12th Anniv. Eureka Springs VW Event

- By Bill C.

AUGUST 27-29 2004 – Eureka Springs, AR – Wow! At least YOURS TRULY had a busy VW type month.  Event #3 in one newsletter; I think that is a record.

The only bummer about this year’s Eureka Springs show was that I had to leave ol’ Lightnin’ at home. I wanted to check up on my Mom, who recently had a stroke. So I worked in a visit to see her in Oklahoma before the show. I was not up to pulling duh Bug for a round trip of 1000 miles. Plus the gas for “Arty” would have bankrupted some small countries.

After a couple of days worth of 100 degree Claremore weather, I was anxious for the promised “cool” weekend weather in the hills of NW Arkansas. We put some drinks on ice, put on the shades, and set the cruise control for “East.” We had a nice room at the host motel (Best Western of the Ozarks). There was a silver lining with getting a second floor room. It had balconies, front and rear. So, on the cool evenings we could sit with friends and watch all sorts of VWs cruise by while we sipped coffee (yes, it was that cool).

There were a few changes in classes this year that made the jobs of us judges a little easier. The show is outgrowing its location and is becoming a monster to manage and judge. So, there were no daily-driver classes this year. Also, the New Beetles were all lumped into one class. They STILL managed to fill the lots up! But this year, my partner from the St. Louis club and I finished judging our class in an hour and a half; compared to 3 or 4 hours last year for just one of the daily-driver classes (25+ Bugs!).

The free-loaders have also been eliminated from the Friday night cookout for contestants. It now takes a ticket, which they give you when you register as a contestant (or judge). The food line still did its snake-thing, though.

I think these changes were needed and are serving their purpose.

Saturday morning of the show, we were hit with some major thundershowers, just as we were preparing to judge the entries. Somebody jokingly said, “So are you going to provide us some full body garbage bags?” Our wish was their command. Barbara Zimmerer, in charge of judging, donated a pretty white XXXL trash bag for each judge. I didn’t miss the chance to joke about being a part of the HAZ-MAT team. So, with 3 holes cut in my trash bag, it became a poncho; then add an umbrella; and plastic shopping bag (donated by a vendor) for the clipboard… and we were ready for anything… except some scary lightning. Sure made things interesting.

But, by noon, things cleared up. Connie and I hopped a trolley downtown to claim a spot for the big parade. It was weird, taking pictures from the spectator side of the parade. I think David Osborn was trying to run over me! Plus, I got a little goofy, getting whacked in the head with flying candy. All of mine landed in a water filled gutter, though. Darn!

I promised to allow some time for Connie to enjoy some shopping. So, yup; I spent a few hours in some dress & hat shops… or outside, propping up a parking meter. I almost totally missed the awards, though. I did make it just in time to see Don Smith win 3^rd place in the (very competitive) New Beetle-All class. Class 8, the one in which I would normally compete, was again won by the super fine Tangelo Bug from Oklahoma. The Best of Show-Air Cooled was a black and red Hebmuller (sp?) (2-seater convertible) and Best of Show-Water Cooled was a blue New Beetle with the Daisy mag wheels. Best Engine and Best Paint both went to a yellow Oval Window Bug.

Whether they were winners or not, all of the VWs were very nice again this year. I always come home, feeling a little humble after this event. Maybe Lightnin’ will get to go next year; if for nothing else than to buzz through the narrow streets in the parade. “If pigs had wings, they could fly” Well, Lightnin’ Pig does. So, the room is reserved for next year!
Air Bill & Lightnin'