JACKSON CENTER, Ohio -- In June 2010, Airstream Life magazine and Airstream, Inc. will host Alumapalooza 2010, a family-friendly festival for people who love Airstream travel trailers. Featuring 20 informational and lifestyle seminars, live entertainment, daily factory tours, live demonstrations, a car show, barbecue, swap meet, and much more, Alumapalooza will be the premiere event for Airstream owners and future owners in 2010. The event will be held on the grounds of the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio, from June 1 through 6, 2010. Approximately 300 people are expected to attend, most of whom will be camped on site in 120-140 Airstreams. A dozen European Airstream owners will also attend on a specially-arranged motorcoach tour. Alumapalooza will feature seminars on travel, maintenance, and Airstream lifestyle. Lifestyle presentations will include travel topics, cooking, trailer upgrades, European camping, interior design makeovers, aluminum polishing, Airstream history and national parks. Invited speakers include Airstream president Bob Wheeler, photographer and author Bert Gildart, Sean and Kristy Michael of “The Long Long Honeymoon,” Airstream historian Dale “Pee Wee” Schwamborn, interior designer Kristiana Spaulding, Airstream Chairman Larry Huttle, and vintage trailer restorer Colin Hyde. Other presenters include contributors to Airstream Life magazine, Airstream factory personnel, and industry experts. American and European owners will have the opportunity to arrange trailer vacation swaps with each other in a unique speed-dating format called “Silver Swingers,” emceed by Michael Hold, managing director of Airstream Europe. Entertainment will include live bands on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in downtown Jackson Center, evening “drive-in” movies in the camping area, a western roping show on Friday, and magic by Joe Diamond on Saturday. A complete schedule of events is available online at www.alumapalooza.com. Uniquely for a factory-sponsored RV event, attendance is open to owners of all makes of travel trailers (not just Airstreams). Non-Airstream owners will have the opportunity to learn about Airstream trailers first-hand, by talking to factory personnel and current owners. Airstream president Bob Wheeler will join the campers in his custom-restored 1958 Airstream Pacer. “This is shaping up to be a great event, the perfect blend of local Jackson Center flavor and Airstream aficionados, with an international flair. This one is not to be missed," said Wheeler. Vendors of products and services to the RV traveling community will also attend, including SkyMed, Geico Insurance, Go Camping America, Zip-Dee Awnings, Dexter Axle, and Can-Am RV. Sponsorships and demonstration opportunities are available by prior arrangement. A swap meet and open house will be held on the final day, allowing participants to trade parts and accessories and see the interiors of other trailers. “This is the first major event to be held at the Airstream factory since 2005,” says co-organizer Rich Luhr, editor of the quarterly magazine Airstream Life. “Jackson Center is home for every Airstream made in the last four decades, even those sold in Europe, and so it’s appropriate that we come back once in a while to see where our trailers were born.” Alumapalooza 2010 will be coinciding with Jackson Center Community Days, a three-day event featuring shows, rides, and music in the downtown. To encourage families, children under age 15 can attend Alumapalooza with their parents for free. Attendees have flexible options to stay three, four or five days. Interested participants can get more information and register online at www.alumapalooza.com. Airstream Life magazine, sponsor of Alumapalooza 2010, is the official lifestyle magazine of Airstream. Independently published since 2004, the magazine celebrates the lifestyle, history, and adventures of the brand and its diverse owner group. The magazine is available in both print and online formats at www.airstreamlife.com. Alumapalooza 2010 is produced by R&B Events LLC, with assistance from Airstream Inc. and other sponsors. SOURCE: Airstream press release

