2009 National Shows

[Six Volt]

I realize we are a regional bus club, but if you're like me, you've probably wondered about the so called "cant miss" national shows. Frankly, for years I've heard about some events described only by "letters", (like OCTO), that I didn't even know what the letters stood for or where the event was held. Initially, I was too embarassed to ask! I'm sure I'm not alone. Well, my bus education has come a long way, and thankfully, it continues to develop.

What I have in mind here is to reference a few of the "national" bus oriented shows for 2009. I'll start out with the early ones and add some as we go. Perhaps you can add some as well.

Remember, were talking "national" shows here not our own local LEAKOIL shows.

I'm curious what fellow LEAKOILERS think of some of these shows. Have you ever attended one of them? How did they rate? What was good, bad or special about them? Is there something at these shows that we could incorporate into events held by, or atended by, LEAKOIL?

If you're like me you probably enjoy the smaller, less formal events that are held all over that don't get the "ink", but are a great time. The OVT and Full Moon stuff comes to mind. In any event, that shouldn't stop us from discussing these so called "big" events. I think Kelley's has evolved into a national event. I wonder how it would be viewed by outsiders in relation to some of these?

BTW, I know we sometimes get upset by rules, but I think we're pretty casual compared to some of these events!

OK, let's get started. This will give us something to talk about. What follows, other than occasional commentary by me, are explanations provided by the promoters...

1. BBBXIII - Lake Havasu, January 16-18, 2009
January 16, 2009 - January 18, 2009 - Busses by the Bridge 13
Lake Havasu City, Arizona

3 days of camping next to Lake Havasu
Raffle
Stuff for kids and adults
Top 10 maybe 20 awards, judged by just regular people with no club or real VW
affiliation, so if you don't win don't get MAD the general public just didn't pick you.
We would like to do a CHILE COOK-OFF tasting again, SO, MAKE CHILE, home made, out of a can, frozen and thawed, we don't care, there are just a bunch of hungry people and you could win a Trophy. We need more then 3 or 4 entrants. This is held on Saturday at approx. 4 p.m. or so, so you can prep yourself and be ready.

We start letting people in around 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday morning, basically when all the crew is here, which is usually early then later.

NOW THE RULES
NO GLASS< NO GLASS< NO GLASS. PLEASE put all beverages in PLASTIC containers, cups etc. This means when walking around, IN YOUR CAMP really anywhere on State Park property. This is a State Parks RULE and is ENFORCED,
we could lose the site if you don't follow this rule. We should have cups available on the stage FOR FREE for you to use.

DOGS and/or any animal. MUST BE ON A LEASH at ALL times, NO EXCEPTIONS.
PLEASE follow this rule and PICK UP after your dog, nobody likes stepping in it or smelling it. Again this is a STATE PARKS RULE and we could loose the site by just ONE person thinking their above this rule.

QUIET TIME. Quiet time starts at 10 P.M. This is our rule. Everyone likes to party and have a blast, but people also like to sleep as do their kids. SO we ask everyone to quiet down at 10 P.M. This is all loud music, boom boxes, drum circles (cut off time for drum circles is from 9p.m. to 8p.m.9 you get an hour), scream fest, and just super loud talk.

Entry is 25 dollars for the whole weekend!!!!!!!! 1 bus with everyone in it.
VENDOR 50 dollars for the whole weekend (contact ronnie@bustoration.com) to reserve a spot.
Walk-ins 2 bucks per person for the WHOLE weekend

If you have a general question go to http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=310100 ask and you'll get an answer from one of the hundreds of people that watch the forum and have been to numerous BBB events

There is plenty of parking next to the event for trailers, friends that come in other then VW's, motorhomes, airplanes, boats, tractors or whatever else you might show up in that's not a VW.

THIS IS a VW BUS camping event, we will allow non VW buses to camp (beetles, squarbacks, etc.) with their friends in buses or in the overflow area (if not with a bus). This is done to allow ALL THE BUSES to be seen in the event and not forced to park in the over flow due to a group of NON BUSES taking up space.

Come out and have fun, see your friends, meet new ones, see our lake, visit our city. Plenty of resturants, stores, etc, close by.

2. 9th Annual Mt. Shasta Snow Trip Jan 30th - Feb 1st 2009

This has to be the most interesting bus experience there is. I would be totally into doing this if i thought I could survive! Check it out...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=90987

I wish we could do something similar here in the winter on a smaller scale.

Here are a few more links on the event…

http://www.shastasnowtrip.com -MPG videos, pictures and trip reports
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/shastasnowtrip/ -Official SST Forum
http://www.backroadbus.com -great video, bus adventures and pics

3. Transporter Treffen (part of Daytona WinterJAM 2009)
February 19, 2009 - February 22, 2009 - WinterJAM Weekend 2009
Daytona Beach, Florida

This is a new bus event, but I thought I would throw it out here because it looks like it has a lot of "distractions" that go along with it.

