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One Crazy Weekend 2025

Vegas Lights Up with Nearly 400 VWs | Photos by GTM Photography

The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas pulsed with the unmistakable rumble of air-cooled engines October 2nd to October 04th 2025. Now in its sixth year, One Crazy Weekend, the premier VW gathering organized by Let's Talk Dubs and The Wagen, delivered three days of sun-soaked fun, fierce competition, and cross-country camaraderie. With just under 400 Vintage Volkswagens rolling onto the property under flawless 80-degree skies, the event solidified its status as a must-attend pilgrimage for VDub enthusiasts worldwide.

Sponsors Fuel the Fun: EMPI, Sewfine Interiors, West Coast Metric, ProFix Paint, Carbon Collective, and Cat Tec UK stepped up as title sponsors, ensuring every detail from swag bags to prize money reflected top-tier support for the scene. Their backing allowed organizers to elevate the experience without compromise.

Thursday: Cards on the Felt - Action kicked off Thursday evening with a lively poker tournament inside The Orleans. Laughter and friendly trash talk filled the room as players vied for bragging rights in the early-weekend momentum.

Friday: Strikes and Neon Lights - Friday brought the bowling tournament, where strikes, spares and gutter balls set a relaxed tone. As lanes cleared, the real spectacle began: a guided cruise down the World Famous Las Vegas Strip. Hundreds of Vintage VWs, from pristine restorations to wild customs, formed a rolling parade beneath the glowing signs, turning heads with photos being snapped from every sidewalk.

Saturday: Showtime and a Poker Run - Saturday dawned with the main car show sprawling across the Orleans parking lot. DJ Renegade kept the energy high with a soundtrack perfectly tuned to the crowd. The newly introduced "Heavy Hitters" section spotlighted elite builds competing for a single Best of Show trophy and a $1,000 cash prize, raising the stakes and the quality bar high.

After awards, participants scattered for the poker run, chasing the best five-card hand across scenic Vegas checkpoints. The top 20 standout Volkswagens were later showcased on the Let's Talk Dubs official Instagram account, giving global followers a front-row seat to the weekend's finest.

Entertainment kept the day moving, with a DJ spinning classic rock and an energetic MC handing out prizes, engaging the crowd with VW trivia, and making sure families and kids were part of the action. Door prizes were drawn throughout the day, keeping people gathered around the stage, and the kids’ coloring contest in the dedicated family area was a big hit.

A Truly International Affair - The event drew devotees from every corner. Two enthusiasts flew in from Australia, twenty more crossed the Atlantic from the UK, and dedicated VW enthusiasts towed treasured rides all the way from Pennsylvania and Maryland. Even the Virgin Islands sent representatives, proving the universal pull of this well-organized VW weekend.

The Verdict: Huge Success - By Sunday, the consensus was clear: One Crazy Weekend delivered again. Organizers confirmed the event will return next year, being even bigger and bolder. Mark your calendars, book your rooms, and start prepping those VDubs. Vegas is calling.

Canada's Longest-Running VW Show | Article and Photos by Mark Brown

On Sunday, July 13th, 2025, the small town of Heidelberg, Ontario once again echoed with the distinctive sound of air-cooled engines, the hum of water-cooled vehicles, and the buzz of VW enthusiasts from across the province. Hosted by the K-W & Area Bug Club, the 43rd annual Bug Out proved why it holds the title of Canada’s longest continuously running Volkswagen show.

Bug Out began in the early 1980s and has grown steadily into one of Ontario’s “must-attend” VW gatherings. This year, the Optimist Club Park in Heidelberg welcomed 175 registered show cars. From the earliest Beetles and Split-Sindow Buses to slammed water-cooled vehicles (and even Volkswagen’s latest electric ID.Buzz!), all generations of Volkswagens were represented. An estimated 600 spectators strolled the grounds, and 31 vendors were on-site. Support from more than 30 generous sponsors allowed for a highly successful event that was bustling all day.

