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RAMFEST 2016: ‘Whose house? Rams house!’

By Johnny Gomez

Posted on July 11, 2016

The So Cal Rams Booster Club’s 2nd annual RAMFEST took place this past Saturday, July 9. The event was held at Prado Regional Park in Chino, California.

The atmosphere of RAMFEST this year was more exciting than last year now that the feeling of anxiousness has dissipated with the Rams are officially home in Los Angeles. The sense of “Ramily” has strengthened, and it is evident with smiles all around and the glorious tailgates. It was paradise seeing all of the Rams flags, jerseys and just about any kind of merchandise imaginable. Best of all, it was a family setting, which made it a beautiful thing to see fans of all ages rejoicing over the return of the Rams.

Celebrating with the fans was past Rams greats like: RB Eric Dickerson, QB Vince Ferragamo, WR Harold Jackson, OL Kyle Turley, CB LeRoy Irvin and more. All of them were willing to pose for photos, sign autographs and some even joined tailgates. Who wouldn’t want to tailgate with Rams legends? Rampage, the Rams mascot, joined in on the action, and he was surprisingly difficult to get a picture with.

Raffles were held to win some incredible Rams swag, including autographed memorabilia, an ice chest, a bench, a mini-refrigerator and other goodies that I sadly didn’t win. It didn’t matter, because just being present was reward enough, and all proceeds went to plenty of great causes as well. The So Cal Rams Booster Club ensured that everyone is a winner by reminding all in attendance that the Rams are returning. It’s always nice to participate in their signature chant, “Whose house?! Rams house!”

The temperature was well over a blistering 100 degrees, but that didn’t stop attendees from having fun. How can you not have fun playing horseshoes or other tailgating games? There was a disc jockey and a live band. Also, you have not lived until you hear Ferragamo singing songs from the band Maná; “A” for effort, Ferragamo.

Anyone who lives in Southern California realizes that there isn’t just a drought of water, but in Rams gear too. Scavenging for Rams gear has been a real challenge, but vendors of all kinds were present that sold everything from jerseys, to t-shirts, to metal signage and concrete tiled benches. Best of all, they even had “fluffy friendly” sizes at reasonable prices. The struggle is real when it comes to that stuff, trust me.

As a Rams fan from the L.A. region, it was amazing to see a gathering on such a massive scale. Last year, it was estimated to have about 3,000 attendees, and this year about 5,000 attendees came to celebrate the return. We came with friends and family, but ultimately left with an expanded “Ramily.” I’m sad that it’s over, and can’t wait for next year’s event. Now time for some Rams’ football!