If you’re into strict semantics you might have been confused about whether you were at the Monaco International Pre-Rally or the Monaco Coach Corporation Western Come Home Rally or the Monaco International 20th Anniversary Celebration. If you’re not into semantics, you probably didn’t care that you were at all three because you were having such a good time.

The theme was “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and after all the confetti fell, it proved to be the most heavily attended rally ever put on by either Monaco Coach Corporation or Monaco International. Seven hundred and forty eight coaches flocked into the Oregon State Fairgrounds beginning August 9 and the party didn’t stop until Friday, August 13 – making it an “unofficial” weeklong rally.

In addition to the celebration of Monaco International’s 20th Anniversary, the rally marked the first time that Monaco Coach Corporation and the owner club have held a joint rally. The Rally Wagonmasters Bob and Babe Raymond said they were very happy with the partnership.

"Monaco jumped in with both feet and really started things off in style,” Bob said. “I think everyone enjoyed how they got things rolling.”

Bob was referring specifically to the “Welcome to the Rally” cocktail party on Monday night, where Sara Spicer, Page Robertson and many other members of the Monaco staff got behind the bar and schlepped drinks for the attendees.

“ They did a wonderful job,” Babe added. “That was great to see.”

Tuesday marked the official start of the rally and the day began with fantastic food, a theme that was carried through each and every meal. There was too much good stuff to name it all, but some of the highlights included apricot-filled French toast, champagne mimosas, blueberry pecan pancakes, filet mignon with béarnaise, grilled salmon with dill cream sauce, and triple chocolate cake with raspberry glaze. I’m sure many diets were momentarily derailed – I know mine was.

The Salem “Saturday Market” was also held on Tuesday, as local craftspeople and merchants set up their tents in the grass of Fountain Plaza and tempted rally-goers with homemade pie, handmade art, fresh vegetables and baskets of blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. The weather was definitely on the hot side of perfect, but it didn’t seem to stop anyone from getting out to walk around and talk to neighbors. Monaco International Club President Wilma Jean Alexander seemed especially set on making everyone feel welcome and could be seen touring the rally on foot and by golf cart, waving to passers-by.

Of course, craft classes of all types were available during the days, from painting silk scarves to creating wind devices and decoupage candles. And for those thirsty for technical knowledge, a steady stream of seminars poured it on. Just about every aspect of RVing was covered, as well as the latest technical gadgetry. I was lucky enough to sit in on the always-popular ladies driving seminar, presented by Monaco’s Steve Barth. Steve informed the class that he had his wife shave off all the gray hairs on his head the day before so they wouldn’t worry that their instructor was going gray prematurely. He also started with two helpful tips. The first: don’t scream. The second: limit the coffee intake. Steve said he learned these things at a previous rally when three of the ladies in his class were so giddy that—as their fellow student began to drive—they stuck their heads out the window and screamed, “We’re gonna die!”

Fortunately, Steve reports that all the driving classes at “The Ritz” rally went off without incident.

In addition to the many classes, seminars and vendor booths, there were also factory tours of the Monaco Coach Corporation facilities in Coburg an hour to the south, which provided visitors with a behind the scenes look at how their coaches are built. Back in Salem, the coach display was open daily so everyone could get a good look at the finished product - the 2005 model lineup.

The rally’s organization was impressive, especially considering the sheer number of coaches and activities. “The biggest part of putting it together is just making sure everybody gets parked in an orderly fashion,” said Bob Raymond. “After that, it’s all smooth sailing.”

“ That’s right,” Babe added. “Now it’s our time to party, too.”

For those in the mood to party, they didn’t have to look far at this rally. Every evening brought another round of drinks and entertainment. On Tuesday, it was a champagne social (Technical Publications Manager Vance Buell got a few laughs by asking if the folks he was serving were over 21) followed by a fantastic Neil Diamond Tribute band. Wednesday brought a keg party and the amazing “Magic of Dave Thomas” show. As Bob Raymond put it, “The magic show just knocks you right out of your seat.” Even Monaco staff got in on the magic. As Sara Spicer put it, “Page was the pretty showgirl that jumped out of the box.”

Thursday it was margaritas followed by the Rat Pack Review & Their 10 Piece Band, and Friday brought—you guessed it—another keg party and the prize drawings for new coach owners. On top of all that, from Wednesday through Friday Sharon Budd held line-dancing classes at the FFA Pavilion. Toss in an ice cream social, the ladies fashion show, golf and a classic car display at fountain plaza and you’ve got more than enough activities for 1,500 people.

Whether you tried to do as much as possible or set a more mellow pace, it did seem like there was something for everyone. Maybe, like Norma and Dick Curry from Moses Lake, Washington, you just enjoyed “watching all the characters.”

There were certainly many to watch. In Bob Raymond’s opinion, the rally’s great attendance was a testament to the feeling of family that so many club members and Monaco owners feel for each other. He pointed to club members Keith and Irma Abel as an example. Keith had just come out of a serious shoulder surgery, but wouldn’t let it deter him from making the rally and made the drive to Oregon with one arm in a sling.

“ He said the only tough part was when he had to make all those tight turns to park,” Bob said, shaking his head and laughing. “Those people are jewels.”

At the end of the day, Bob said it’s good friends and good times that make rallies like “The Ritz” worth the year of planning that is necessary. “It’s worth it,” he said. “When people are happy, that’s the biggest reward you get.”

From all the smiling faces I saw, this rally must have been very rewarding.