RV Show Canceled Again
Elkhart RV Dealer Open House prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. (photo courtesy: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowCOVID-19 has forced the cancellation of a big RV show in Elkhart County for the second straight year. The South Bend Tribune reports the 2021 RV Dealer Open House will not be held because of concerns of a resurgence in the virus.
The annual event, which typically draws thousands of RV dealers and manufacturers, was set for the week of September 26. The publication says the cancellation occurred after two of the biggest RV makers in Elkhart County, Forest River Inc. and THOR Industries Inc. (NYSE: THO) announced they were pulling out of the event.
“The companies’ top priority is the health and safety of valued industry partners, team members and the larger Elkhart community,” Forest River and Thor said in the joint release. “With local and national COVID cases rapidly increasing, safety mandates would be required to help mitigate risks, distracting from the positive experience industry partners expect.”
Iowa-based Winnebago Industries Inc. (NYSE: WGO) said it also would not participate in the event. The three manufacturers account for 90% of RV production in Elkhart County.
While COVID-19 caused the cancellation, the disease is also a big reason behind a boost in demand for recreational vehicles. The publication says consumers have been looking for new recreational outlets, such as camping.
According to the RV Industry Association, the industry is on track to reach shipments of nearly 580,000 units this year, a 14% increase over the previous high set in 2017.
“It likely wasn’t worth the risk of anyone getting sick when everyone is needed to keep up with the high demand for RVs,” said Darryl Searer, president of the RV/MH Hall of Fame. “Everyone is having an exceptional year with backlogs that will take them through 2022.”
While the cancellation of the show does not appear to be a burden on the industry, the publication says it will have a big impact on the hospitality industry. Click here to learn why.