The Pierce County Fairgrounds filled with RVs as the North Dakota chapter of the Good Sam Club made its second consecutive summer visit this week.

Along with the camaraderie of gatherings for games, suppers and concerts, the Good Sam RV Club also has a lot to do with traveling.

Every two years the North Dakota chapter chooses a new location for its annual Samboree, but leaving Rugby will be bittersweet. The club will be in Valley City for 2015 and 2016. Rugby will be a tough act to follow.

“It’s overwhelming, the people here,” said Daral Kankelfritz, of Fargo, the state chapter’s merchandiser. “They’re just so friendly. They’re not afraid to talk to you. The food is good. We ate at the (Coffee) Cottage. … I like the area because it’s central.”

Nearly 80 registrants made their way into the Geographical Center this week and RVs quickly filled the Pierce County Fairgrounds. Club members played games in the fairground’s community building, took tours of local businesses, listened to bands and more.

“From my point of view, the community has risen to new heights working with me to create new seminars,” said Luther School, chapter director.

Donna Whetham, of Wilton, joined the chapter in 2013, but is taking part in her first Samboree in Rugby.

“I thought your little shops downtown were amazing and fun,” Whetham said. “I’m totally enjoying the Samboree too. I’ve just signed up for so many activities, I’m afraid I won’t get to them all.”

Whetham doesn’t live far from a bevy of shopping options in Bismarck, but raved about Rugby’s variety of shopping.

Activity picked up Wednesday with bean bag toss and pinochle tournaments in the morning. The Rugby Lions Club hosted its Lions in the Park at the fairgounds that evening.

Thursday’s activities included a seminar on Alzheimer’s, seminar on Avon by Cindy Schaan, seminar on public safety by Luis Coca and evening music by Mylo Hatzenbuhler.

Friday’s activities included a golf tournament, tour of Iberdrola Renewables wind farm by Neal DeWitz, seminar by Pilot/Flying J from Knoxville, Tenn. Other tours included Prairie Village Museum, Marilyn Niewoehner’s dress museum and embroidery shop, i design and both quilting shops.

Today’s Good Sam activities include a tour of Highway 2 Collision and entertainment by a Minot band. A church service will be held Sunday.

Members expressed great appreciation for the fire department and Otter Tail for setup assistance, and many businesses and individual citizens for their hospitality and seminars.