Ask folks what they consider to be the most recognizable (and beloved) vehicle on the road and the answer from many will undoubtedly be the Volkswagen Beetle.
For decades, this iconic little import has charmed young and old with its unvarying styling, simplicity and steadfastness unequaled in an automotive industry where constant (and massive) redesign seemed mandatory.
While no longer in production, America’s love affair with the VW Bug (and VWs in general) continues unabated and is celebrated across the nation at countless “meets” where the loyal gather to swap parts, stories and even show off a bit in friendly competitions.
Fortunately for aficionados in Central Texas, Volkswagens of all stripes will be “heading for the hills” this spring for inclusion in the “not-to-be-missed,” 15th annual “Texas VW Classic” scheduled for the weekend of April 20, 21 and 22 in, where else, the historic old German town of Fredericksburg. Beep beep!
After attending various quality VW shows in California, brand enthusiasts (and married couple) Sharon and Steve Chamberlain, felt a similar “happening” would be well received in Texas.
Taking the lead, the then Fort Worth couple who now reside near Austin (and with lots of assistance from daughter Andee, son Tyler, and other VW collectors and hobbyists) selected the third weekend of April 2004 as a launch date for their planned event. Next, the pair made arrangements (due to it’s convenient mid-state location) with Fredericksburg’s very accommodating Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park – an ideal venue for hosting hoards of visiting Volkswagens and their fanatic following.
Lastly, they christened the whole shebang as the first ever “Texas VW Classic” and then, as Steve recalls, “We just kept our fingers crossed.”
After a little promotion, some prayer and a lot of word-of-mouth, 140 proud VW owners showed up for that inaugural get-together pioneering what was to become an annual Lone Star love fest for all things Volkswagen that’s been in high gear ever since.
Since that initial (and very successful) effort, the Chamberlains’ Texas VW Classic has grown steadily over time (it’s now the biggest VW show in the Southwest with broad support from the Texas Club Coalition) attracting more and diverse Volkswagen loyalists and their treasured vehicles.
Last year’s Classic (again held at Lady Bird in Fredericksburg) included 350-plus registered entrants each vying for recognition and trophies in 20 hotly contested categories featuring bugs, buses, Type Three and Four sedans, Karman Ghias, Things® and other VW kin. More than 3,500 excited fans strolled through the park grounds paying homage to these celebrated conveyances further adding to the festive atmosphere.
Myriad vendors were on hand selling parts (old new stock and aftermarket items), gifts, gadgets and other Volkswagen-themed merchandise. And, in between the oohing and awing, boasting and bragging, displaying and other event activities, many in attendance participated in entertaining group cruises caravanning through the neighboring scenic Hill Country giving spectators the impression, temporarily at least, that VWs really did “own the road.”
This year’s gathering should prove even grander with more of everything. Early arrivals will begin setting up campsites at Lady Bird or checking into area B & Bs as early as Tuesday.
By Friday, attendees can expect to see anything and everything Volkswagen on display at the park including row after row of perfectly pampered stock models dating from the 1950s on to bulked-up, tricked out customs powered by hefty diesels.
Later that evening, the restless congregate at the park’s Pioneer Pavilion for the event’s first trek, the always-popular “Sunset” cruise. Another, longer road rally (the Bluebonnet Cruise) is planned for Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Between cruising, there will be lots of opportunity for those in attendance to roam the grounds, talk with the various owners, take pictures, buy merchandise, learn and, just admire. The day concludes with a delicious, come-one-come-all, ten dollars a plate, Hill Country-style barbecue dinner which commences at 6:00 p.m.
As at past Texas VW Classics, Sunday will be the “big” day. That’s when the “car show” officially takes place with last minute entrants hurrying to beat the 11:00 a.m. cut-off for registration. With 26 evaluated categories slated for this year (covering all makes and vintages including stock, modified and custom models), every Volkswagen (and there will be hundreds contending) has an opportunity to compete.
First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each category. The judging will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the winners will be announced at a 2:00 p.m. ceremony where each vehicle (and owner) will be recognized. A special “people’s choice” selection (voted on by the rank and file) will be awarded as well.
The top honor of the Classic however is the coveted “Best of Show” (judged by a special panel) where, as a smiling Steve explains, “It’s like being crowned the ‘King of the Volkswagens,’ for a year at least!”
The 15th annual Texas VW Classic is scheduled for April 20-22 at Fredericksburg’s Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park located at 432 Lady Bird Dr., three miles south of Downtown off Hwy 16 South. Event information – including contestant registration forms and judging categories – is available at www.texasvwclassic.com. Contestant registration is $30.00.
There are no admission or parking fees for spectators attending the show. Food and beverages will be available for purchase daily.
