THE COACHES ARE COMING; THE COACHES ARE COMING

HARRINGTON, DE - September 23, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dated material: Do not run after 10/11/04

Rome may not have been built in a day; however, a small city will form almost overnight at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. During the first two weeks of October, as many as 1,200 coaches will visit the fairgrounds as the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) holds the Greater Eastern Area Rally (GEAR) in Harrington.

According to the Fair's director of rentals, Ken Andrejak, Harrington is the furthest north location for the eastern rally. In recent years, the group has convened in Asheville, North Carolina. The FMCA has more than 460 chapters, or subgroups, organized by geographic location, and the FMCA boasts that their area rallies are "sources of innumerable good times and unforgettable memories". Each of FMCA’s 10 areas holds an annual rally, where members gather to socialize, view exhibits, attend seminars and enjoy quality entertainment. According to FMCA, "The fellowship, camaraderie, and information exchange inherent in these get-togethers is central to the very being of the organization."

"This is an exciting event for us," states Tricia Southard, public relations and marketing director for the Delaware State Fair. "We've been informed by the GEAR association that their visit to Harrington could have upward of a $2 million positive impact to the city and adjacent communities." Southard added, "Our visitors tend to exhibit behaviors as both a tourist and a homeowner--eating dinner out and shopping for items for their coach. We will be doing our best to alert local businesses to the potential influx."

As a salute to the First State, the GEAR association invites the public to join them on Wednesday, October 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for a free patriotic pageant called "One Nation Under God". The pageant is a theatrical presentation of the development of our country and our flag. As the story unfolds, individuals in period dress present flags that have flown over every significant event of our nation's history.

GEAR also invites the public to visit the Delaware State Fairgrounds October 7 - 9 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. as they host a tradeshow with display coaches, dealers, and vendors; admission is $5.00.

For more information, or to register for the event, please visit http://fmca.com/areas/eastern/ea_2004.asp or contact Woody or Jean Miller at (800) 544-7062 ext. 687.###