By Maria King, Founder/President Event Crazy and Grandmother Extraordinaire
As you may or may not know, I live in the Northeastern U.S. I love it. I have lived here all my life and although I get to spend time in other parts of the country on a regular basis, I still like to be home. It’s the trees and lakes, the beaches, the four seasons; the whole package. Now, having said all of that, does anyone want to come shovel this grandmother’s driveway?
That’s right, like many of you I am looking out my window at a great deal of snow and ice. Not a bad thing for me because I like it but it’s hard to imagine the focus of the events this week. I guess that’s the reason it is one of the biggest camping-vacation show weekends all year. You know like Chevy Chase in Christmas vacation looking longingly out his frost covered window at his imaginary new pool. (Forget the girl for this analogy please) Typically camping-vacation shows are front and center this time of year. One key reason is because all of us are looking out that window imagining summer activities or like me, trying to figure out how I might get my car out.
So for anyone looking forward to making plans for the summer, it’s time to dig out and get going. All over the country at shows, you can find some good ideas for summer activities, vacations and equipment to make those plans a reality. Big indoor shows are the order of the week. You might see custom buses and RV’s, boats, fishing and tackle equipment, pop-ups, camping equipment, sleeping bags, grills, propane heaters and after years of camping as a Girl Scout, I hope you will see numerous bug repellent products. It really is so much more that just what you see, it is a chance to get your family out into a nice warm environment for typically not a whole lot of money. These shows offer something everyone can enjoy. Even the kids will be pleasantly surprised at how high-tech the RV-camping-vacation industry has become.
As I mention routinely, this blog is to send you all a list of the featured shows this week. Most of you will be unable to attend these particular events however you will be able to find ones like it in your area. That’s what my job is here; to recommend some great event ideas for the upcoming week. And also to try to make someone out there feel as though they might want to come shovel my driveway! I will make cocoa!!!!
Jan 09, 2013 – Jan 13, 2013
I-X Center Cleveland, OH 44135
Since 1965, see over 600 recreational vehicles on display from 35 different dealers. Many campground, travel and retail booths for browsing and family entertainment.
46,000 Attendees
St. Louis RV Camping and Travel Show
Jan 09, 2014 – Jan 12, 2014
America’s Convention Center Saint Louis, MO 63101
Since 1978, features hundreds of RV’s on display and for sale. Includes motorhomes, fifth wheels, folding camping trailers, travel trailers, sport utility trailers, mini-motorhomes, van campers, truck campers and more. Plus informative seminars on RV travel, campgrounds, resorts, destinations and retail products.
19,000 Attendees
Northeast Recreational Vehicle and Camping Show
Jan 10, 2014 – Jan 12, 2014
Connecticut Convention Center Hartford, CT 06103
Since 1983, features 150 exhibitors with the latest in recreational vehicles, travel trailers, pop-up campers, camping supplies, accessories, campground and travel information centers. It is the ideal place for camping families who are looking to purchase their first RV, looking to upgrade their present RV or for the veteran camper to explore new camping adventures.
20,000 Attendees
Boat, Camping and Vacation Show
Jan 09, 2014 – Jan 12, 2014
RiverCentre Saint Paul, MN 55102
Since 1971, features daily seminars by some of the most renowned fishing and hunting experts, live trout fishing, stage shows and the latest in equipment and accessories.
70,000 Attendees
Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show
Jan 08, 2014 – Jan 11, 2014
Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO 80202
Since 1991, boaters will find great deals on the new model fishing and ski boats. Campers and RV travelers will find the latest models and special value pricing on motorhomes, camping trailers, 5th-wheels and tent trailers.
16,000 Attendees
North Carolina RV and Camping Show
Jan 10, 2014 – Jan 12, 2014
Greensboro Coliseum Complex Greensboro, NC 27403
Since 1990, features the latest in recreation vehicles and accessories by various dealers. Be prepared to enjoy a fun-filled and exciting sales event while taking advantage of Show-OnlyDeals on the latest RV Models. This show is where you want to shop for great deals on a wide variety of RVs, camping supplies and information. Check out the full line of new RV products at the show, Class A, B, C, motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, toy haulers and pop ups.
10,000+ Attendees
RV and Campgrounds Show
Jan 11, 2013 – Jan 13, 2013
Allentown Fairgrounds Allentown, PA 18104
Since 1961. Whether you’re interested in a pop-up camper or a Class A Motor Home, our professional dealers can help you with your choice. We believe we have some of the most friendly and most reputable dealers in the industry. Many of our dealers have been with us since the beginning. Our 60,000 square foot building is filled with wall-to-wall vehicles. In addition, we often utilize up to an additional 30,000 square feet outside to handle our dealer demand. Our show has consisted of at least twelve different dealers year after year, which has provided a large selection of vehicles for those attending the show. Many quality campgrounds, in addition to several other vendors are on hand to complement the show. An important draw is the Anderson’s Campground Distribution booth, where you can pick up information on over 100 campgrounds along the east coast. This show is a must for anyone interested in RV’s and camping.
Washington Camping RV Expo
Jan 10, 2014 – Jan 12, 2014
Dulles Expo Center Chantilly, VA 20153
Since 1986, The Washington Camping RV Expo has been fulfilling the needs of camping families in the metropolitan Washington DC area for many years. This RV show brings recreational vehicle dealers from Virginia, Maryland and several other states who show tent campers, travel trailers, 5th wheels, motorhomes, hi-line motorcoaches, truck campers and conversion vans in a variety of floorplans to meet every budget and camping style. What could be a better place than an RV show to explore exhibits featuring accessories, campgrounds and RV resorts, maintenance and service plans, insurance and financing? Expert campers are on hand to answer lifestyle or technical questions.
Knoxville RV Super Show
Jan 10, 2014 – Jan 12, 2014
Sevierville Event Center at The Wilderness at the Smokies water Park Sevierville, TN 37876
The Knoxville RV Super Show is your only chance to se an RV Show in the Smokey Mountain area. The show is held all inside the beautiful Event Center, covering over 125,000 sqft of space to include seminars, live music, Kidz zone, and over a mile of RV’s Motor Homes Travel Trailers Fifth Wheels Pop-Ups Van Campers VENDOR BOOTHS Everything from generators, storage lots, parts, campgrounds, accessories, trucks by RAM, finance, insurance, and tow equipment. This area has been greatly expanded from years past and should be a huge hit for the show.
10,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter
or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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