250 out-of-towners in 125 RVs to shut down Wooster streets in five-day block party event
WOOSTER – Over 100 Airstream RV caravans will move through Wooster next week, shutting down streets for a four-day encampment.
But this is no invasion of Wooster, it's the 2022 Region 4 Airstream Rally.
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Starting Wednesday, May 18, 250 out-of-towners will drive 125 RVs to the fairgrounds before moving into the heart of Wooster the next day.
This five-day event is meant to promote local businesses, the Airstream Club International and give local residents days of live music, a raffle and food in a block party-like event.
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"This event will have a huge impact on the local economy," according to Main Street Wooster's website. "People with disposable income who love to travel will have an immersive experience of all things Wooster."
The week-long event ends Sunday, May 22, when the caravaners leave the city.
Shutting down roads in Wooster
For three days between Thursday, May 19, and Sunday, May 22, downtown Wooster traffic will be diverted to make room for 125 RVs that will line the streets.
Closed will be Liberty Street between Grant and Bever streets, Market Sreet between North Street and South Street and portions of Buckeye and North Walnut streets, according to Main Street Wooster.
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While the roads are slated for closure, this event is meant to be a two-way street, being beneficial for the city and the club.
The Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau has made welcome bags that include information, sales, coupons and promotions for the 250 guests.
Downtown businesses should see a large increase in foot traffic as guests are expected to rely heavily on local shops and restaurants, according to Main Street Wooster.
"We expect them to spend heavily during their stay and make Wooster a destination in the future," Main Street Wooster's website reads.
Main Street encourages restaurants, retailers and personal care services to stock up on supplies.
Financial services, medical providers and other appointment-based businesses should alert clients to the scarcity of parking.
What can residents expect?
In return for Wooster's hospitality, local residents will join a block-party-styled rally where they can meet travelers and learn about the "Airstream lifestyle."
Each day will feature something new including music and food.
Wednesday, May 18, will see food trucks providing dinner at the fairgrounds from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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On Thursday, May 19, Airstreamers will park their RVs downtown between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. before a 4:15 p.m. Airstream business meeting at Best Western Plus.
Village Catering will serve dinner between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. followed by an opening ceremony.
Lunches, tours and shopping will be all day on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21.
Crafting classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Best Western Plus on Friday before an evening jam session.
Saturday seminars will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Best Western Plus before lunch, a 1 p.m. charity drive and a 7 p.m. live concert featuring Aftermath, a classic rock cover band.
On Sunday, May 22, the Airstreamers say goodbye and leave between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for an early departure. Those remaining will leave by 2 p.m.
To learn more about the event, visit Main Street Wooster's website.
Airstream who?
Airstream Club International is a global group of nearly 16,000 members who enjoy living and traveling out of caravans or RVs, according to the club's website.
The Wooster rally is part of the club's 2022 national caravan rally that sees 23 caravans travel across North America from Alaska to Newfoundland, the Northwest, Southwest, Southeast and everywhere in between.
Members of the club all own Airstream RVs, which are retro-style metal caravans created by Wally Byam, according to the club.
The club itself was inspired by Byam and was founded in 1955 in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, during a traveling caravan event.
Titled the Wally Byam Caravan Club, it was registered in Ohio as a nonprofit two years later.
Now, the club operates in 12 regions across the U.S. and Canada and follows a creed inspired by Byam that puts adventure and friendship before all else.
To learn more about Airstream Club International, visit its website airstreamclub.org.
Reach Bryce by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com
On Twitter: @Bryce_Buyakie
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wooster to host five-day downtown block party event for 250 caravaners
