The Funfest For Beetle is rapidly becoming the nation's largest VW event. Recently celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the event--promoted by mail-order parts house The Real Source--attracted over 500 Volkswagens and several thousand spectators. Held in the small town of Effingham, Ill., the two-day event attracted enthusiasts from California to New York.
The first day of the event was met with brief morning showers, but the sun eventually cleared the way for an otherwise wonderful weekend of VWs, complementary food and entertainment for the whole family.
A hugely diverse group of VWs of nearly every make and model sprawled the facility's spacious grounds. The colorful display of Volkswagens, included rare vintage models, Resto-Customs and even a few unique one-offs, including a couple VW-powered three-wheelers. Other often more collectible VWs, including an original unrestored Herbie are found on display inside the on-sight auto museum.
As with all Funfest events, the judging is a little more relaxed and less complex than the more traditional and often controversial "point-grading system" of other events.
Funfest organizers select a panel of Celebrity Judges (comprised of roughly a dozen industry people, including yours truly) each of who are responsible for choosing a single VW.
The criteria for judging is simple; choose a vehicle that you would either like to own or one that you simply appreciate. Each car chosen is corralled into a winner viewing area and the car owners each receive a fine crafted plaque commemorating the honor and occasion.
New this year to the event was a used parts swap meet. This very popular addition to the show provided the opportunity for enthusiasts to buy, sell and swap a variety of items, including collectibles and toys. It also provided yet another exciting element to the event, which already offers various games and crafts for the kids, free industry technical seminars and even a new parts sale closeout.
At the end of each day, the event concludes with a cruise, touring local historic locales. This year's drive visited the town of nearby Greenup, IL., where over 100 participants enjoyed wine tasting at the Cameo Winery and a bite of chocolate at the nostalgic Candy Kitchen.
Needless to say, the fifth anniversary of the Funfest for Beetle provided plenty of fun and excitement for everyone who attended. If you have yet to take part, do yourself a favor, load up the 23-Window with the kids and gear, check the oil and chart a course to be on hand for all of next year's festivities. If anything like the past five, it will be an occasion you won't want to miss.
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