The morning began with light drizzle just as vendors were unloading, but as the skies cleared and the humidity rose, so did the energy. Members of the hard-working team of volunteers from the K-W & Area Bug Club were on-site to welcome all visitors, including the car owners, vendors, and the spectators, in order that everyone might enjoy viewing categorized rows of all eras and models of VWs By mid-morning, the sun was shining and the park had taken on its familiar midsummer festival atmosphere.

Part of the fun at Bug Out is the variety. Everything from daily drivers to once-in-a-lifetime builds show up. This year’s crowd was treated to a six-wheeled VW Caddy that had everyone circling with cameras, a pristine MkII Jetta that looked as though it had just rolled off the showroom floor, and a clever display pairing a brand-new ID.Buzz that was perfectly color-matched with a newest version of the Beetle.

The club scene was strong, too. In addition to the host, the K-W & Area Bug Club, other groups made the trek from across the province, including the Bluewater VW Club, Capital City Volkswagen Club, Das Kruisers of Barrie, and the Flat 4 Cruisers of Niagara. The variety of clubs only added to the feeling that Bug Out is truly a highly anticipated and exciting gathering for Ontario’s VW community.

Awards are always a big part of Bug Out, and this year 23 categories were recognized with more than 40 trophies. Highlights included the “Air-Cooled Special Merit” Award, sponsored by Gary Roth of Central Automotive Service in memory of his father, Walter Roth, which was awarded to Jodie Schaefer of Welland. The coveted Ernie Abel “Best in Show” Award, sponsored by Georgian Bay Motors, was presented to Paul Wismer of Owen Sound for his beautifully lowered Split-Window Bus.

Entertainment kept the day moving, with a DJ spinning classic rock and an energetic MC who was handing out prizes, engaging the crowd with VW trivia, and making sure families and kids were part of the action. Door prizes were drawn throughout the day, keeping people gathered around the stage, and the kids’ coloring contest in the dedicated family area was a big hit.

Food trucks lined one edge of the park, offering everything from pizza cones to comfort food, but the star of the lineup was undoubtedly the VW Bus retrofitted as an ice cream truck that was serving frozen treats, a crowd favourite that kept kids young and old happy. Families relaxed under the trees, enthusiasts swapped stories in the swap meet area, and friends reconnected over shared memories of past Bug Outs.

Though the cars are the attraction, it’s clear that Bug Out is more importantly about community. This year, the event raised over $2,000 for the Optimist Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, which funds school breakfast programs, summer camps, and local food banks. Beyond that, the K-W & Area Bug Club, which is a not-for-profit incorporation, also contributes proceeds of Bug Out to organizations like the Hamilton Conservation Authority, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, and Special Olympics Ontario through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Bug Out 43 was another milestone for a show that has been bringing the VW scene together for more than four decades. None of it would be possible without the tireless work of the Club Members and their families who gift countless hours of their time and energy to volunteering in order to keep the Bug Out tradition alive. The K-W & Area Bug Club is extremely grateful to all of the sponsors whose support made this event possible. Special thanks go out to Central Automotive Service (Kitchener), Access Auto (Guelph), Guelph VW, and Georgian Bay Motors (Owen Sound).

With the success of 2025’s Bug Out 43 now in the rear-view mirror, the K-W & Area Bug Club is already looking ahead to next summer. Mark your calendars: Bug Out 44 returns to Heidelberg on July 12, 2026. It will once again be a VW show that you won’t want to miss! For more information about Bug Out or the K-W & Area Bug Club, please visit our website at https://www.kwbugclub.org

Rev Up for the Ultimate VW Experience | Article and Photos by Dave Young

The GermanAire Car Show & Social is an event that never fails to get bigger and better every year. Organizer Greg Stogren of Vintage VWs Canada and his many volunteers thankfully decided to pick up where the June Jitter Bug left off in 2019 and what a show they put on for VW enthusiasts from far and wide. This year we had cars from as far away as Florida attend the event. We also had special guests such as Dan Leadbetter of VW Trends Magazine and Bill Tsagrinos of the Let's Talk Dubs podcast join in on the party.

The festivities kicked off Friday evening at the Campark Resorts on Lundy's Lane with the 4-Stack Mafia's Friday Night Social, sponsored by Church Key Brewing. Tons of VW talk, laughs and cold beverages were enjoyed by all in attendance.

