For three days in July, the Pierce County Fairgrounds will be home to several motorhomes and trailers.

An estimated 35 motor homes and towable trailers, bringing anywhere from 70 to 80 people will come to the fairgrounds July 11-14 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ramblin’ NoDaks chapter of the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association).

According to chapter president Gene Grimm, of Hickson, an evening program will be held at Dakota Farms in which chapter members will eat, “re-live some of the memories of the last 25 years,” and have a dance with music provided by the Spin Doctor.

Other events during the visit will include a business meeting; club activities; and tours of various area sites, including the Prairie Village Museum, the Wind Farm, the Victorian Dress Museum and Towner’s Gunter Honey factory.

According to Grimm, planning for the event has “been under way for a year.”

The Ramblin’ NoDaks chapter has members from the Dakotas, Minnesota, Nebraska and the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The chapter was formed when the FMCA’s International office in Cincinatti, Ohio, contacted members living in and near North Dakota to gauge interest in forming a local chapter.

“That was a bit over 25 years ago, and the rest is history,” said Grimm.

From May to September, Ramblin’ NoDaks members participate in three-day rallies primarily in North Dakota, but also in Canada and South Dakota. Grimm said the rallies include touring local attractions and, when possible, correspond rallies with local celebrations and special events. In the winter, members staying in North Dakota gather for a Christmas party. Other groups of members have lunches in Texas and Arizona during the winter.

“If you enjoy people and the RV lifestyle,” said Grimm, “it is likely that you would enjoy membership in the Ramblin’ NoDaks.

In June, the Ramblin’ NoDaks paid a visit to the Dale & Martha Hawk Museum near Wolford.

The FMCA will also hold its 100th International Convention at the State Fair Park in Minot on Aug. 14-17. The organization expects approximately 3,500 RVs at the convention.