Hutchinson ? Recent rain has left some of the thousands of motor home enthusiasts who visited Hutchinson for a conference stuck in the mud.

The association’s 68th Premier International Motorhome Extravaganza, which drew thousands of motor coaches to Hutchinson last week, ended Thursday. But last week’s heavy rains sent some fleeing early and others staying late to wait for lots to dry.

The Kansas State Fair and members of the community lent their tractors Thursday and Friday to help pull motor coaches out of the mud. Fair officials are also allowing Family Motor Coach Association members to stay at the fairgrounds free of charge through Monday. Those who require electric hookups are being charged $12 to $18.

James Miget stood Friday on one of the few dry grass areas in the back of the Kansas State Fairgrounds and waited his turn to drive his motor coach out of the mud and onto more solid ground.

Unlike some of the other travelers who are expected at rallies in a matter of days, Miget doesn’t need to be in Albuquerque until Thursday. So he wasn’t in a hurry Friday.

“This is just something you learn to take with a grain of salt,” Miget said. “If I can go out straight, I may be able to get out.”

Jerry Yeatts, director of conventions for FMCA, said he planned to stay in Hutchinson for a day or two to ensure that people got their motor coaches unstuck.

“There have been several families who have said they feel it’d be better if they stayed another night,” he said.

Yeatts couldn’t estimate how many of the 3,667 FMCA motor coaches remained Friday in Hutchinson.

Chuck and Phyllis Hogue, of Downey, Calif., got some help from fellow FMCA members to get their motor home out of the mud.

“There’s no second try if you get stuck,” said Phyllis Hogue.

Chuck Hogue threw his motor home into drive, hit the gas pedal and climbed out of the mud. From outside the motor home, others could see him celebrating his good luck by throwing a fist in the air.

“If you just take your time and never be in a rush, we all get out,” Hogue said.