Educational seminars, vendor displays and a strong sense of community permeated the large crowds at Escapade 2026, taking place through Thursday, June 19, at the Fryeburg (Maine) Fairgrounds, presented by Escapees RV Club and Harvest Hosts.
Attendees flocked to a wide variety of educational seminars covering topics ranging from battery maintenance and RV electrical systems to medical evacuation services and finding the best places to stay while traveling. Several seminar sponsors even offered complimentary lunches, helping attract strong attendance throughout the day.
Business was brisk in the vendor area as more than 1,200 RV enthusiasts explored displays featuring over 40 brand-new RVs from Brinkley and Jayco, showcased by Pete’s RV Center. Visitors spent hours touring the latest models and examining innovative floor plans designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s RV travelers.
The pet-friendly atmosphere remained one of the event’s most visible attractions. Hundreds of RVers were seen walking dogs of every imaginable breed across the fairgrounds and enjoying the spacious on-site dog park.
Monday’s clothing theme, “Hometown Colors,” produced a colorful display of sports apparel from across the country. Since Escapade attracts RVers from nearly every state, football jerseys representing NFL teams and major college programs were common sights throughout the grounds. Several attendees proudly wore jerseys honoring Tom Brady, including both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers versions.
Physical activities also proved popular, with pickleball, line dancing and disc golf drawing enthusiastic participation throughout the day.
One of the most talked-about moments came when Harvest Hosts and Escapees CEO Joel Holland personally volunteered as a golf cart driver, transporting attendees between their campsites and activity areas across the sprawling fairgrounds. Many RVers were pleasantly surprised to find themselves chatting with the organization’s chief executive while catching a ride.
Evening entertainment was provided by the dueling piano group “Keys to the City,” whose interactive performance had audience members singing along and actively participating throughout the show.
The event continued on Tuesday with Community Day, where members of the general public were invited to attend free of charge. Visitors had the opportunity to browse vendor exhibits, tour RV displays and experience firsthand the welcoming lifestyle that has made Escapade one of the premier gatherings in the RV community.
This story was written by John DiPietro.