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According to the latest Campfire Canvass, a biannual survey of RV owners by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 45.4 percent of RV owners expect to travel more this summer than they did last year; 41.9 percent say they’ll travel the same amount. More than 8.2 million U.S. households own an RV. RV travel is as popular today as it was in 1910 when the first mass-produced RVs were built. “For a century, Americans have enjoyed exploring what’s over the next hill and around the bend,” says Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. “That pioneering spirit is still alive and well today.” According to the survey, a primary reason so many RVers will be traveling this spring/summer is that they appreciate the value they get compared to flying, driving and staying in hotels. Almost 82 percent percent of owners say they save anywhere from 15 to 75 percent by traveling in their RVs. This is consistent with a study by international travel and tourism experts PKF Consulting, which found that family RV trips are, on average, 27-61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations. “RV travel continues to appeal to people looking to save money and cut costs,” says Coon. “RVers get a bigger bang for their buck than they get from other types of vacations.” According to the survey, RVers plan to be on the move during major holidays, with 60 percent planning to travel over Memorial Day weekend and 64 percent over the July 4th holiday. RV owners appreciate the recreational and health benefits associated with RV travel: 78 percent say RV travel provides them the opportunity to spend more time enjoying outdoor activities 73 percent of RV owners say they are more physically active on RV trips compared to other types of vacations 72 percent say RVs allow them to escape everyday stress and pressure 80 percent say their children are more physically active on RV vacations than other types.

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President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum recently establishing the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to promote and support innovative community-level efforts to conserve outdoor spaces and to reconnect Americans to the outdoors. The President spoke before leaders representing the conservation, farming, ranching, sporting, recreation, forestry, private industry, local parks and academia communities from all 53 states and territories. The Presidential Memorandum calls on the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to lead the Initiative, in coordination with the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Labor, Transportation, Education, and the Office of Management and Budget. The Initiative will support a 21st Century conservation agenda that builds on successes in communities across the country, and will start a national dialogue about conservation that supports the efforts of private citizens and local communities. “Today, with 80 percent of Americans living in cities and suburbs, it is more important than ever for people to have access to outdoor space," said CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley. "Just as we cherish our childhood memories of hiking and sledding, fishing and camping, and just as we enjoy spending time outdoors with our families, we must guard these places and traditions for new generations. Through this Initiative we hope to identify new opportunities to work with Americans on a modern approach to conservation that begins at the ground level, and to reinvigorate the national conversation about our outdoors.” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said: “Since President Theodore Roosevelt held the first White House conference on conservation in 1908, we, as Americans, have taken extraordinary steps to protect our land, water, wildlife, and history for future generations, but today the places we love face new challenges that require new ideas and new strategies to solve. President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative will start a much-needed dialogue about conservation in our country so that we can hear directly from Americans about the places they care about and how they are working to protect them. This is about listening, learning, and finding common-sense ways to support the good work that is happening in communities across the country.” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: "President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative will play an important role in confronting the serious challenges our natural resources face today: climate change, air and water pollution, landscape fragmentation and loss of open space. This effort will bring Americans from across the country together to look for new approaches to protect our national treasures. And it will highlight the importance of working across ownership boundaries to restore and conserve both private and public lands in a way that recognizes that conservation and economic vitality are inextricably linked.” “Too many of our cities have limited access to parks for children, low-income residents and communities of color. Improving access to open areas and green space in our urban communities should be a focus of a 21st Century conservation strategy,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “It makes me proud that generations to come will know that we took action to preserve, restore and protect vital natural treasures.”

