It’s called a Bug Out, but it’s a love-in for all things VW.
There’ll be plenty of iconic Beetles around, for sure, but also a host of other Volkswagens as the K-W & Area Bug Club hosts the 41st Bug Out July 9 at Camp Heidelberg.
Last year’s event featured 205 vehicles, a record year that saw 700 or 800 spectators checking them out, said Mark Brown, the club’s communications and membership manager.
“Five or six years ago, we were just over 100 show cars. Last year, we topped out at 205 show cars at our event – that was our best year ever.”
Another strong turnout is predicted for Bug Out #41.
“We’re expecting kind of a wide variety of machines as well. The traditional Beetles The convertibles. The Volkswagen Things, dune buggies and then over into the likes of the Volkswagen buses and the camper vans,” said Brown.
“Then we also have a category marked ‘special interest.’ That’s kind of the catch-all category if someone builds something a little bit different. Something like a kit car that might go in that category. Maybe Volkswagen trikes, like a motorcycle – that might go in there.”
Along with a showcase for VW enthusiasts, the event is also a fundraiser, with some of the proceeds shared with the K-W Optimist Club, who operate Camp Heidelberg.
The Optimists receive funds via the spectator admission fee and a portion of the food and beverages sales, with the service club also offering a licensed area as part of the day’s festivities.
“The K-W Optimist Club is really a fantastic group, and we really like to work with them and support them on some of their programs. A portion of the proceeds for the day are going right back into their events and their functions like kids’ meals programs and that type of thing – education-based programs,” said Brown. “We want to help those guys out, so that’s why we have this relationship developed with them. They’re a great bunch of folks to work with, and I’m sure we’ll be working with them for a number of years to come.”
Bug Out #41 takes place July 9 at Camp Heidelberg, 2001 Kressler Rd. For more information, see www.kwbugclub.org.
