Volks-tabulous! Our best show ever! This was our first year to partner with Belz Factory Outlet Mall & General Manager, Pam Chapman. Pam and Maris went the extra mile(s) to ensure we had everything we needed (and more) for an outstanding show & meet. We cannot thank them enough!

Also the first year for publicity in VW Trends and Hot VWs magazines, along with listings on several web sites, including the SE VW web-ring association.

Of course, besides raising money for charity, our club also had goals to increase spectators, contestants & new members, along with promoting and sharing our love for the VW. Belz provided additional support by providing spots on Star 98.1 FM and advertising in the Shelby Sun Times, the week prior. That really helped to bring a lot of folks in.

We had a good showing of swap meet vendors, selling VW parts; and an excellent food vendor too. Yes, I had a funnel cake (and more). There you go. Managed to get the "food" subject in there. At this point, my story would be complete. But no, there is more.

Pam (a.k.a. "Belz") also made show event t-shirts available for sale. All profits went to the September 11^th Fund to help firefighters’ families. If you are interested, limited sizes (XL & L) are still available for $10. They are white, high quality "Beefy Ts", with a multicolor, psychedelic (shades of Laugh-In) graphic on the back (including a flower VW bug) and small graphic on the front. Some of the nicest I have seen. You can contact Maris Mills at 901-386-3180, if interested. I will also take your order and payment at our November meeting (CiCi’s).

A remote was done by J.L. Fisk from Star 98.1, who gave away free commemorative Belz Bug-In "Peace" dog tags and chains. Charles McLemore and his band played on the "main stage" in the afternoon. All thanks to Belz.

Come awards time, we had some really nice trophies (28 classes plus "Worm Scrubber" award), compliments of our sponsors, listed here. Also, Belz provided four beautiful trophies for Best of Show, Best Interior, Best Engine, & Best Paint. I urge you thank all of our partners, by both word of mouth and your patronage.

We got to try out some new things at this first Belz Bug-In. So, naturally, we had a few hiccups and speed bumps. But, be patient. We will make each show better than the one before. Please feel free to offer any constructive criticism.

Sorry for not taking notes when passing out the trophies. I will not receive the winner list in time for this edition. We hope to provide it next month. I do know this; "Longest Distance Traveled" went to a couple who from Edmunds, Alberta, Canada in their bus, on the way to Florida. Yes, the word must be out.

Now, here are a few pictures and a list of our trophy sponsors. I plan to add ALL pictures to the web site in the near future. Be sure to check "Past Events" page under "Events" in a few days.