Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – For one afternoon, Great Escape RV looked less like a dealership and more like a community gathering place. The dealership’s annual Family Fun Day, held June 6, brought together visitors from across the region for live music, family activities and a chance to support local businesses.
For owners Justin and Julie Boyd, the event has become a reflection of what they want Great Escape RV to be. “We’re a family business,” Julie said. “We truly care about our customers. We treat everybody like we would want to be treated. We want to make that connection and relationship. You’re part of our family.”
Justin said the business has hosted a spring open house every year since opening in 2012. “This was our 14th open house,” he said. “We give vendors space free of charge and let them take advantage of the people coming in. It’s customer appreciation, an open house and just a welcome for everyone who wants to stop by.”
This year’s event featured about 20 vendors and displays, along with a kids’ zone complete with balloon art, face painting and a bouncy castle. Visitors could also enjoy free popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers and sausages throughout the day.
Among the displays was a restored 1937 trailer originally built in Peterborough. According to Justin, it is believed to be the oldest operational trailer in Canada.
By early afternoon, the dealership’s parking lot was overflowing. “Our parking lot was overflowing,” Justin said. “We had it set up to handle close to 100 vehicles, and we were over that.” He estimated that more than 200 people attended throughout the day. “We went through 300 burgers.”
Putting the event together took a team effort, with about 15 staff members, family and friends helping throughout the day.
Visitors and vendors came from Lucan, London, Goderich and surrounding communities.
For the Boyds, Family Fun Day is also about giving back to the communities that support them throughout the year. “We do a lot of community support, and we get that back,” Justin said. “The Lucan Irish were here cooking the food today. They supported us, and people came out and supported the vendors too.”
Great Escape RV sponsors a number of local organizations and events, including the Lucan Irish, Ilderton Curling Club, youth soccer teams and regional festivals.
Judging by the full parking lot, Family Fun Day has become a tradition that many local families look forward to each year.
