The Lemke family is looking forward to doing business in Ripon.

RJ Lemke along with his son, Fred, were especially thrilled at Thursday’s ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Happy Daze RV.

“We liked that we can afford the dirt here and that we’ll be having a full-service center (for parts, repairs and maintenance),” RJ Lemke said at the afternoon event hosted by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.

This will be the fourth location for Happy Daze RV. RJ Lemke noted that the first location was in San Jose in 1974.

In 1980, the business shifted over to Sacramento. From there, Happy Daze RV expanded into Livermore and Gilroy.

The new business is part of a 10-acre development. Local developer Chad De Graaf, who is handling the construction, was also at the ground-breaking event along with City of Ripon staff, local elected leaders, dignitaries, and Miss Ripon Briley Perez, who was doing her first-ever public event since her crowning a few weeks ago – will feature a just under 40,000 square foot building.

Everything will be state of the arts, from RV sales, service, parts and rental facility to indoor showroom that would able to accommodate three to six units.

The 20-bay service department will be part of the full Collision Center with an extensive parts department for any and all recreational needs.

Looking to rent? Happy Daze RV will have a fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers to do just that.

The family-owned business is rounding out the Ripon Crossing shopping center near Jack Tone Road at Garrison Way, between Boat Country and Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness.

RJ Lemke is hoping for an Oct. 1 opening for the newest Happy Daze RV in Ripon.

Fred Lemke indicated about 40 employees will be part of the RV staff.