Two dozen RV dealerships, 70 campgrounds and RV resorts, plus nearly a hundred purveyors of camping products and services will be featured at the 54th Springfield RV, Camping, & Outdoor Show next month at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., the Springfield Republican reported. The annual show spanning Presidents Day weekend typically draws more than 34,000 visitors.
The event is billed as “the biggest, oldest and best family RV, camping and outdoor show in the Northeast.” Exhibit space will occupy three buildings on the exposition grounds.
Jody and Debby Boucher of East Longmeadow chair the committee that lines up entertainers and speakers for the show produced by Pioneer Valley Chapter 8, North American Family Campers Association.
“We try to provide entertainment that will keep the little ones and the not-so-little ones happy.” Jody Boucher said. This year’s show will feature Shriner clowns, animal demonstrations, magicians and a professional yo-yo performer, “a little something for everyone,” Boucher said.
Mo Vandesteene of Becket, Mass., manager of Kampgrounds of America (KOA)Â campgrounds in Middleboro, Mass., and North Stonington, Conn., will again present seminars on “Workamping,” a program through which RVers can finance travel and camping adventures by working at campgrounds and RV resorts.
“I am going to stress this year how much campground owners and managers rely on work campers,” Vandesteene said. He’ll also talk about the “importance of having the right attitude and realizing that work camping can be, at times, a difficult work experience.” In the end, he wants potential work campers to know that “we need them as part of the team to ensure guest satisfaction and vacation value.”
Vandesteene said he has learned that most workampers “want to know ‘what’s the deal? How much does it pay? How much do I work?’ I give examples of all kinds of “deals” available out there as it varies campground to campground and owner to owner. I’ll let them know to read Donald Trump’s ‘The Art of the Deal’ before they hit the road.”
While Mo is presenting seminars, Beth Vandesteene will staff the KOA booth at the show. They will be promoting a “Spring Fling” at the KOAs they manage, Mo Vandesteene said. Scheduled April 22 through May 22, the “Spring Fling” offers a discounted price and allows campers to stay Friday and Saturday nights, depart late Sunday and leave their rig plugged in at their campsite during the week.
“Being among so many potential customers (at the West Sprngfield show) always plays out with added camper nights the following season at the campgrounds,” Mo Vandesteene said.
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