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March 1, 2008

Montreal holds annual RV show at Olympic Stadium

'We have 500,000 square feet of RVs. It's the largest show in North America"

By STEVEN HOWELL

MONTREAL -- Hit the road, Jacques. And while you're at it, bring your spouse, the kids and the family dog along for the ride -- there's plenty of room.

The 21st Montreal RV show rolls into Olympic Stadium March 6 to 9. On hand will be 500 recreation vehicles of all shapes and sizes -- from a mini-trailer that attaches to a motorcycle to a full-size luxury model that could set you back hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Serge Villemure, general manager of the show for the past four years, says it's the premier event of its kind.

"We have 500,000 square feet of RVs," he said. "It's the largest show in North America. We're expecting 40,000 visitors." While most of the RVs are indeed up for sale, Villemure admits that the show is geared more for Canadian buyers than those who live in the North Country.

"But it's a great place to browse if you're in the market," he said.

And this market includes recreation-style vehicles that range the gamut from campers, small compact trailers, caravans, fifth wheels -- the RV that attaches to the back of a pick-up truck, and large luxurious 2008 RV models.

"The show is separated by section so it's easy to get around," Villemure said. "You can easily spend four or five hours here." Villemure says one of the new bigger models on site can sleep up to nine people -- comfortably. Hybrid trailers are also making an appearance.

"These extend on both ends," Villemure said.

For example, the trailer offers a living area, kitchen and bath and then extends to add a bedroom -- or two.

"It can go from 21-feet to 31-feet," he said.

I must admit, when Villemure said the word "hybrid," I thought he was about to reference the style of engine. Villemure says he's not sure if and when there will indeed be a hybrid RV engine.

"But the technology of the day is introducing lighter units which aim to increase fuel efficiency," he said.

In addition to the RVs, Villemure says the show features exhibitors that sell accessories as well as those that offer vacation destinations, driving courses and conferences like RV care or driving your RV to Mexico. While the conferences are held in French, Villemure says most of the exhibitors are bilingual and can answer any RV questions that you may have.

The Vacation Destinations area of the show highlights RV travel throughout Canada and the United States.

"We have representatives from Maine to Myrtle Beach," Villemure said. He adds that Western Canada vacation travel is prominent at the show as well. The Federation Quebecoise of Camping and Caravanning and Camping Quebec will both be on site offering tons of info about the provincial campgrounds of Quebec. And Quebec City aims to make a splash in honor of their 400th birthday this year with travel reps from the Plains of Abraham, the Museum of Civilisation and Quebec City's 400th anniversary committee. Other Canadian destinations are represented by tourism boards from James Bay, Manicouagan, Gaspesie and Ontario as well as a number of campgrounds. Representatives from Lake George and Louisiana will also be at the show.

Most of all, the show is a place to meet fellow RVers.

"It's a certain lifestyle," Villemure said. "And we're a great place to browse." How do you know if you're an RV enthusiast?

"Rent one," Villemure said. "You don't have to buy an RV at first, it's quite easy to rent one." Villemure adds that if you do want to rent, don't wait until summer -- too late.

"If you're booking for summer, you may want to book now," he said. "In Canada, specifically in Montreal, the end of July is always busy." On the business and marketing side of things, Villemure invites North Country-area businesses a place to increase their own traffic. He says local campsites, attractions and the like can all benefit from the arrival of some 40,000 visitors. A few coveted booth spaces remain open for rent.

The 21st RV Show runs March 6 to 9 at Olympic Stadium (corner of Pie-IX Blvd. and Sherbrooke Street). Directions: Take 15 North to 132/20 East, exit 8 -- the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Cross the bridge and bear left, following signs for Sherbrooke Street. Go uphill and turn right on Sherbrooke. Continue driving for about five minutes.

Hours are Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and March 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (65 years and over), and $4 for children 6 to 12. For more information call 514-338-1471 or visit www.salonvr.com.

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