Staff photo by Fritz Busch A 45-foot Wilderness Grand Lodge trailer was popular with the public at Joe’s Camper Show Wednesday at the New Ulm Civic Center. Admission is free. Door prizes will be given away.

NEW ULM — After several years’ absence due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, Joe’s Camper Show returned to the New Ulm Civic Center Wednesday to a variety of camping enthusiasts.

“It’s great to be back and have the show again,” said Joe’s Camper Sales owner Joe Lamecker of New Ulm.

Advertised as Southern Minnesota’s largest indoor camping show, the show drew people from near and far to see 85 units in both civic center arenas. Ten more units are outside the civic center.

Lamecker said he’s the only camper business in the area with new 45-foot Wilderness Grand Lodge trailer that has two lofts. Lamecker said a new gazebo that sets up and goes down easily is another featured show item.

“We’ve got lots of vendors too,” Lamecker added.

Many campers at the show said they enjoy seasonal camping at one spot instead of towing a trailer around.

Campers at the show included Joanie Rolloff of New Ulm, who said she enjoys seasonal camping in a 36-foot trailer near Longville, close to Blackwater and Mule Lakes, north of Brainerd.

“Camping is about having a good time with friends and fishing,” Rolloff said. “We’re just here to see what’s new.”

Dan and Deanne Lendt of rural Sleepy Eye said they enjoy seasonal camping at Kiesler’s Resort on Clear Lake near Waseca.

“The grand kids like it too. There’s lot for them to do,” said Deanne Lendt.

Lisa and Terry Dallenbach of rural Walnut Grove drove for about an hour to get to the show. They said they like camping near the Cottonwood River near their farm and enjoying nature, including watching bald eagles, white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasants and wild turkey.

Doris and Doug Schmiesing of New Ulm said they sold their trailer a few years ago but they were looking over the new 45-foot Grand Lodge trailer closely.

Paul and Renee Thordson of Hanska said they enjoy seasonal camping at a resort near Cokato.

Judy Hose of New Ulm said they enjoy camping on Rice Lake near Paynesville but came to the show to take a look.

Camping show hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit http://www.joescampers.com.