Starting April 22, the South Okanagan Events Centre complex plays host to one of the most anticipated vehicle shows in the Okanagan Valley.
Back for its fifth year, the B.C. Interior RV Show draws more than 10,000 people over the three days of the annual event to wander through nine acres of exhibitors filling the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, the Okanagan Hockey School arena and the South Okanagan Events Centre arena, plus the parking lot.
Dean Clarke, general manager of the SOEC complex, said that in terms of square footage, the RV Show is by far the biggest event they host.
”This is a big one, it is important to us. It really showcases what the complex can do,” said Clarke, adding that events like this were part of the vision for the events centre.
Until it started up in 2012, Clarke said, there hadn’t been an event that utilized the Trade and Convention Centre in this way, in concert with the other facilities and showcasing the square footage available at the complex.
The event will be host to multiple RV dealers showing the best and newest RV models available, plus a variety of exhibitors supporting the RV lifestyle, such as satellite dishes, solar panels, outdoor activities, tourism associations, resorts and RV camping sites. Along with all the exhibitors, the RV Show features a long list of workshops and educational sessions in the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Those include handling propane safely, preparation and maintenance tips and many others. For a full list, visit www.bcinteriorrvshow.ca.
Entry to the show is $5 cash for a weekend wristband, and visitors are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army Community Food Bank.
Since the inaugural event in 2012, the B.C. Interior RV Society has donated $15,500 to participating charities and over 10,000 pounds in non-perishable food items to The Salvation Army. In 2016, the society hopes to top the $20,000 charity mark.
Clarke said they’ve established a good working relationship with the RV Society.
“They are a great society and they do a great job and the event is first class,” he said.
The RV Show runs from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 22; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 23; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 24.
