Motorhome convention starts here Friday

GMC Motorhomes International, which has members in the U.S, Canada, Europe and Australia, will host its spring convention at Kemper Williams Park and the Patterson Civic Center beginning Friday, according to a Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau news release.
More than 100 motorhomes are expected to attend the event that lasts through April 2. Members will come from across the U.S. and Canada to visit the Patterson area and enjoy the fun and fellowship of owning a Classic GMC Motorhome, the release stated.
GMC Motorhomes International, a chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association, was formed to provide GMC owners with camaraderie and the exchange of technical and non-technical information to assist in keeping the classic GMC Motorhome on the road.
In the news release, Emery Stora, president of GMC Motorhomes International, said, “Visitors are certainly welcome to come out and see this American Icon for themselves. GMC owners are always anxious to talk about and show their coaches.”
There is no charge to experience the classic motorhomes, but visitors are asked to register at the convention office before visiting anytime during the convention.
An open house will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and will feature opportunities for visitors to tour the interiors of the classic motorhomes, the release said.
The Classic GMC Motorhome Registry accounts for more than 8,000 of the original 12,921 units manufactured by GMC, according to the news release.
The motorhome was originally manufactured from 1973 through 1978.
It is the only motorhome manufactured by an American automobile manufacturer.
The motorhomes at the convention will feature factory original models up to the most modern innovations and paint of the 21st century. Though an antique, the GMC motorhome is supported by many cottage industries for specialized parts all the way through major companies that offering complete renovations with the newest technology available, the release stated.