Saturday came around and that means it's time to head over to Fireman's Park to get ready for the cruise around the Niagara region. This is like a car show in itself with cars filling the meeting area and everyone getting acquainted. There were VWs and Porsches both air and water-cooled being led through the countryside and wineries and into Niagara on the Lake. If you've never been there, it's a small but gorgeous town filled with 19th century colonial buildings, boutique shops and restaurants. Tourists flock here and they really enjoyed seeing the seemingly endless stream of VWs rolling through town. So many cameras were pointing at the line of cars and cheers could be heard from some.

After we stopped to regroup and stretch our legs, it was on to the drive past the Falls. This is where things get really busy and heads were turning by the thousands to check out all of our pride and joys. We all roll by double wide and many of the tourists are in disbelief of what they are witnessing. I like to think we are creating some new VW fans who might attend the show next year with a car of their own.

Saturday evening after the participants have dinner, they are ready for even more VW talk and socializing. The Cadillac Motel was the place to be for that. I was absolutely amazed at how many people filled up the parking lot. If your car happened to be at the back of the lot, you were there for the evening but I didn't hear any complaints. Everyone had so much fun and with the motel being only occupied by VW owners, we didn't need to worry about disturbing other guests. Sunday morning comes early and it's show time before we know it. This is it, the main event, the moment we've been waiting all year for!

Cars are all lined up in neat rows, filling the lush, well groomed tree filled park and vendors are quick to set up their goods. There is so much to see and do at this show. Need a new accessory or maintenance part? Check out the vast array of parts in the swap meet area. Table after table is set up with all kinds rare parts and literature up for grabs. This is the place to find what you need. There's also a long row of vendors selling new goods, from stickers to earrings to craft items. This could all be found here.

There's other unique events to keep the day moving such as a bouncy castle, bean bag toss, trivia questions, VW Bus Photo Booth and VW St. Catherine's was on hand to give test drives on their new vehicles.

There's a DJ on site to keep the participants and spectators entertained with some rocking tunes. There was plenty of delicious food options should you work up a hunger during the day. You definitely won't be disappointed with the selection. There is a raffle and door prizes being handed out with all kinds of fantastic gifts.

After the judges have made their way around the show to pick the winners it's time to hand out the awards. There is a top 30 divided between air and water-cooled cars and 3 Best-of awards handed out, plus a special award picked by Bill T of Let's Talk Dubs. A huge congratulations to each and every winner this year. They are all so well deserved. So many beautiful quality cars attend this show. 276 to be exact. A new record! All in all this is a show that's not to be missed. Be sure to mark your calendars for June 27th and 28th of 2026 for the fifth annual Niagara GermanAire. A massive thanks goes out to Greg for making this a happening to remember.

VW Culture in Full Swing | Article and Photos by Marlyn Koester

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2025 roared to life this past weekend with over 400 attendees, delivering a lively blend of nostalgia, hands-on activities, and family-friendly entertainment for Volkswagen enthusiasts and local visitors alike. Hosted on the picturesque Funfest Grounds in Effingham, Illinois, this annual celebration of vintage Volkswagens proved once again why it's a beloved tradition among Air-Cooled VW fans.

Friday: A Warm Welcome and Scenic Fun Run Drive - Things kicked off Friday at 4:00 PM with a friendly welcome from Mike Yager, setting the tone for a laid-back weekend all about the love of Air-Cooled VWs. By 4:30 PM, the engines were revving as the Fun Run hit the road, giving everyone a chance to cruise together and show off their rides all the way to Effingham’s favorite outdoor dining spot, Pinky’s, out by Lake Sara. It was the perfect way to wind down the first day.

Saturday: A Day Full of VW Fun - Saturday was absolutely packed from start to finish. Things got rolling at 8:00 AM with registration and the gates opening, and from that moment on, the Funfest Grounds were alive with activity. One of the biggest highlights was the Swap Meet area, which featured over 36 spaces filled with vendors and car enthusiasts showcasing everything from rare parts and accessories to vintage collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you were on the hunt for a specific restoration piece or just browsing for cool garage decor, the swap meet had something for everyone and was buzzing with deals, stories, and plenty of automotive passion.

