Welcome to the 2019 Escapade!
Below, you’ll find lots of information to help make your Escapade experience even more enjoyable and memorable! You may want to bookmark this page in order to easily reference it as you make your Escapade plans.
Not sure what Escapade is? Head over to escapees.com/escapade to learn more about this annual event!
A special thank you to these 2019 Escapade sponsors!
What to know before you go:
A 1st Timer is someone attending Escapade for the first time. Not all 1st Timers are new Escapees. Each year there are attendees who have been Escapee RV Club members for many years, finally making their way to an Escapade, while others are new SKPs. Either way, we’re happy you’re here!
About a month before Escapade you’ll receive your parking permit and your E-ticket through email. We ask that you print these documents before arriving and display the parking permit in the lower, left corner of your windshield. Your E-ticket should be readily available when you arrive. These will help our parking crew know where to set you up for the week.
Plan to arrive with empty holding tanks and a full fresh water tank. If you’ve chosen to park in the Boondocking section, this may seem obvious. For those parking in the full hook-up section you may wonder why this is important. In a rally situation, when hundreds of rigs are parked together, it can be quite taxing on the fairground’s water and sewer systems. There may be situations when many people may be using water at the same time. It’s possible the pressure could be compromised. In those cases, having your water tank filled and being able to use from your own tank is very helpful. Arrive with your holding tanks empty for the same reason. Be considerate by taking some stress off the fairground’s sewer system.
Boondockers: There are 2 dump stations on-site in case you need one during your stay. We ask that you notify the parking or security team before you leave your site to dump. A pump-out service will also be available.
First off, there will be a lot of directional signs leading you to Escapade. As you drive into the fairgrounds, you’ll be greeted by our Parking Team. These folks are excited to be there and their enthusiasm shows! Their bright orange attire makes them easy for you to identify.
As mentioned above, your parking permit should already be taped on your windshield, and your E-ticket should be readily available to show to the Parking Team. The E-ticket lets the Parking Team and Customer Service know what days you’re registered for. If you are arriving early and need to make changes to your reservations, you’ll be directed to our Customer Service Team, who will take care of you before you’re parked. Most likely you’ll be arriving along with many other attendees, and the area gets very congested. Having your documents ready will help keep the line flowing smoothly.
A Parking Team member will direct you to your parking site and help get you safely parked. When you arrive a round sticker will be placed on your RV. These are removable stickers and will not leave a residue when removed. It must remain on your RV during Escapade. Each day, every RV is counted by the fairground’s personnel and Escapade security personnel. Please help us by leaving the round sticker on your RV during Escapade, and keeping your Parking Permit on the dashboard of your tow or towed vehicle
Once you’ve been parked, make your way to Registration. You’ll exchange your E-ticket for a Welcome Bag and identification badge. You’re expected to wear your identification badge at all times, as this is your official credential throughout Escapade and your “ticket” into all events, including coming and going from the fairgrounds. All buildings and gates will be monitored.
Did you know that Escapade is primarily run by an incredible team of volunteers? Near the Registration tables, you’ll find the Volunteer/Information booth. There you’ll find lists of volunteer opportunities and signup sheets. A few of the positions available are golf cart transportation, popcorn booth, hospitality clean-up, bingo, greeters, etc. Most of these jobs require just three hours of your time. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, and it’s fun too! If you enjoy volunteering and like what you see, you’ll have a chance to sign up to potentially be on staff for the next Escapade.
It’s a great way to preserve your memories of Escapade for years to come. Although it isn’t a requirement that you purchase one, it certainly adds to the fun if you’re wearing the event’s official gear.
Each day during Escapade, there’s a posted “color of the day”. Although you won’t have Escapade shirts for all those days, wearing the official color is one more way to join in the comradery. You’ll see our “Old Timers” showing off shirts from many previous Escapades. A few shirts and hats will be available for purchase at the Escapees Club Booth once you arrive, however they always sell out very quickly. It’s best to order online and know yours is waiting for you upon your arrival, rather than risk your size not being available.
