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Aug. 5th, 2004 11:10 amSome counties in some states are starting to take advantage of their fairgrounds. Instead of only making those grounds generate income once or twice a year, if at all, they're putting in hook-ups and turning those grounds into campgrounds. The cost to stay at these fairgrounds campgrounds is generally cheaper than surrounding campgrounds, which seems to encourage folks who like rallies to gather. This brings income into the local communities, naturally.
Elkhart County, where my parents' grew up in Indiana, has lovely fairgrounds camping facilities. I know my parents have stayed there and they've even hosted a small rally there.
I do wonder if local private campgrounds complain. After all, they might lose business. On the other hand, large groups (and even a dozen RVs converging together can present a logistics issue for small campgrounds) are more easily accomodated at these campgrounds. There's generally wide open space, easy access, and well-marked signage already in place.
I can remember a few camping rallies or conventions from when I was a little kid. They seemed big then. I remember mom making swaps. We went with my mom's parents, I think. I can't remember the name of the organization, though, nor where we went. They were fun times for me. My parents seem to meet up with people in all stages of life, though I think the fulltimers tend to be retired baby boomers these days. This is how my parents plan to start mom's retirement--full timing.
I know that there is a campground associated with the Rockingham County Fairgrounds here in Virginia, over in Harrisonburg. I don't know if the campground *is* on the fairgrounds or not. I think it seems to be wise use of facilities in Elkhart. I think WV has done a lot of it, too. Sure, there's initial outlay for running power lines/boxes and, if necessary, water, but it will pay off. Plus, having some sites on the perimeter of the fairgrounds would also be of use to the carnival workers who travel with fairs.
I think it would be neat if areas that are hilly would do more of this. Fairgrounds tend to be relatively level, to allow rides and vendors to set up easily. It would be a great way to add income to the county. And most counties, at least in the eastern half of the US, have fairgrounds. On the other hand, in Albemarle County, the fairgrounds is set up in an area that floods and gets rather wet when we get a lot of rain (after all, it's close to the disastrous Nelson County). I'm not sure how well it would work out here, in particular, but it's worth a look.
Elkhart County, where my parents' grew up in Indiana, has lovely fairgrounds camping facilities. I know my parents have stayed there and they've even hosted a small rally there.
I do wonder if local private campgrounds complain. After all, they might lose business. On the other hand, large groups (and even a dozen RVs converging together can present a logistics issue for small campgrounds) are more easily accomodated at these campgrounds. There's generally wide open space, easy access, and well-marked signage already in place.
I can remember a few camping rallies or conventions from when I was a little kid. They seemed big then. I remember mom making swaps. We went with my mom's parents, I think. I can't remember the name of the organization, though, nor where we went. They were fun times for me. My parents seem to meet up with people in all stages of life, though I think the fulltimers tend to be retired baby boomers these days. This is how my parents plan to start mom's retirement--full timing.
I know that there is a campground associated with the Rockingham County Fairgrounds here in Virginia, over in Harrisonburg. I don't know if the campground *is* on the fairgrounds or not. I think it seems to be wise use of facilities in Elkhart. I think WV has done a lot of it, too. Sure, there's initial outlay for running power lines/boxes and, if necessary, water, but it will pay off. Plus, having some sites on the perimeter of the fairgrounds would also be of use to the carnival workers who travel with fairs.
I think it would be neat if areas that are hilly would do more of this. Fairgrounds tend to be relatively level, to allow rides and vendors to set up easily. It would be a great way to add income to the county. And most counties, at least in the eastern half of the US, have fairgrounds. On the other hand, in Albemarle County, the fairgrounds is set up in an area that floods and gets rather wet when we get a lot of rain (after all, it's close to the disastrous Nelson County). I'm not sure how well it would work out here, in particular, but it's worth a look.