Just steps away, guests explored even more treasures at the MYGarage Museum and Retail Store, where rare VW classics, VW history exhibits, and shelves of branded gear kept visitors coming back throughout the day. Meanwhile, families had a blast in the Kids Zone, where little ones raced through the inflatable obstacle course, got messy with tie-dye, and channeled their creativity in the Herbie coloring contest. VW fans also packed into the two fantastic sessions with Dr. Darby, “Tuning Your VW” and “Living with a Vintage VW.” Both talks were filled with practical knowledge, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs, making them must-sees for owners of classic Air-Cooled rides.

On top of all that, the day featured some special guests: Randy Marco held a book signing for his “Kicks, Your Travel Guide to Route 66” and connected with fans, while Herbie Historian Erik Elmauer took everyone on a nostalgic journey through Herbie’s film legacy, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Herbie: Fully Loaded and the 45th anniversary of Herbie Goes Bananas.

Games, Good Times, and Downtown Effingham Movie Night - The afternoon was filled with fun games like “Name That Tune” hosted by Amy’s Traveling Trivia, face painting for kids, and lots of socializing. To top it all off, we also celebrated the birthday of twins Max and Mason, two great young men who work at Mid America Motorworks. Everyone gathered around to sing them happy birthday—fittingly to the tune of a Beatles song—which made for a fun, heartfelt moment and added even more joy to an already amazing day. At 4:30 PM, folks gathered for the awards ceremony, where standout vehicles and their proud owners were recognized across several fun categories. Trophies were handed out for Best Herbie, Best Modified VW, Best Daily Driver, Best Beetle, Best Patina, and Best Bus. Mike Yager’s grandkids Violet and Michael Yager had their say too with the Kid’s Choice award,and the prestigious Mike Yager’s Chief Choice award added a special touch of recognition from the man who started it all. But the night wasn’t over!

As the sun went down, the action moved downtown, where the crowd gathered for the always-entertaining Slow Drag Competition—a hilarious crowd favorite that challenged drivers to inch their VWs across the finish line without stalling. After plenty of laughs and cheers, fans got the chance to ride with Herbie, hopping in for a fun, nostalgic spin around the block. It was especially heartwarming to see the kids light up with excitement, grinning ear to ear as they gushed about their ride in the famous VW Bug—creating core memories they won’t soon forget. The evening wrapped up with a cozy outdoor screening of the Herbie: Fully Loaded movie under the stars, where families and friends settled in with lawn chairs and blankets for the perfect ending to a memorable night in downtown Effingham.

A Heartfelt Farewell and an Exciting New Beginning - This year’s event embraced a more personal, laid-back format that encouraged real conversations and stronger community bonds. The response was overwhelmingly positive, confirming what we’ve long believed—simpler, more intimate gatherings create deeper connections and unforgettable experiences. With that spirit in mind, we’re announcing a heartfelt farewell to Funfest for Air-Cooled VW as we officially retire the event and prepare to launch a brand-new tradition: Super Saturday. Debuting next summer, Super Saturday will be a refreshed, one-day event built for today’s outdoor entertainment landscape and designed to support our incredible team. There will be no formal schedules, no registration, and no pressure—just bring your VW, park, and enjoy the day in a relaxed, cars-and-coffee-style atmosphere surrounded by fellow enthusiasts.

Stay Connected - Follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/aircooledvws/ to relive highlights from this year’s event, share your favorite moments, and be the first to hear the official announcement for next year’s Air-Cooled VW Funfest. In the meantime, visit Mid America Motorworks to shop all the parts, accessories, and gear you need to keep your classic ride running and looking its best.

A Weekend Full of VWs, Fun and Good Vibes | Article and Photos by Corey Carmichael

This Spring, I had the chance to attend Bug-a-Palüza in East Ridge, Tennessee - a car show that's a full-on celebration of all things Volkswagen. Held annually just outside Chattanooga, it draws air-cooled VW fans from all over the region.

