Eau Claire-Stream Takes Local Vibe on Road

Tom Giffey, photos by Nick Meyer |

What’s the best way to see America in style? Inside the sleek, retro luxury of a shimmering aluminum Airstream trailer, of course. What’s the best way to stylishly impress the rest of America so they want to check out the Chippewa Valley? Again, with a classic Airstream trailer – coupled with the talents of Eau Claire area musicians, performers, writers, and other creative folks. Visit Eau Claire, the local tourism-promotion group, now has just such a tool: Meet the Eau Claire-Stream – get it? – a 27-foot-long 2001 Airstream that’s been newly customized into what Visit Eau Claire calls “an interactive, state-of-the-art mobile marketing center.” The trailer, unveiled in late September, features a nifty fold-out stage, essentially creating a pop-up performance venue complete with sound and video systems. “We believe a presence like this for Eau Claire will really set us apart,” said Linda John, executive director of Visit Eau Claire. The Eau Claire-Steam is already touring within a 300-miles radius of Eau Claire, helping visitors in style with the help of local talent. It may pop up in Eau Claire once in a while, so keep your ears open.