The Covid pandemic’s aftermath caused numerous RV and camping show cancellations, but Wisconsin-based Kunes Country RV is doing its best to fill face-to-face event needs.
The dealership wrapped up its in-person RV show Feb. 14, an event held at the company’s La Crosse-branded facility located in Holmen, Wisconsin.
Attendance was good and sales were great despite weather setbacks, said Melody Thompson, RV marketing manager at Kunes Country Auto Group. It was minus-6 degrees Fahrenheit outside during the event, she said. The company sold 25 units within the three days, which Thompson said she considered a good turnout considering the circumstances.
“There is a huge need [for shows] right now, especially in Wisconsin, but maybe in the Midwest or all over,” Thompson said. “A lot of RV and camping shows were cancelled due to the pandemic. People want to venture out, especially now with the vaccine out and people feeling safer.”
Thompson said most shows were cancelled in Wisconsin before the company’s La Crosse event. She said she thinks the Milwaukee-based Greater Wisconsin RV and Camping Show might be cancelled this week, too, although an official announcement has not been released.
“But people are feeling safer venturing out for face-to-face events,” Thompson said. “We have seen it at some other shows, but a lot of people and campgrounds are just so excited to have the opportunity to venture out of the house.”
Kunes is planning to host more shows in the near future, including one at the dealership’s Elkhorn, Wisconsin, facility Feb. 26-28. It will be the largest RV show in southeast Wisconsin, Thompson said, with 150 units on display and representatives attending from the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO).
“I expect a large turnout at the Elkhorn show this weekend,” Thompson said. “When it is 40 degrees outside, people are wearing T-shirts and flip flops. We have had such cold weather [up until now].”
Other upcoming events include the Kunes RV Freedom Show, scheduled March 5-7 in Slinger, Wisconsin, and the Kunes RV Destination Show, planned March 12-14 at the company’s recently-acquired Neenah location.
The dealership also is planning to host an RV show March 19-21 at its Sheboygan area site in Cleveland, Wisconsin.
“People will see a mix of travel trailers, Class C motorhomes and fifth wheels,” Thompson noted. “We are also currently recruiting campground reps for our [upcoming] shows.”
View the Kunes’ Elkhorn show commercial here.
