Highlighting the Recent Tradeshows and Events at River's Edge

There’s nothing like the feeling of sunshine and fresh air, but the Minnesota winter doesn't always agree. We’re in the final stages of the cold stuff and ready to get back out there again.

While waiting for Winter to end can evoke a feeling similar to watching paint dry, we can still think about all the fun we’ve had in the past few weeks to prepare for sunshine and good times.

With that in mind, we’ve prepared a recap of our events to tide you over for these last few indoor weeks and remind you of all the fun you’ll soon have outdoors!

The Sportsman’s Show

Can you think of anyone in Central Minnesota that doesn’t like the outdoors? Neither can we - especially since it felt like all of Central Minnesota attended last month. The 2018 Sportsman's Show sported the best in fishing boats, tackle, and equipment, as well as campers and trailers. With hunting and fishing seminars and information about the top lodges and campsites in the Midwest and Canada, the attendees went home with smiles and warm thoughts of what’s to come this Spring.

The Saint Cloud Boat Show

If the Sportsman’s show didn’t have the boat you were looking for, the Saint Cloud Boat Show certainly did. This free event boasted watercraft from Minnesota’s largest dealers and everything that could come along with it. From the small canoes to the giant cruisers, this event had enough boats to make you forget it was cold outside - even though it took place in the heart of February. 

The RV Camp and Travel Expo

If water isn’t your thing, the RV Camp and Travel Expo was probably right up your alley. Pleasureland RV has been hosting the event since 1971. Even if Camping and traveling aren’t your style, everyone seemed to appreciate a day to stretch their legs a bit while looking at an impressive display of interesting booths, info, and camping equipment. 

The Central MN Farm Show

Do you like farming and agriculture? Seeing what goes into your meals can be interesting – whether it’s your profession or not. At the end of February, the Central MN Farm show showed their attendants hospitality, offering a variety of free giveaways and refreshments, as well as educational seminars, and even offering scholarships.

No matter what you’re into, we all have one thing in common – especially around this time of year; We want to be outside. If you were able to attend these events, we hope you had a great time!

If you’re still looking for a break from the cold, check out the MN Amature Baseball Hall Of Fame to get amped up for the spring season and stay tuned to our calendar for upcoming events.

2016 PleasureLand RV Camp and Travel Expo

The 45th annual PleasureLand RV Camp and Travel Expo gets under way on Thursday, February 18, at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

The expo, which started in 1971, is free and open to the public.

There will be more than 100 new RV units taking up the convention center floor. There were 125 units at last year’s show, according to PleasureLand assistant sales manager Vinny Binsfeld.

“Last year we put in more units than we have ever had before,” said Binsfeld, who has worked for PleasureLand for 11 years. “It’s really expanded more and more every year.”

There will be everything from motorhomes, travel trailers, ice houses to pop-up campers at the expo.

The expo goes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 21.

Some of the companies represented at the expo will include Winnebago, Keystone, Thor, Grand Design, Forest River, Crossroads, Cruiser RV and Palomino.

Fitting in all of the RVs on the convention center floor certainly isn’t an easy task for PleasureLand to accomplish.

“The River’s Edge does a great job of working with us,” Binsfeld said. “It’s almost like putting together a puzzle. Our GM does a fantastic job of making it all happen. Sometimes it comes down to a matter of feet and inches to fit all of these units in.”

RVs have come a long way since 1971. Binsfeld said the general public will be amazed by some of the technology advancements if they step into an RV today.

“There are always floor plan and technology changes,” he said. “There are so many more features like bluetooth, LED lights, larger bathrooms. The technology continues to grow and I think people love it.”

PleasureLand has six different locations in Minnesota including two in St. Cloud and Brainerd and one each in Ramsey and Long Prairie.