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United States Mint Director Ed Moy launched the quarter-dollar coin honoring Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas with a special ceremony, the 178th anniversary of its establishment as a Federally protected national site. This is the first coin released in the America the Beautiful Quarters™ Program. Director Moy was joined by National Park Service Midwest Regional Director Ernie Quintana and Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Josie Fernandez. "With the launch of the Hot Springs National Park Quarter, a uniquely American journey begins, a journey through coins in celebration of the beauty, history and impact of national sites in every state and territory," Director Moy said. Following the ceremony, several hundred school children in the audience received a shiny new Hot Springs National Park quarter to commemorate the event, while other attendees exchanged their paper currency for rolls of the new coin. Moy hosted a coin forum the evening before the launch, where he answered questions and shared information about United States Mint coin programs and initiatives. The United States Mint's new America the Beautiful Quarters Program is a 12-year initiative to honor 56 national parks and other national sites. Coins bearing the new Hot Springs National Park design were released into circulation by the Federal Reserve Bank on April 19. The reverse (tails side) design depicts the facade of the Hot Springs National Park headquarters building with a thermal spring fountain in the foreground. The headquarters was built in the Spanish colonial revival style and completed in 1936. The National Park Service emblem is featured to the right of the door.Inscriptions on the reverse are Hot Springs, Arkansas, 2010 and E Pluribus Unum. The obverse (heads side) design features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, which has been restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original model. Inscriptions on the obverse are United States of America, Liberty, In God We Trust and Quarter Dollar. The America the Beautiful Quarters Program is authorized by Public Law 110-456. Each year, the public will see five new national sites depicted on the reverse of the quarters. The United States Mint will issue these quarters in the order in which the honored site was first established as a national site. "It's fitting that Hot Springs National Park, among the early lands set aside by the federal government to protect natural and cultural resources, be the first featured in the United States Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters series," Quintana said. "The release of this commemorative coin will bring about greater awareness of our national parks and emphasize the importance of continued protection and preservation of these natural, cultural and historical wonders for future generations." For more information on the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, visit www.americathebeautifulquarters.gov.

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Your free guide to Indiana's best values in outdoor recreation is available now, all across the state. You can find the Department of Natural Resources 2010 Indiana Recreation Guide at various retail outlets and, of course, at state parks, reservoirs and other DNR properties, and at dnr.IN.gov. Release of the guide coincides with the launch of a nationwide effort to promote state parks. Featured in a Wall Street Journal article on Feb. 16, America's State Parks alliance (americasstateparks.com), seeks to mobilize and educate both the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health and local economies. The effort was created by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD, naspd.org). America's State Parks will work collaboratively with each state to share resources, best practices and engage in national partnerships with corporations for stewardship programs. According to the NASPD, more than 725 million state park visits last year provided a collective $20 billion economic impact to communities surrounding 6,000 state park units nationwide.   Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana DNR's Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, and an NASPD member, said the new collaborative effort can only bolster the already healthy heritage of Indiana's 24 state parks. "One of our goals over the years has been to provide an Indiana state park within an hour of every Indiana resident, with the opening of Prophetstown in 2004, we achieved that goal," Bortner said. "Hoosiers love our state parks and our nine reservoirs, too, and they support them by volunteering, joining us for events, and using our facilities year round for family gatherings, all kinds of outdoor recreation, exercise and relaxation." Use of Indiana's state parks has boomed over the last few years. Gate revenue increased 8 percent from 2008 to 2009. Total campground use increased 10.4 percent, and total operating receipts increased almost 7 percent during the same period. Annual park passes can be purchased in person at the gatehouse or offices of state park and reservoir properties during business hours, at the Indiana Government Center South in Indianapolis, or at innsgifts.com. Indiana resident passes are $36 or $18 for individuals 65 years old or older. Annual passes for vehicles with out-of-state license plates are $46. Normal daily gate fees for residents at most properties are $4 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends or holidays. Prices for the passes and for the daily entry fees have remained the same since 2006. For more information on Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, see stateparks.IN.gov.

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For many campers, outdoor cooking is an essential element of the experience. Those who want to improve their skills at doing so will have that opportunity at Mississinewa Reservoir's outdoor cooking workshop, April 17. Participants will take part in hands-on instruction, while receiving tips from the Kokomo Kookers Dutch Oven Cooking Club. To add incentive for doing well, participants are responsible for cooking their own lunch. Door prizes from Bozarth Country Store will be given away. After lunch, participants may swap recipes or make a charcoal starter to use on future meals. The program begins at 10 a.m. and costs $10 per person. Space is limited. Register by calling (260) 468-2127. Park entrance fees of $4 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

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The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds recently signed an agreement with mobile web designer, ITI Marketing, to offer camping consumers a great new tool for finding member RV parks and/or campgrounds while at home or on the road.  Currently ITI is designing a user friendly mobile version of the www.GoCampingAmerica.com website that will be easily accessible on most cell phones & smart phones.   

