different functions. After hearing about the Red Hat Society, they decided to make their singing group an official chapter of the organization.

FMCA Conventions, Minot 2005
www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot