The classic Volkswagen often elicits a 1960s frame of mind, complete with psychedelic colors and the mystique of the era. That is why Mid America Motorworks is inviting VW enthusiasts to a Magical Mystery Funfest, the 15th annual Funfest for Air-Cooled VW, scheduled for May 31 through June 2. This milestone event welcomes thousands of Volkswagens and their enthusiastic owners as they converge on Mid America Motorworks’ corporate campus in Effingham, some 90 miles from St. Louis, to celebrate the hobby.
One of the premier VW celebrations in the country, Funfest for Air-Cooled VW welcomes participants from all over the world. This year, two-time Bonneville Salt Flats World Record holder, Bill Hatfield, will be a special guest at Funfest. Hatfield and his 1999 Mexican Beetle, known as the Salt Flats Flyer, set and reset the 36 HP Challenge’s DSS36 (dual carbs class) record with a pass of 114.909 mph. Hatfield will put the brakes on at Funfest long enough to show off his VW as he prepares for a return trip to Bonneville this September.
Each year, Funfest for Air-Cooled VW offers special display parking for a select group of Volkswagens. 2013 is no exception, as all art designed VW’s will enjoy special parking to create an out of sight Magical Mystery display of specialty cars. Guests can also look forward to all new expert seminars, special displays, scavenger hunt, swap meet, Magical Mystery road tour, premium Saturday night entertainment and more. “Celebrity Choice” fun judging on Friday, Saturday and Sunday recognizes the stand-out VWs from the weekend.
Winners of the 2013 Platinum Bug Award and Passing on the Passion Award will also be announced during Funfest. There is still time to submit entries for the Platinum Bug Award, recognizing an individual who has shown long-term dedication to the preservation and promotion of the classic Volkswagen hobby for future generations. Entries are also being accepted for the Passing on the Passion Award, which recognizes families that share the VW hobby from one generation to the next. Nominations for both awards can be submitted at funfest@mamotorworks.com.
Self-guided tours of the MY Garage Museum and Retail Store will be available throughout the weekend. See Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager's collection of rare and famous VWs, including original Herbie cars.
Enthusiasts can register in advance for Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2013 at www.funfestacvw.com or by calling (800) 500-1500. Visit the website or the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mamotorworks, for up-to-date event information.