Hundreds of compact campers and “Van Life” enthusiasts will gather in Florida this weekend to celebrate life on four wheels.
Peace, Love and Van will return to Sunshine State on March 7-10th, bringing an estimated 500 campers and their owners at the 406 acres of withlacoochee river park just outside Dade City. The event will be announced by Vanlife Outfitters, an online retailer that supports the camper van community by selling products and providing resources for Vanville.
Josh Theberge, the company’s co-founder, said the gathering was built with the community in mind.
“Many other van events across the country are 80-90% expo and 10% social. We are against. We are 80% social and community oriented and 20% expo,” he said. “There’s an exhibitor component, but it’s primarily focused on education and connection. People from the state and the southeast will come to this and learn more about Vanlife.”
In addition to the camping van life forms, TheBerge said the event will welcome between 1,000 and 2,000 visitors on a daily pass.
“People who are just coming for the day want to talk to the builders. They want to attend workshops. They want to tour the van and speak to Van Life’s Life,” he said. “I call these people ‘vans’. They decided they wanted to do Van Life, but now they are in that research phase. ”
Workshops throughout the weekend include tips for purchasing an RV or van, VanLife Finances, Power System choices, and Bundocks on public lands. Plus, there are over 30 exhibitors and a $15,000 raffle award.
With live music, from morning yoga to late-night tiki lounge areas, the event offers plenty of spaces and venues for connection and socialization.
While camper van travel and life saw a surge in interest during the pandemic, Tevage began his van life journey almost a decade ago.
“I started my Van Life trip in 2016 or 2017. My business partner Zack began my journey when he was 18. “He built his first cargo van in 2015 and 2016. He documented the entire build process.”
Meanwhile, TheBerge said there were not many resources available to those considering designing and building the van. There are currently several major groups of people who share resources on the internet and travel in vans.
“Retirement people see that all campsites are full. They’re switching from vehicles that need to be connected to water and electricity to campers that are completely off the grid,” he said. “You too have more freedom in your camper van. You can drive around town and park in your regular space.”
Additionally, remote workers and those trying to save money have found profits and freedom while living in the van.
Theberge said he hopes that his events will promote connections between like-minded people and bring a sense of community.
“There’s no other place I know in a country where you can see over 500 vans and talk to hundreds of van life forms in one place. This is a place,” he said.
Find @pconnpie on Instagram or send an email at pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
If you’re going
Peace, Love & Vans will be open for Day Pass visitors from 10am to 9pm March 12449. Dade City. The camp pass is sold out. Day Pass costs $10 per day. Leashed pets are welcome at the event. More information: Peacelovevans.com
