This year our family, along with our friends the Andersons, co-hosted Fulltime Families, Canada RV rally. It was a week-long of potlucks, activities, and competitions. Everyone, especially the kids, had a blast!
The Rally
The rally kicked off on Monday, Sept 9, in Mattawa, Ontario with an opening ceremony. There was a teen and tween meet and greet. Then later in the afternoon we had a parade of homes. This is where attendees are encouraged to open up their RVs for everyone to see. It’s always interesting to see how everyone sets up and customizes their rigs.
There was also a day where families went into the town of Mattawa and explored some local history. And afterward everyone gathered at a local chip stand for some poutine.
Beach Fun
This year the theme for the FTF Canada RV rally was the beach. Sid Turcotte Park, where the Canada rally is held, sits on the Mattawa River. The RV park has 2 beaches, diving platforms, and other beachy features. During the rally, we also hosted beach and water activities for the attendees. These included buoyancy activities, a water safety seminar, and the big event of the rally, a boat-building contest.
Just Sit Right Back And You’ll Hear A Tail…
Families were encouraged to build their own boat or raft during the week. They could be constructed out of anything the family had with them or could come across at the campground. It was really fun seeing what everyone came up with. We constructed a sort of catamaran out of our 2 kayaks and some pieces of our old awning that got destroyed this summer.
Race Day
Our original intention for building the boats was to have a race on Saturday on the Mattawa river. Awards were also slated for design and buoyancy. With a trophy being awarded to the family that got the wettest on their boat. Unfortunately, the race had to be cancelled due to high winds. But we were all able to put our boats in the water to prove that they “floated” and have our judging.
The Finale
Saturday evening also saw a catered Peameal bacon sandwich meal for everyone with side dishes be supplied by the rally attendees. It was a delicious final meal of the FTF Canada RV rally. Introducing everyone to some authentic Canadian food.
All in all, the rally seemed to be a big hit. It was many of the families first rally and everyone said it would not be their last.