I'd heard good things about it in the past, but this was my first time going in person. Safe to say, I wasn't disappointed. From the moment I pulled in, I was surrounded by a sea of Beetles, Buses, Ghias, and even a few rare models you don't see every day; a beautiful Type 34 in fact. One of the things that really stood out was the variety, even though it was limited to older VW models. Some owners leaned fully into restoration - OG hubcaps, vintage roof racks, period-correct interiors.

The others took wild creative turns with slammed stances, roof tents, surfboards, and modern upgrades under the hood. No matter the style, every car had character. And every owner had a story - people were eager to talk shop, share their build process, or swap road trip tales, it was more than just a car show - it was a gathering of a tight-knit community.

Families camped out beside their Buses, kids ran around in VW tees, and vendors lined the area selling everything from die-cast collectibles to rare parts and handmade stickers. There was a swap meet for the diehards and even a few food trucks to keep everyone fueled up. It felt like a mix between a car show, a family reunion, and a chill weekend getaway. The passion, personality and creativity within the VW community is unmatched.

From a sand rail that looks like RC from Toy Story, to Groot, a green Bay Window Westfalia that still had a tree trunk growing out of its bumper from a long-ago rescue, enthusiasts showcasing their true inner selves were in every parking spot. These weren't just vehicles - they were rolling expressions of personality and dedication.

If you've never been to Bug-a-Palüza, add it to your list. Beautiful spring weather is hard to beat in TN. Whether you're deep into the VW world or just appreciate classic rides and good vibes, it's an experience worth having. I left sunburned, ready to tackle my own 67 Beetle project, and already thinking about next year.

A Decade of Community, Charity, and Volkswagen Enthusiasm | Article by Ben Reynolds | Photos by Kyndryk Reynolds

In 2010, the Utah Transporter Association embarked on a mission to transcend the typical boundaries of a VW club and make a meaningful impact on their community. This vision led to the creation of the Utah VW Classic, initially known as 'Last Call,' a show dedicated to giving back through their charitable initiative, 'Bussin' for Santa.'

The early days of the Utah VW Classic were defined by camaraderie and purpose, evolving from a modest gathering into a vibrant celebration of Utah's thriving VW scene. Renamed to embrace its broader mission, the Utah VW Classic now stands as a testament to the state's rich Volkswagen heritage and the generosity of its people.

From its humble beginnings with 50 vehicles to its current status hosting over 300 cars and attracting 1,500 attendees, the Utah VW Classic has grown in size and impact. The transition to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity has enabled the organization to expand its charitable endeavors, providing Christmas to numerous families in need and funding scholarships at Salt Lake Community College.

The spirit of philanthropy extends beyond the annual show, with the Utah Transporter Association engaging in various charitable initiatives, including supporting local schools and donating to community causes. Central to their mission is the beloved tradition of 'Bussin' for Santa,' embodying the club's commitment to giving back and spreading joy during the holiday season.

Join the Utah Transporter Association at the Utah VW Classic, a gathering that celebrates not only Volkswagens but also the values of community, generosity, and goodwill. Experience the camaraderie, passion, and shared love for VWs that define this annual event and become part of a legacy of making a difference in the lives of others.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Utah, Riverton provides the perfect backdrop for the annual Utah VW Classic. Located in the heart of the state, Riverton offers a blend of natural beauty, community warmth, and a vibrant atmosphere that complements the iconic Volkswagen scene.

As you make your way to Riverton City Park for the car show, you'll be greeted by sweeping views of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, creating a serene and picturesque setting for the event. The park itself offers tranquility, with lush greenery, well-manicured lawns, and inviting pathways that invite attendees to enjoy the surroundings. The Utah VW Classic in Riverton is not just a car show; it's a celebration of community, charity, and the shared love for Volkswagens. With each passing year, the event continues to grow, drawing enthusiasts and supporters together to make a difference and spread joy. Join us in Riverton, Utah, for a weekend of camaraderie, passion, and the spirit of giving back at the Utah VW Classic.

