Were we conned?

What was to be a mountain of motorhomes turned out to be a molehill.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) Kununurra Mini Rally was held at the weekend and the turn-up was pathetic.

The club's promise of 400 to 500 motorhomes and a 1000 people attending the weekend rally in Kununurra was a long way from the reality.

About two dozen camped at the Showground on Friday night and a few more were spattered around the town's caravan parks.

The CMCA published the wrong dates for the rally in its magazine and on its website.

However, it assured Kununurra organisers that the members had been contacted and that the rally would go ahead as planned.

Cut price parking fees, a welcoming office and entertainment were planned.

Early arrivals began drifting into town nearly a month ago, but still the message was the same - the vast majority would arrive at the proper time.

As the numbers increased, the Shire moved into damage control mode and took over the organisation of the provision of facilities from the local committee.

A temporary office was put in place on the dog walking area beside the Showgrounds to handle motorhomes during the annual show.

The Magpies Football Club put on a country western night on Friday attracting about 30 rally goers, who had an excellent time by all reports.

Another 16 CMCA members were spotted having a night out at Lakeside Resort.

About 20 took part in a gambling night on Saturday.

Local businesses took out advertising in both the CMCA's magazine and a Kimberley Echo feature.

Chamber of Commerce president Tony Brown said he thought the chamber and local businesses had done the right thing in being prepared for the rally.

"It was just disappointing that the club didn't have the number of participants it expected," he said.

The club uses the 'carrot' of the amount of money its members will spend in a town to attract concessions and entertainment.

Kununurra may well think twice before becoming involved again.