ELKHART COUNTY -- The head of the hall of fame says the facility needs time and cash. He's hoping local RV leaders will help keep the doors open in the short-term.
Something borrowed, something blue, something broken?
"I fell Monday," said Tera Howton. "I fractured my foot. We're getting married and we just adapted to it."
Howton, soon to be Browning, decorated inside the RV Hall of Fame for her wedding. Her future mother-in-law, Beth and friend Emily were there to help. Tera said the staircase sealed the deal.
"My dad will start at the top. come all the way down the stairs," said Howton. "We'll actually get married right here on the platform."
As the ladies put on the finishing touches, RV Hall of Fame officials have a little planning of their own. Leaders are working to keep the doors open. The three-year-old facility's financial future is in jeopardy. Visitors suspect it has a lot to do with location.
"A visitor from Philadelphia said it was difficult finding the place," said John Zook of Goshen. Zook and his wife added they also had trouble finding the Hall of Fame.
Others believe it is a lack of publicity. The Hall's Executive Director said it's something else:
"It's been a combination of some things," said Tom McNulty.
The facility expanded too fast. The loss of a generous donor didn't help either.
"When he was alive, he was a very staunch supporter of the museum," said McNulty. "He was willing to work with us. Now it's a different ball-game."
For the next few weeks, the hall will share something in common with the RV industry, it proudly recognizes a fight for survival.
When asked whether the hall has time and if it'll get the cash, McNaulty said, "I feel strongly there are people who really want to make this thing succeed."
McNulty is optimistic, even though the industries still face challenges. He believes the people and funding are there to keep the Hall open.