One Weekend a Year - A Lifetime of Memories | Article and Photos by Nick Rueter

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW once again delivered a memorable experience for Volkswagen enthusiasts from across the country in Effingham IL on Mid America Motorworks' corporate campus. This year's event stood out even more as it was free to attend, making it more enticing to a wider audience of VW fans, families, and car lovers alike. The festivities kicked off early with a Friday evening cruise-in to Pinky's at Lake Sara, a scenic location known for its laid-back charm as a special treat for early arrivals. VW owners were treated to more than just stunning views of the lake; they enjoyed great food, refreshing drinks, and local live music. The gathering provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and admire a beautiful lineup of classic VWs, all while soaking up the summer sun in a relaxing atmosphere.

Gates opened bright and early at 8:00 AM Saturday morning, allowing attendees to set up camp, secure prime parking spots in the show field, and explore the always-bustling swap meet. This part of the event was particularly popular, as attendees searched through a treasure trove of VW parts, memorabilia, and rare finds. The swap meet area served not only as a marketplace but also as a hub for camaraderie, where enthusiasts bonded over their shared passion for everything Volkswagen. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as deals were struck, treasures were unearthed, and stories exchanged.

The air was filled with excitement and the delicious aroma of breakfast being prepared by Toni's Snak Shak. Early risers were treated to a hearty selection of breakfast options, perfect for fueling up before a day of Volkswagen adventure. At 9:00 AM, owner and Chief Cheerleader of Mid America Motorworks, Mike Yager, took the stage to lead the opening ceremonies. His warm welcome to the VW community set the tone for the day, with heartfelt thanks to all the VW owners and enthusiasts for their continued support and participation in the hobby. Yager's speech reflected the camaraderie that Funfest has fostered over the years.

Throughout the day, attendees had the chance to attend several expert seminars. Mike Yager, along with Dr. Darby Milnor of Midwest Autosavers, Inc., and Erik Elmauer from Herbie the Love Bug Collectibles Museum, hosted engaging talks on a variety of topics. From learning about Mid America Motorworks' 50 years of history to practical tips on VW maintenance, the seminars offered something for everyone, whether you were a seasoned VW expert or a curious newcomer. The Q&A session with Elmauer on Herbie's history was a particular highlight, as fans of the iconic movie car had the chance to dive deep into its legacy.

Family-friendly activities were scattered throughout the event, making Funfest enjoyable for all ages. The inflatable obstacle courses were a hit with kids, while T-shirt tie-dying and painting activities allowed families to take home creative, personalized souvenirs. The return of the beloved Paint Bus was a crowd favorite, with Funfest attendees eagerly taking part in decorating the iconic vehicle, contributing to its ever-evolving artwork.

As the afternoon wore on, the excitement continued to build towards the highly anticipated Awards Ceremony at 4:30 PM. Enthusiasts gathered to see which VWs would be honored in categories such as Best Campsite, Staff's Choice, Children's Pick, Chief's Choice, and Best Air-Cooled VW (ACVW). Each award celebrated the passion and creativity within the VW community, and the winners proudly displayed their unique vehicles as symbols of their dedication to the hobby and brought home a lovely trophy to forever remember this year's show.

By 5:00 PM, as the event wound down, VW enthusiasts exchanged farewells, filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy from the day's experiences. Many were already looking forward to next year's Funfest, eager to reconnect with the friends they had made and continue their shared love of classic Volkswagen cars. The camaraderie and sense of community left everyone with warm memories, solidifying Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2024 as a truly special event in the hearts of all who attended. Hope to see you all at the 2025 Mid America Motorworks Funfest!

The 25th-Anniversary Celebration of Utah's Vintage Volkswagen show was a resounding success, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide to honor the enduring spirit of the beloved Volkswagen brand. The event, which took place on June 22nd at The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, Utah, provided a fitting backdrop for a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and community.

The event showcased a stunning array of classic Beetles, Karmann Ghias, Buses, and other iconic models, captivating attendees with the timeless appeal of these vehicles. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, proud owners shared stories of restoration projects, memorable road trips, and the enduring allure of these timeless vehicles. The air was filled with excitement as enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds came together to share their passion, forging new friendships and creating lasting memories in the process.

