Elkhart could have close to 8000 visitors this week.
"Elkhart is the RV industry, the RV industry is Elkhart," says Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore.
So it's the perfect location for a manufacturer's open house.
"This is a display we put together for our dealers to look at all our new products before they go into the fall," says Bob Martin, president at Thor Industries.
At the RV Hall of Fame, Thor Industries, Inc's open house has close to 400 RV units. Down the road Forest River has an even bigger display. In the last five years more and more companies joined by hosting their own open houses, showing the industry is improving.
"The industry is picking up. Over the last several years it's been slow and steady growth and for us we see great momentum with our tow-ables," says Martin.
It's an opportunity for dealers.
"This summer and fall the motor homes have picked up as well," says Martin.
But there will be big benefits for Elkhart too.
"It's just one more thing that brings people to Elkhart so they get to take a look at us," says mayor Moore.
Local business owners are thrilled about the crowds these RV's will bring.
"Kinda show people from out of town that Elkhart is a little gem here. It's more than RV's, it's local businesses and great restaurants," says George Anagnos, owner of 523 Tap & Grill.
"It helps us grow and keep being an integral part of the community so we're able to offer to Elkhart and surrounding areas this type of cuisine and flair," says McCarthy's director, Javier Mendez.
Mayor Moore says that even if you're not interested in the RV industry, as an Elkhart resident, you will be impacted. "When you're bringing in dollars, it has an impact on all of us."
So be prepared for big crowds this week and hopefully a little extra money.
Open house at the RV Hall of Fame starts Tuesday at 8:30 am and goes until Thursday. The shows are for dealers, the public cannot make purchases.
