The event is touted as the “largest gathering of RVs and RV enthusiasts on earth” and it’s a mere four-hour drive from here.
The 31st annual Quartzsite, Ariz., sports, vacation and RV show gets underway this weekend in the small town located roughly 20 miles west of Blythe, Calif.
A veritable pilgrimage of free-spirited individuals and families from all parts of the country is expected to descend upon the town, which is why tourism officials in Pahrump are packing their bags as well.
Pahrump Tourism Director Arlette Ledbetter said her department has been involved with the event for the past several years.
Ledbetter noted that some of those who have visited the event in recent years have actually found their way to Pahrump as tourists later.
“We do a considerable amount of work for this show and it’s the largest consumer show of the year. Since we have over 1,300 RV spaces in Pahrump, we really need to put some effort into promoting them and filling those spaces. We have participation from most of our properties and attractions in Pahrump,” she said.
In order to attract interest from the RV owners, Ledbetter said her department is holding a “Stuffing Party” this week where participants stuff goody bags with literature boasting the natural wonders and attractions of Pahrump in an effort to lure in the tourists.
The delegation will then caravan to Quartzsite where they set up shop at the 20-acre site and distribute all of the literature.
Ledbetter said the goal this week is to stuff at least 2,500 bags.
“The first three days of the show are a madhouse. Approximately 125,000 people show up, so it’s a real big deal. We go through anywhere between 1,500 and 2,500 bags of literature on Saturday, Sunday and Monday,” she said.
The tourism director also noted that representatives from local properties support the effort by providing information about their respective businesses.
“Anybody who brings in literature sends a person to help stuff, but we have a huge volunteer team at Preferred RV Resort. A lot of their members have stepped up to the plate over the years to assist and they deserve a big thanks for their efforts. They will help in manning the booth in Quartzsite as well. The Golden Gaming properties will be participating as well as Nevada Silver Trails,” she said.
Ledbetter also said a few local periodicals will be represented at the show.
“We will be taking Pahrump Life magazine down there and the chamber of commerce mentioned wanting to send some of their magazines as well. It’s a really great opportunity for us to refresh the consumer’s mind with the destination of Pahrump and a lot of them are familiar with us already,” she said.
Ledbetter was pleased to unveil the new tri-fold brochure that was recently completed for the town itself.
The full color pamphlet touts many of the main attractions Pahrump has to offer visitors including ATV and off-road vehicle trails, the Front Sight Firearms Training Facility and the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch as well as both wineries in town.
Death Valley and other area destinations are prominently featured as well.
Ledbetter said the town’s new tourism website is yet another example of how her department is going the extra mile to attract interest.
“Our call to action is the website visitpahrump.com. When you go to that website, you will see recommended day trips, attractions, the wineries and golf. It’s all-encompassing and we want that to remain our call to action. We want everybody to log on there. Quite honestly, there has never really been a better time to visit Pahrump,” she said.
The 31st Annual Sports, Vacation and RV Show runs from Jan. 18-26.
Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 700 S. Central Street in Quartzsite, Ariz.
Admission is free to the public with live entertainment each day.