The 25th-anniversary celebration was more than just a car show; it was a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Volkswagen brand and a testament to the passion and dedication of the individuals who keep these classic cars on the road. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the vintage Volkswagens, it became clear that this event was a significant milestone in Utah's automotive scene, highlighting the strong sense of community and camaraderie that defines the vintage Volkswagen community.

The success of this milestone event was made possible by the support of several sponsors, including Vintage German Motors, The Shops at Riverwoods, Bob's VW, Backyard Greens, Advanced Powder Coating, and VW Upfitters. Their contributions were instrumental in bringing the event to life, and their support is greatly appreciated by all who attended.

It is worth mentioning that Wasatch Vintage Volkswagens, Utah County's premier VW club, played a pivotal role in organizing and hosting the event. Founded in 1998 by Justin Ferguson, the club has been instrumental in providing a platform for owners of air-cooled Volkswagens to meet, associate, and share their common interests. Through monthly meetings and various Volkswagen events, the club has fostered a strong sense of community among enthusiasts in the region.

In conclusion, the 25th-anniversary celebration of Utah's vintage Volkswagen show was a testament to the enduring legacy and timeless style of the Volkswagen brand. With the support of sponsors and the dedication of enthusiasts, the event highlighted the strong sense of community and camaraderie that defines Utah's vintage Volkswagen scene. Here's to another 25 years of memories, miles, and magic on the open road!

Saturday saw the kickoff of Club Veedub Sydney's 2023 VW Nationals with a cruise, organized by Euro Cruisers, from Prospect HomeMaker Centre to Wisemans Ferry. We had great support from both air-cooled and water-cooled cars. We traveled in convoy, via a short stop at the Vineyard Hotel, enroute to the Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club for lunch. The new lower car park had more than enough space for the 40 odd cars and will be a great location for future events. Again, thank you Paul for pulling this all together!

On Saturday night it was off to Farfield show grounds to set everything up - unpacking trailers full of gear, setting the layout, putting up signs, setting up tables and chairs, hanging banners, getting the office and shop areas organized and all the other work getting the venue ready. Thank you to all the helpers who came along. The beers and pizzas afterwards were well deserved. Early Sunday it was clear and very cold, as show cars, traders and swappers lined up well before dawn. Our volunteers were there early, some even camping there overnight, and soon suited up with fluorescent vests and radios. The club shop and office were ready, the entry gates were manned and opened right on 7:30am, and it was on! The car show entry is usually the bottleneck, but this year we had plenty of volunteers to make things run smoothly.

Clipboards with entry forms and tap-n-go payment were run up the queue, so that most cars had them filled out and paid by the time they reached the entrance. They got their stickers and judging forms, their photos taken, and then directed to their parking areas by more of our volunteers. The traders and swappers were also in place early, and by 9am the show was looking great. By 10am most of the show cars were in place, and the gates were closed at 10:30. The show grounds were packed with cars, traders, swappers and spectators, what an sight!

We simplified the show categories a little this year, with some dead categories removed (race categories) and others simplified (exotics included with off-road, and SEAT/Skoda merged). The Brian Walker award was retired (it's been five years since he passed away), and the Pleydon trophy was named for both Ray and Shirley - she had passed away a few weeks earlier. We also introduced the Pam Withers Award thanks to Paul from Euro-Cruisers.Last year, as we were still recovering from the pandemic, we only had 177 cars in the show. Pre-Covid, in 2019, we had 198 cars. Our best years were 213 in 2016, and the record 231 in 2017. This year, however, we got 241 cars in the show - the most ever!!! And 84 of them were on Historic Registration, which is also the most ever. They made up 35% of the entries.

There were 159 air-cooled cars in the show, much more than the 117 last year, and just one less than the record 160 air-coolers in 2017. It's great to see people bringing their classics out again after a few years of lock downs And significantly, there were 80 water-cooled cars, by far the most ever and easily beating the 58 last year. This is the future and it's great to see our younger-generation VW Golf fans coming along and enjoying the show. By types, there were 76 Beetles across 6 categories (24 more than last year); 45 Kombis in 5 categories (7 more than last year), and 49 Golfs in 7 categories (9 more than last year). The most popular show category was Beetle 68-on Modified, with 23 entries (11 more than last year). Kombi T2 1968-79 Standard had 19 entries (5 more than last year); Beetle '58-67 Standard had 17 entries (6 more than last year); Beetle '58-67 Modified had 15 entries (1 more than last year).

