When you think about the perfect campsite, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a mountainside, or deep woods, or even a pristine beach. But for the Airstreamers that come to Urban Air every year, “Main Street USA” fits on that list.
The scene is Eaton Rapids, Michigan – a small town in the south-central part of the state, and as of 2016, the only place in America where you can camp on a state highway. Each year for a weekend, trailer after trailer descends on Eaton Rapids, and the town greets the Airstreamers with open arms.
The idea was first born in Rockford, just a little bit outside Grand Rapids. A few ‘Streamers camped out in a parking lot, and found that the people of Rockford were happy to welcome them. One thing led to another – one of the early organizers dreamed of streets lined with a hundred Airstreams – and now, Eaton Rapids sees upwards of 120 trailers all up and down Main Street when Urban Air comes to town.
It’s not just about camping for fun (although there’s definitely a lot of that). The Airstreamers and the town’s residents form a really close and emotional bond with each other, and because of that Urban Air has grown into something that transcends camping and embodies the spirit of community that Airstream has always been about.
Urban Air serves to help “awaken” Eaton Rapids, both emotionally and economically, as a hub for a weekend of events and fun. The Airstreamers seek to make a real difference. They shop locally to support Eaton Rapids businesses. They organize charity events, like pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners where the proceeds go to local causes. It’s a time for camaraderie and friendship, and a time for giving back to a community that’s given a lot to these Airstreamers.
The goal going forward is to have an Urban Air stop in every state by 2025. With the wanderlust that all Airstreamers feel and the bond they’ve formed with Eaton Rapids, one thing’s for sure: Any town that opens its arms to Urban Air is going to cherish that decision – and it’s likely to spread like wildfire.
