More than 15,000 happy campers visited Maitland Showground at the weekend for the 21st Hunter Valley Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show.
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The show is the biggest and most popular of six camping shows Rural Scene Promotions hosts in the State attracting strong crowds and injecting millions into the local economy each year.
For the first time in the show’s history a record 31 caravan exhibitors set up shop for the three day event.
Spokeswoman Susie Biffin said the appeal in caravans has grown exponentially, attracting all age demographics, in particular young families.
“It’s no longer just for the grey nomads who retire, pack up and travel around Australia,” Ms Biffin said. “There was a lot of young families at this year’s event inspecting vans. Caravan life is certainly growing,” she said.
Ms Biffin said this year’s event resulted in the number of exhibition spaces at the showground being booked out.
She said 4000 people passed through the gates on Friday, 6000 on Saturday and an estimated 5000 plus on Sunday.
People traveled from Sydney, the Central Coast, the wider Hunter region, Taree, Forster. Tamworth and Warialda.
Ms Biffin said the event is huge for the city with people seeking accommodation and venturing into town to spend.
“The feedback has been fantastic with visitors loving the variety on offer of not only caravans but also boats, camping goods and general accessories,” she said. “There was something for everyone.”