Haven’t ordered your Escapade gear, yet? Snag your polos and caps here.
As we get nearer the start of Escapade, be watching your inbox for Escapade Extras. These are official e-newsletters with updates and important
information regarding ‘all things Escapade’. Once Escapade begins, you’ll keep receiving them daily, with notifications, reminders, updated information, and additions to Escapade programing. The Escapade Extras are also printed and will be available in Hospitality each day for your convenience.
In addition to Escapade Extras, we created an Escapade app exclusively for attendees. The app contains the most up-to-date schedule of seminars and other Escapade events, as well as important alerts, reminders, and more. Information on downloading the app will be included in your Escapade Extras emails.
We also have our Escapade Facebook group for those who are social media savvy. Attendees gather here in advance of the event to get to know each other, get to know our vendors and speakers, and share the excitement of Escapade! Once the event kicks off, the group is also a great place to organize impromptu gatherings, ask last-minute questions, and share information about lost and found items. Information on joining the Facebook group will be shared with you via Escapade Extras.
In other words, it is important to check your email for those Escapade Extras!
And, for those who prefer tangible maps and program guides, we have you covered, too! Upon your arrival at Escapade, you’ll receive a program book, which contains all the important information about Escapade, including the seminar schedule and detailed descriptions of each. You’ll also receive a handy little “pocket sized” guide, with a detailed map, social schedule, and a condensed listing of seminars.
Seminars & Discussion Panels
With nearly 80 seminars and discussion panels being presented throughout Escapade you’ll have a lot of information to absorb. All seminars last exactly an hour, and begin and end on time. Seminar rooms are climate controlled. It’s important to wear comfortable clothing and consider bringing a bottle of water
along. Some presenters will provide hand-outs and some won’t. It’s a good idea to have a pen and pad along for keeping notes. Since it’ll be impossible to attend every seminar, partners sometimes choose to “get more bang for their buck” by going separate directions and attending different ones and then discuss what they learned later.
Chapter, BOF, Park & Co-op ROW
In the early years of Escapade, The ROW was exactly as it sounds: representatives of various Chapters, BoFs and Escapee RV parks all parked together in a row and lined up tables in front of their rigs. Attendees came out to visit and learn all about these groups. The difference today is that The ROW has a dedicated space inside a building. Representatives still set up their information in rows and attendees can now comfortably visit and learn all about the various groups within the Escapees RV Club. You’ll want to make a point of visiting The ROW and get to know more ways to connect with Escapees across the country and throughout the year.
Socials
Organized socials and happy hours are a very popular tradition at Escapade. Socials take place in seminar rooms, beginning at 4:30 each afternoon. The social schedule is extensive and includes socials hosted by various BoFs, Chapters and other groups. Published socials are open to all attendees. Look for a listing in your pocket map, as well as on the mobile event app. You’re welcome to attend whatever social you have an interest in. It’s a great way to meet folks in a fun, relaxed setting. Socials are informal. There’s no need to dress up.
Wondering what to bring to a social? At most of the socials you’re invited to, you’ll be expected to bring what’s called your “set-up”. A “set-up” consists of the following: your own plates (paper is perfectly fine), utensils and napkins. You’re also generally asked to bring a beverage of choice for yourself and a snack or appetizer that can be shared with the group. The appetizer may be anything you choose to provide, and doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. It’s a good idea to arrive at Escapade with your social and/or happy hour snacks thought out, so you won’t be caught off guard and feel a need to rush off to the store for something. Some socials provide food, so your beverage and “set-up” is all you’ll need to bring. Occasionally there may be a social that provides everything. In that case, just bring yourself! All information regarding socials will be clearly stated so there’s no need to guess.
Happy Hour
Many times, informal happy hours spring up, with small groups of neighbors in the various parking areas. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to participate. RV Country (our exclusive RV dealer for Escapade) puts on themed happy hours with live music each day at 4:30. They provide everything. Their location will be
clearly marked on your maps.
