Saturday was the big day we had been waiting for. We were up and away by 8:00 am to attend the 2013 Edmonton RV Expo.
The kids (adult) went along for their first large RV show experience. They spent the day looking and dreaming over the vast displays of RVs, from pop-ups and vans to multi-thousand dollar motor homes and fifth wheels.
My husband and I did some looking, too, but our first hours were spent in the trade show area. There we picked up current issues of maps and campground guides for B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan . We found brochures from areas we may have time to explore when we go to our nephew’s wedding this summer. We also made our only camping-related purchase of the day and replaced the mat that wore out last year.
At noon we met to eat lunch and swap stories. The choices at the concession were pricey, but were fresh and delicious. Lyle and Jeff had pizza, Melanie had a sub and I (Edith)tried the “monster burger”.
Then it was off for more exploring. While the other three were stubborn and walked, I rode on a courtesy golf cart to the far end of the exhibits. My driver was also an RVer so we had a quick discussion on the units we owned.
When Lyle played out, I made another round of the display booths. There was everything imaginable to do with camping - RV lots, steam cleaners, Tupperware, satellite dishes, travel destinations, cookware, insurance, and resorts.
What would “Memorial Services” have to do with an RV show? The representative was alone at the time, so I asked her. The product made sense – RVers travel, and the exhibitor sells insurance to return a body home if death occurs while more than 100 km from home base. Hmmm…
I had to stop when I recognized the fellow at the GO Solar booth. He also remembered me from attending his Solar 101 seminar two times when we were starting out. We shared a couple stories and a good laugh. I was told to keep preaching, it would keep him in business!
We missed some of the folks not represented this year as in the past. The Alaska Caravan organization was not there so Lyle as unable to dream over their literature, and the Good Sam club was not represented (I had some questions for them). I missed my chat with Kim from Kimbers Creations. If you need RV skirting, she is the one to see. There were also no seminars, one of the highlights of RV shows past.
Overall, it was a good day. The walking certainly gave one a good workout and the information will provide food for thought for a long time. With show date past it is now less than ten weeks until we move home. Come on, Spring!