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Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:31 pm

With all the great shows and events on both the east coast and the west, has anyone ever thought about organizing a national show? Maybe centered in the U.S. somewhere with a large enough space to park the amount of VW's coming from all points in north America as well as other countries internationally. I would like to see what kind of feedback this stirs up as I have heard a lot of other people mention this idea. I could see it as the largest show on earth and see it last for at least a four day weekend.

Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:54 pm

Interesting idea. Kind of like a bus version of Sturgis...? Considering the current rabid enthusiasm everyone seems to have for Type 2s, it would probably attract a huge group. I would go!

Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:48 am

If you're talking about a centrally located national show, there are already
shows in the St. Louis area, as well as the show put on in southern Illinois
(Effingham, IL?)by Mid-America Motor Werks. Not strictly Type 2 shows,
but you can probably guage the interest by the number of pre-1968 buses
in attendance.
My take on a show in the 'Heartland'? Not enough large vendors in the
Midwest to sponsor a 'splitties only' big bus show. Keep them on the coasts, the Far West, and the Atlantic Seaboard, where the enthusiam is the greatest. We Midwesterners can travel to the big shows.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:10 am

I would go to something like that. I think a show of that scale would probably have to be on the order of that large show in Germany
(Bad Camburg? ) only every few years.

Make no mistake, it would take unbelieveable, immense amount of work to set up, and lots of time to plan.Sponsers would have to be from all over the U.S. After market folks as well as VW clubs and organizations,
I think, and requiring lots of co-ordination.
Also, as in the German event, this size event would have to appeal to VW folk world wide. And not just type-2 folk here.

As said above however, I'd go!
Kinda like it would be the "Woodstock" of VW events,
could you imagine the swap area at an event of that magnatude?
wow! :D

Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:38 am

Good idea! A VW Sturgis. The geographical center of the US is Lebanon, Kansas. It has a population of about 300, most people are farmers. It would be like Hippies coming into Bethel, N.Y. (Woodstock). Not alot of motels/hotels, grocery stores, or cafes , for those who would want that. There is a hospital there and not much else. It would be great for their economy, if you could find a farmer that would open up his fields. He'd be like Max Yasgur (hated by all his neighbors). It would also have to be a place where we could have it year after year. We'd have better luck finding a place around Denver or Kansas City. I like Colorado as a place myself. I like the idea alot and would attend it. Another place may be Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:44 am

I'd go. 8)

Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:55 am

The idea pops up every once in a while, but getting someone to organize and run it is tough.

Closest we (thesamba) came was the Samba reunion at the Classic a few years ago. We're hoping to do it again in 2013.

A central show would be awesome, I'd sure make the trek from NY

(thread moved to general)

Thu Jan 12, 2012 9:04 am

There already is a National and Internationally attended event in California. I don't see how anything could ever replace the Classic. That is where the heart and soul of VW's is. It's not going to happen in some farmland in Kansas.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 9:17 am

This thread is new but there are already some interested folks from both sides. I will get to all the PM's shortly. It seems the trek cross country is what people are into and getting together with people on the other side is never a bad thing. I have received mail from Europe and S. America stating interest as well. There are vendors here in the US that participate at Bad Camberg and EBI as well as vendors from Japan so something like this will bring a lot of people out to attend. I will never dis credit the Classic, that is one awesome show. Just thinking about something on a different scale to unite the VW community for a few days.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 9:31 am

Maybe it should b called

GOOD CAMBURG.

That way it's better then that other show!

Thu Jan 12, 2012 10:05 am

Central northern USA, I'd sure go but I think it has to have a big lead time so people could plan, holidays, various other trips. I could help during the winter mths for sure, summer is for travelling for me. Keep us posted.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 10:31 am

drscope.

That's funny. I have attended Bad Camberg several times and it is a great show but they are very particular to who attends these days. This idea I am working on would be welcome to all air cooled VW's, purest's, customs, prototypes, etc., and would last several days.

I would be interested in hearing form others that would be interested in the planning as it is a large undertaking. I would also like to hear from some vendors and their thoughts on the matter. I am looking at a facility that has the space but also has restrooms with showers, exhibit halls and other attractions. I am awaiting response right now from the owners of the property.

What time of year would possibly be ideal for something like this taking into consideration weather in central USA and conflict with other events throughout the year?

Thu Jan 12, 2012 10:52 am

You need to do a survey of the major shows in each area and find an open date. There are certain shows I just will not miss in my area. I'm sure most show goers feel the same.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 10:59 am

I agree, and it goes for the European shows as well. I'm thinking towards the winter months when it starts to get cooler but not in the dead of winter. Need a lot more feedback from you folks out there.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 11:01 am

Sounds a lot like Busses by the Arch. It's now called Busses Nowhere Near the Arch, held in 2011 closer to Hannibal MO on Labor Day weekend (the whole weekend). It will be Labor Day weekend again this year, and it's not just limited to buses.

And then the big event is Jun 1-3, 2012: the Mid-America Funfest at Effingham IL. According to their website "The weekend event has grown steadily over the years to more than 1,300 Volkswagens of all descriptions and more than 8,000 enthusiasts."

And of course, many take the pilgrimage to California for the VW Classic. It's a little different trying to get one event for the whole U.S. as compared to all of Germany, which is about the size of two midwestern states.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:52 pm

:( only for air cooled? A Show or a Gathering? Winter in central States might keep some people off the road due to salt useage where they are coming from. Just some thoughts. I'm water cooled :?

How about VOLKSSTOCK?!

Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:23 pm

Hotels, motels and camping areas are a must.

But maybe the first thing to start asking is WHY people go to these shows?

What is it that makes you load up the car, or all your crap, drag it hundreds or thousands of miles and hang out for a day or 2 or 3 or more.

Is it the vendors? The swaps? The drag races? The autocross? The car shows? The chicks?

Once you figure out what makes people come, then you can really start planning on wht you need to have there to attract them.

Let us know how we can help!

Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:01 pm

drscope, I was thinking about all those activities. I have found a location that I think would work real well. It also has about forty hotels and motels near bye as well as an air port. The facilities have restrooms with showers and more than enough space to handle a show of that scale.

Winter would keep people away for more reasons than the salt alone. How about a spring time event?

I think the more activities the better and that's what attracts people. I think all VW's should be welcome.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:42 pm

coming labor day week 2013, kansas city, missouri.....the 1st annual VOLKSSTOCK!!! come one come all THE GATHERING OF ALL GATHERINGS! a weeks worth of activities including shows, swap meets, cruises and much more! culminating with the PRA DRAG DAY! plenty of lodging, food and camping available. BRING YOUR VWS OF ANY TYPE! this event is open to ANYONE who has a love affair for THE VOLKSWAGEN! ....... sponsored by VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, THE SAMBA.COM, MID AMERICA MOTORWORKS, AIRCOOLED.NET, LUCAS PRODUCTS, COKER TIRES and the gracious citizens of KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:07 pm

kevin3406, I am liking the sound of that.