Funfest for Air-Cooled VW delivers the fun

June 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Some 1,300 Volkswagens and 8,000 enthusiasts converged on Mid America Motorworks' corporate campus in Effingham, Ill. for "4 Wheels, 2 Days & Funfest - An Air-COOLed Event." The 13th Annual Funfest for Air-Cooled VW took place June 4 and 5, with a Fun Run Road Tour and Downtown Party kicking off the celebration Friday evening.

Fun Run participation increased by 15% this year, with 200 Volkswagens following
Mid America Motorworks Chief Cheerleader, Mike Yager, through scenic Effingham. The Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau set the tone for the weekend with live entertainment by local musicians during the Downtown Party.

Several new aspects were incorporated into Funfest for Air-Cooled VW  for 2011. Most notably, Funfest was moved to the north grounds to utilize the show field layout and give Funfest a connected atmosphere. Club Parking and special display parking for 1960s Woodstock-themed VWs were showcased along Funfest Boulevard throughout the two-day event. Camping, a popular part of Funfest for many enthusiasts, was given a larger role this year, with VW camping greeting enthusiasts as they entered the grounds.

"This year we are focused on giving our guests the best Funfest experience possible. I think that by making key changes and welcoming new activities, we were able to do just that, " Yager said.

Always a highlight of Funfest, Mike Yager presented the Platinum Bug and Passing on the Passion awards during Saturday's Welcome Ceremony. Dr. Darby Milnor and Corky Yager (Mike's older brother) were recognized with the Platinum Bug Award for their years of dedication and passion for furthering the VW hobby. Father and son duo, Dave and Ryan Marx, received the Passing on the Passion Award for keeping the VW passion alive from one generation to the next.

Special VIP guest, Bruce Meyers, gave enthusiasts an inside look at the history of the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy. He also gave tips on how to spot imposters, as the Meyers Manx that he created is the most copied vehicle in history. Meyers gave his approval and input on the Extreme Dune Buggy Makeover led by DuneBuggyArchives.com during Funfest. The group worked on a 1969 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy, including new wheels, brakes, engine and interior parts. The two-day project  gave guests an up-close look at the steps involved with a makeover.

More than 25 guests received a glitter lava lamp as winners of the Celebrity Choice VW Judging Saturday and Sunday. VWs were selected based on a variety of criteria, including customization, original condition and personality. Funfest was also a chance for some lucky VW Clubs to receive recognition. Bruce Simurda, Associate Publisher of Hot VWs Magazine, selected four clubs as part of a VW Club profile that will appear in an upcoming issue of the magazine.  

Additional highlights from the weekend include tours of PERFORMANCE CHOICE manufacturing division and the MY Garage Museum and Retail Store, expert seminars, a Saturday evening performance by Mike Antrim and Family Zone activities.

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW is known as the premier Volkswagen celebration in the U.S., with guests attending from all over the world. Mid America Motorworks has decided to expand Funfest to three-days based on the overwhelming popularity of the event. Plans are underway for 2012 Funfest for Air-Cooled VW, scheduled June 1-3.

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Mid America Motorworks, located in Effingham, IL is dedicated to the automotive enthusiasts. Through full-color mail order catalogs, our website & retail store we offer thousands of aftermarket parts and accessories for Corvettes & Air-Cooled Volkswagens.