The Escapade Market
The Escapade Market is comprised of some of the friendliest vendors in the RV community! Many of them are Escapee members and RVers
themselves, and truly enjoy being there. They offer a wide array of competitively priced products and services for you to purchase. The Escapade Market hours are Sunday, 9:00am – 2:30pm and Monday – Wednesday, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Feel free to visit the market as many times as you’d like. You’re sure to find something you need, or want to add to your “wish-list”.
Daily Entertainment
Read on to learn more about the entertainment we have planned for your week!
All Ages Photography Contest
In 2018, we hosted our first photography contest for Escapade attendees. We were blown away by the talent among our membership! For 2019, we are excited to expand this contest to include both adult and youth categories.
Want to share your talent with your fellow attendees? Head over to our contest page to learn more and find out how to enter.
Daily Entertainment
Each year, we work with our sponsors and local talent to book fantastic entertainment suitable for the whole family. We’ll keep you dancing and laughing each evening of Escapade with a variety of events!
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Escapade's Got Talent
Celebrate a successful week of community and education with our Farewell Fiesta!
Food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and so much more fill the streets as attendees enjoy a final evening together.
Thursday
You may have noticed we skipped a day. After three days of non-stop learning and socializing, we understand you may want some downtime! So, we encourage attendees to take enjoy a mid-week break to relax and recharge. This is a great time to restock supplies, maybe head out to try a local restaurant or brewpub, explore nearby trails, whatever you prefer!
A special thank you to these 2019 Escapade sponsors!
Wear your enthusiasm on your sleeve
Show your Escapade pride with your Tucson Turquoise gear! Official 59th Escapade apparel will be available for purchase at the Club booth in the marketplace, but in very limited quantities. Pre-ordering your shirts and hats will guarantee you get the sizes you want. All pre-ordered shirts and hats will be available for pick up at Escapade.
Educational seminars every day
With more than 80 educational seminars, classes, and workshops, there is something for everyone. Fascinating featured speakers, exhibitor presentations and interesting discussion panels offer a complete line-up to enhance your RVing knowledge and lifestyle.
Learn even more before and after Escapade
There is even fun for the kiddos!
Let's get cooking!
Every year, SKPs light their propane stoves, fire up the cooktops and get the Crock-Pots going to put their best chili recipe to the test. Contestants compete for the chance to become Chili Champion. You be the judge. Attendees not entering the competition are all eligible to judge the chili.
Beans or no beans? Texas- or Cincinnati-style? Play it safe with traditional recipes, or get adevnturous with new ingredients? It’s YOUR choice!
A special thank you to these 2019 Escapade sponsors!
There's more!
Tucson is a culturally rich city, steeped in true “Old West” tradition. Arizona is a virtual playground, with vast acres of unspoiled desert awaiting your exploration. With approximately 350 days of sunshine yearly, Tucson promises a warm Southwest welcome to Escapees RV Club and Escapade attendees. Make plans now to join your friends and fellow Escapee members at Escapade. Discover more ways to enjoy the freedom of the open road. Experience for yourself what Freedom Driven is all about!
Join one of our Head Out Program (HOP) adventures! Plan to extend your stay and participate in one or both of the Escapees HOPs being offered as a post-Escapade event. HOPs are a fun way to get out and see the local sights while enjoying the company of fellow Escapees. For more information about the post-Escapade HOPs, Click below.
Tucson and the Wild West HOP
Board a luxury coach with a local, fun and knowledgeable tour guide. Enjoy scenic views of the beautiful countryside of mountains and deserts, while learning about the rich western heritage of Tucson and the surrounding area.
Guns and Ammo HOP
This HOP will give you the opportunity to participate in safe gun-handling skills, in a competitive, yet friendly, environment.There will be two classes of competition, revolver and semi-auto.
A special thank you to these 2019 Escapade sponsors!