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Monaco RV today introduced the new 2011 Neptune diesel pusher from Holiday Rambler. The popular motorhome advances up to the eight air bag proprietary Roadmaster chassis, from the previous four air bag model.   The eight outboard-mounted air bag RR8R Roadmaster chassis provides a wide and stable platform for the coach, improving drivability.   The 2011 Holiday Rambler Neptune is powered by a new 360-horsepower engine, standard on 40-foot models, with an ISB 340 horsepower engine standard on 36 models. Four creative floorplans are offered including a full-wall slide that provides massive living space. The interior boasts ceramic tile throughout the living area, kitchen and bath along with three well-appointed décor color choices.   Style and convenience continue in the Neptune’s galley area. Solid surface countertops with mosaic tile backsplashes, an optional residential refrigerator and handy flip up countertop extension make meal preparation a breeze. All floorplans offer an optional king bed as well as solar screens with blackout shade. Behind the wheel, safety minded features include the Panaview one-piece windshield, standard three-camera rear vision system and optional GPS system.   “Today’s competitive market is demanding more from a manufacturer than in the past,” said Scott Jacobson, national sales manager for Holiday Rambler. “Holiday Rambler will provide all of the best floor plans and chassis to the retail market, with aggressive pricing. Today’s customers and product expectations are greater, which means we must build the best quality product that is better than all of our competitors. The Neptune is ready for today’s market!   “Holiday Rambler will be introducing new products in the near future, along with building the best diesel motor homes in the industry,” he added.   For more details on the Neptune including a video tour, along with information on Holiday Rambler’s full line of products, visit www.holidayrambler.com.

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Visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/sp-SpecialEvents.pdf to download the brochure.

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People interested in how Indiana's State Forests are run can share their views at a series of open houses starting next month.  Open houses will be held at the following State Forests: Jackson-Washington (three dates, starting April 2), Greene-Sullivan (April 8 only), Ferdinand (April 21 only) and Clark (May 15 only). The Starve Hollow property office will be open and its staff available for input every weekend, May through September. At each event, the DNR Division of Forestry will provide information about recreational activities, budget, staffing, major projects, the 2008-13 Division of Forestry Strategic Plan, invasive species and forest resource management. Attendees can talk directly with DNR personnel or, if they prefer, submit written comments.   "These open houses provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive firsthand information about how the State Forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products and recreational opportunities," said State Forester John Seifert. "They also allow us to receive valuable feedback from our neighbors and users about state forest management. I encourage everyone who has an interest to participate."   Those who cannot attend an open house can review and comment online. All tract management guides are posted at www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3635.htm. Click on the link to "Indiana State Forests," then "Public Comment."    Events and open houses include (all times are Eastern):   - Jackson-Washington SF, April 2; July 2 and Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the property office, 2.5 miles southeast of Brownstown on Indiana 250, (812) 358-2160. Visitors can view remodeling underway at the Civilian Conservation Corps-vintage office building. -  Greene-Sullivan SF, April 8, 3-7 p.m., 1.5 miles south of Dugger, on Indiana 159, (812) 648-2810.  - Ferdinand SF, April 21, 3-7 p.m.,  on Indiana 264, approximately 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand, (812) 367-1524. - Yellowwood SF, May 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tulip Trace Girl Scout Camp, south of Hwy 46. Turn at T.C. Steele State Historic Site sign and follow signs, (812) 988-7945. Staff from Morgan-Monroe SF also will be present. Visitors can tour the camp and provide comments on the development and use of the property. - Clark SF, May 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Office is 1 mile north of Henryville on Indiana 31, (812) 294-4306. Staff from Deam Lake State Recreation Area and also will be present. - Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, nature center, weekends May through September, County Road 275 W, east of Indiana 135, approximately 6 miles south of Brownstown, (812) 358-3464. Other open houses will be announced later.  Property staffs are also available during normal business hours.  Go to dnr.IN.gov/forestry/ (http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3631.htm) for contact information or to schedule a visit. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.

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