The Xscapers Annual Bash 2022, held at the SARA Rodeo Grounds in Lake Havasu City, was jam packed with activities to suit just about everyone in attendance, all 575 of them.
After attending Bash 2019, I figured that was it; we had reached the pinnacle of how awesome an event could be. Bash 2020 proved me wrong again, but surely that was the Convergence to top all Convergences—nope!
2022 Annual Bash once again proved otherwise.
Xscapers Annual Bash Is Always an Incredible Party
Under the bright lights of the ferris wheel (that’s right, a ferris wheel), we kicked off the event with our yacht party. Attendees dressed in their yachting best and rocked out to the music of Yachty by Nature, a nautical-themed rock band out of southern California. In the later hours of the night, DJ Seanboy took the stage and spun tunes for the people gathered at the bonfire and kept them dancing well into the night.
Sunday saw the always popular bloody Mary bar and competition, as well as the Xscapers Marketplace, where many of our talented members were able to showcase their crafts, talents, and services. The Xscaper’s very own Dave and Jacquelin of The Border Hookups, took the gazebo stage to play an awesome set during the day’s activities.
During the work week, the mornings were filled with yoga, meditation, exercise classes, and group dog walks. The communal workspace at center camp hosted a mix of attendees utilizing the event wifi and open-air work environment. Each afternoon was filled with educational seminars and community talks focused on topics that were relevant to the working-aged RVer. Presentations ranged from tips on how to travel to Alaska, Canada and Mexico to tax considerations for RVers. Xscapers members Lezlie Garr #137035 and Camille Attell #131221 both hosted remote work seminars. Camille educated us on remote work options in a post-pandemic world, while Lezlie told us how to find and land the remote job of our dreams as a full-time RVer. Erik McCauley #130935, of Mobile Must Haves, shared his wealth of knowledge, regarding mobile Internet solutions, and the RV Geeks gave us pointers on how to become entrepreneurs while living the RV lifestyle.
The week’s evening events also had much to offer. The now infamous Xscapers Lot Crawl took the attendees on a long walk around each of the parking sections where fellow members shared food and drinks while offering tours of their rigs. The new addition of Party Bingo was a hit, complete with fun crowd interaction and awesome prizes for the winners! Another first this year was the Chill Space. This popular addition was created by Arlo and Lisa Kipfer #146121 for adult attendees who wanted a more laid-back party experience. The ever-popular Dueling Pianos returned for a riotous evening of singalongs and dancing, and our very own Xscapers blew the roof off the B.A.T on the night of Xscapers Got Talent. The Status Crowes took to the event trailer stage on Friday night and, once again, proved why they have an ever-growing gaggle of Xscpaers groupies.
As the work week ended, the energy at the Bash shifted from work and responsibility to full on party-time debauchery! Starting late in the afternoon on Saturday, bash attendees slowly started to trickle out of their rigs wearing the best and brightest neon attire. As the sun went down, the glow sticks and light up gadgets came out. The rambunctious evening was headlined by LyteBryte, a band out of Las Vegas, whose light-up costumes, high energy and exceptional talent were a hit with the crowd. Afterward, as the band exited the stage, the Boom Bandits did what they do best and cranked out the dance music well into the wee hours of the morning.
This Bash was definitely one for the record books, in more ways than just the education and entertainment. We had a record number of volunteers step up this year to help make this event possible. These Xscapers helped with multiple tasks, including parking organization, tent and trailer set up, attendee registration, mail room operations, trash and recycling, and so much more. Arguably, even more incredible, a silent auction was held during the week and raised a whopping $6200 for Escapees CARE program, and an additional $1000 was raised in tips from the bar, which was another aspect of the event run entirely by a volunteer staff all week long.
For those who have never had the pleasure of attending an Xscapers Annual Bash, you will not find an experience like this anywhere else in the RV world. I promise to continue keeping the unique experience of this event alive for many Bashes to come.
Author
Hollie Parks - Xscapers Convergence Director
Hollie is a US Navy veteran who became accustomed to constantly being on the move. Any significant amount of time in one place made her restless and looking for a new adventure. After graduating college, it seemed to be a natural progression to become a full-time RVer. Hollie and her husband have been on the road since 2017 and have been active in the Xscapers community ever since and eventually became lifetime members of Escapees.
After hosting the 2020-2021 Winter Home Base in Galveston, TX , Hollie found an even deeper passion for this club. She now moves around the country in her RV organizing Convergences for her fellow Xscapers.
