- By Bill C.
AUG 24th thru 26th –
The full monty. That’s what I’m talking about. Well, at least the full 3-day deal at beautiful Eureka Springs. Okay, I’m hooked. I loved this.Before the show, I literally wore myself out trying to make a purse out of my, not-show-quality Lightning Bug. I was not expecting to place, but I did not want to embarrass myself either. Okay… scrub scrub.. sand sand… paint paint… tweak tweak .. and fix fix. There, as I fell, exhausted in a heap of human humility.. "ready enough."
So (go ahead with the name-calling) I hooked my baby on the apron strings of my Dodge truck, and Connie & I pulled & prodded along behind Dee & Linda and their ‘70 Ghia. Nice trip. However, I would not want to try to caravan through those hills.
All checked in at the Victoria Inn, I only needed 40 acres to turn my rig around at the office. Tow barring does NOT allow for backing up! Shucks! Had to unhook to save any more embarrassment in front of the office and all those V’dubbers.
Weather. Unlike last year, Fantabulous. There were usually just enough clouds and breezes to keep things really pleasant. Compared to Memphis, it was not that humid. Believe it or not, it was breezy enough to blow over my beach umbrella. Nice!
A little background before I talk about the festivities. The Eureka Springs show is normally held at the Convention Center, right next to the Best Western. Well, the center burnt and is being rebuilt. So, the show moved to Victoria Inn on the other end of town.
But we still had the Friday night cookout at the Best Western. Oh OINK! I was such a pig! But lots of fine folks, from lots of places like Dallas & OK City. Then, getting back to the hotel, we found the place was swamped with all sorts of VWs and vendors indoors and out. Oh, the temptations of Bug-wares! But wanted to move Lightning Bug to my spot (all night security) and save enough time for a dip in the indoor pool before bed. YAAWWN…. road weary.
Saturday, the judging was to start around 9 or 10. So, a quick complimentary breakfast; followed by a Richard Simons outfit and polishing. Then MY turn to get cleaned-up and stroll the rows, while Connie & Linda hit the shops downtown. Ran into a few of our members, too.
After all the judging was over, we lined up about 200+ VWs and took the infamous parade through downtown. Yes, it was just as fun as everybody has said. What a spectator turn out! Still had the awards to come.
Yes, I knew it would happen. Got my hopes up. Earlier, I had eyeballed my class.
I thought I might have a snowball’s chance at 3rd. But the one sharp orange custom bug that I thought was an "early custom bug", was really a "late custom bug" with early fenders. It took 1st place in my class. I took heart. Great experience anyway.
Dee’s custom Ghia was standing tall. Second place for Dee (dang it’s tough!). A couple of our Arkansas members did well. Don got a first place in his yellow New Beetle. Jeff , of Conway also took home a first place in his blue 73 Squareback. At least I had both hands free when I left. Ha
Sunday was a 40 mile, 4-hour Tourcade through the country. Lots of stops with beautiful scenery. A first for me, was supper at the Bavarian Restaurant. Oh my gosh.. sauerkraut soup; followed by Bavarian sauerkraut with bratwurst and pork tenderloin medallions.
Finally back to the hotel, now nearly deserted. It reminded me a little of that hotel in the Shining.. spooky cool. I slept well though, after a fun filled weekend and a lot of good memories. This is another that is now added to my list for a revisit next year. If you haven’t been there, it’s worth it!
