A group of recreational vehicle enthusiasts spent the weekend preparing to ring in the new year in its own special way.

The Leisure Tyme RV Club has celebrated the new year for the past four years together. The club was started by three couples who share a passion for the vehicles. The group came up with an idea to incorporate their vehicles into their New Year’s festivities.

The club was started by Sherral and Sheila Boutte, Carrol and Sandra Brooks and Alfred and Vanessa Phillips.

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“It started with the three of us talking about camping out for the New Year’s weekend. We invited a few friends, and we had seven or eight coaches. Each coach invited their families,” said Sherral Boutte.

“We decided to camp out by my house. For three years, we camped out in a lot by my house. This year, the rain was coming the same weekend, so we decided on a place and we talked to the people at the SugArena,” said Carrol Brooks.

Over the years, the gathering that started as a unique way to ring in the new year began to grow. This year, more than 100 family members and friends of the RV club descended on SugArena for the two-day event.

“It’s growing, and it’s going to grow even more so. We love it,” said Alfred Phillips.

Seventeen RVs from as far as Mississippi and Texas came to enjoy the gathering. The festivities included music, fun jumps, food, fireworks and a bonfire.

Willie Jones, an RV enthusiast from Pass Christian, Miss., came out to the party for the first time.

“I came here to be with friends. They invited me, and we always have a great time. I’m having a great time,” said Jones.

For Sheila Boutte one of the best things about the festivities is the family environment.

“It’s one big family function. You have the parents, the grandparents and the kids. It’s a safe environment,” she said.

Safety is another advantage of the group’s party.

“It’s a safe thing to be off the highway with the drunk drivers. Everyone’s in an RV, so they don’t have to drive,” said Vanessa Phillips.