For the water-coolers, Golf 7 2013-2020 had 11 entries (6 more than last year), while Golf 1 1976-83 had 10 entries (5 more than last year). VW Sports (Scirocco, Corrado, New Beetle) had 8 entries (6 more than last year!). Golf 2 1984-92 also saw a big increase, 5 this time up from just 1 last year. Almost all of the 42 categories in 2023 increased in number over last year, which was just wonderful to see, and those that didn't were usually only a few less. Classes like Pre-'57 Beetles, Karmann Ghia, Buggies and Off-roaders matched their longer-term averages. Rat Class saw 10 entries, 5 more than last year, but 10 is the long-term average.

There were just 2 Modified Type 3s, down from 4 last year and 10 in 2017, so modifying Type 3s is not the done thing any more. Standard Type 3s were up to 4 from 3 last year, but a way to go to match the 7 in 2017. We only saw 5 T3 Transporters, down from 7 last year. There were slightly fewer Polos, Golf 3, 4 and 6 than last year, but more Golf 1, 2, 5 and 7. There were 5 Audis, the most ever, and just the one Porsche (mine!). Again there were no SEATs or Skodas, the only category with no entries. However Cupra (a SEAT subsidiary) has been launched in Australia so we might see one or two next year, hopefully. If not, we’ll retire this category.

There were just two entries for the Concours d'Elegance category, the only one judged by a panel of VW industry experts, and for the first time both of them were water-cooled!All car show entrants received a judging sheet, allowing them to wander through the show and choose up to 20 different cars of their choice (air and water). Altogether some 1,685 separate votes were cast on these (164 more than last year), and posted in the blue box at the club stand before the 12:30 close-off. In addition, there were 404 People's Choice voting coupons dropped into the box by show spectators, making 2,089 votes altogether (plus the 241 entry forms) for Phil to type into his laptop computer.

This took all morning and lunchtime, but data entry was complete by around 1:45 pm. Phil's custom-designed Excel spreadsheet uses the COUNTIF function to count the number of times each particular entry number appears as a vote. Then sorting by category and vote totals gives all the results in correct order. Then it only remained to create the PowerPoint presentation by matching the car photos to the winning cars. Phil and Sam had everything worked out by 2:15. Presentation could then be started a bit earlier, and it was quite quick as we no longer do 3rd place trophies and only about ten 2nd places for the most popular categories. We were all finished by 3:30pm and most people started heading home. We still had another hour's work packing up!

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the volunteers who helped make the 2023 VW Nationals a huge success. Your dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and I am deeply appreciative of your efforts. Your selflessness and commitment to this event are truly remarkable, and it is because of you that the event was able to run. This year I would like to make a special mention of David Birchall, who due to his terminal illness was not able to attend or finalize the event. This being his 35th year of single-handedly organizing this event, he still did 90% of the organizing work leading up to the event. We are grateful that he lived to hear about the biggest-ever VW Nationals before he passed away. His unwavering dedication, hard work and attention to detail have been instrumental in making the event what it is today. From coordinating volunteers and vendors to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of attendees, his contributions will never be forgotten.

We all say THANK YOU DAVE from the bottom of our hearts. You will be greatly missed. I also want to mention another longtime member and Nationals helper who passed away last month, Shirley Pleydon. She and her husband Ray joined the club in the 1990s and were familiar at many meetings and runs over the years. Both were on the committee for a long time. Shirley used to organize the trophies every year and was always generous with a cake at the Christmas meeting. Ray passed away in 2013 and the Ray Pleydon Award was set up in tribute. This year it was the Ray and Shirley Pleydon Award. Our thoughts and sympathies to Ray and Shirley's family. Mit mehr Wertschätzung, als Worte ausdrücken können (With more appreciation than words can express)