Bangor Camping and RV Show cancelled

Though many of the nation's economists and some politicians--especially those in the current administration--are proclaiming the recession over and declaring that we are now in the recovery period, you won't convince the promoters of the Bangor, Maine Camping and RV Show.

After 24 years, the 25th Bangor Camping and RV Show scheduled for this weekend at the Bangor Civic Center has been canceled due to lack of interest from vendors, according to Bass Park Director Mike Dyer.

The event, which is organized by Bass Park and Civic Center staff, has been held every year since 1986. Dyer explained, however, that in order to fill the space at the Civic Center, at least three large vendors are needed. This year, only two had committed.

“It actually goes back to last year when dealers lost some of their co-op money [from RV manufacturers] to participate in the show,” Dyer said. “Last year, we cut the amount of rental space in half with the thought that something was better than nothing. This year, we were going to proceed that same way, but it didn’t happen.”

“Rather than attempting to deliver a sub par show, with fewer options for the show attendees, management has opted to take a year off,” Dyer said in a statement on Bass Park’s Web site. “It is our intention to come back in 2011 in an improved economy, stronger than ever.”