Here’s a thread on it on the samba…http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=320051

WinterJAM Weekend 2009: Florida's Premier Volkstravaganza

WinterJAM 2009: Features & Attractions

* 4 Days of Sun, Surf, & Dubs @ the Worlds Most Famous Beach
* 4 Air & Watercooled Volkswagen Events including a Dyno Event
* 4 Lifestyle Events including a Longboard Surf Contest & Expo
* 3 Themed Parties including a Welcoming Party & a Surf Party
* 2 Driving Events including a Navigation Rally & a Scenic Cruise
* Air & H20 Volkswagen New Parts Vendors & used part Swappers
* Worlds Largest Indoor Display of Cal Look Wheels & Memorabilia
* Dyno Don Chamberlain (Special Guest Emcee from California)
* Win a Trip for 2 including Hotel & Air to Las Vegas, Nevada
* Live Music & Live DJ’s @ all Official WinterJAM 2009 Event

WinterJAM 2009: Official Volkswagen Events

* DubDyno: Performance Dyno Event & Burnout Comp
* OstKuste Tranporter Treffen: VW Bus Show & Swap
* DubJAM: The Only Judged H2O VW Event in Florida
* Volks Jamboree: A Truly Unique VW Experience!

WinterJAM 2009: Official Lifestyle Events

* Daytona Longboard Classic: Surf Contest & Expo
* Sk8erJAM: Skateboard Demo & Expo by Maui Nix
* Ms WinterJAM: Sponsored by Hooters & Venus Swimwear
* Hooters DubScrub: Volkswagen Charity Car Wash

WinterJAM 2009: Parties & CruiseIns

* WinterJAM WarmUP: Hooters PreParty & Go Cart Racing
* BarBCruise: One Helluva Party! Plus a Scenic Cruise
* LCR Navigational Nationals: Navigation Poker Rally
* DLC SurfJAM: Surf Movie, Live Surf Bands & More!
* Sonic CruiseIN: Park Your Dub & Eat Some Burger

For More Info:
http://www.DaytonaWinterJam.com
http://www.myspace.com/DaytonaWinterJam
joe@volksvision.com

http://www.DaytonaWinterJAM.com/registration

4. O.C.T.O. Winter Meet 2009 - February 22, 2009
February 22, 2009 - O.C.T.O. Winter Meet 2009
Huntington Beach, California

This is the first of the two annual OCTO events. (the other is in October).

Orange County Transporter Organization presents O.C.T.O. Winter Meet 2009. This is a swap and display meet, for 1967 and earlier buses only, held at Huntington Beach High School, Huntington Beach, CA. Til 1967 VW type IIs get preferred swap and display spaces which will be on a First come - First served basis. There will be raffle prizes at the main booth. Refreshment services will be on hand by the Grill Master Hot Dog Fred. So drive your transporter...not the Dodge!!! The high school is located at 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Enter at Utica off Main St.

General Rules:
NO Onsite Overnight Camping
NO Alcoholic Beverages
NO Motorized Scooters, Bikes, Pocket Rockets, Skateboards, etc.
NO Loud Music
NO Burn Outs
NO Motor Revving

Fees:
1967 and Earlier Buses (Display or Swap): $5.00 Per Person
Vendors (Autos other than 67 or earlier buses): $50.00 Per Space
(Truck with trailer = 2-spaces = $100.00)
Walk-In Spectators: $5.00 Per Person (Kids 12 and Under Are Free)
More info at: http://www.octo.org or Call (714) 374-7506

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... highlight=

March 22, 2009 - MICHIGAN BUGGY BUILDERS 28th SHOW / SWAP
Lansing, Michigan

28th ANNUAL MICHIGAN BUGGY BUILDERS SHOW & SWAP

Ok, so it's not a bus show. Nevertheless, it's been arond a long time, is indoors, and I hear there are a lot of bay bus parts to grabbed here from buggy builders.

Always a Great Show to start the New Year. Lots of Vintage VW Volkswagen, Dune Buggy, Parts, Accessories, Toys, Memorabilia...HUGE EVENT !!
Sunday MARCH 22, 2009...10:30am until 4:00pm
Get More Details at http://www.buggybuilders.com

6. May 02, 2009 - May 03, 2009
CIRCLE YER WAGENS, 29
Sevierville, Tennessee

TWO DAY ALL VW SHOW WITH HUGE SWAPMEET & RIVERBANK CAMPING IN THE SHOW AREA.

TOP 75 SHOW, DASH PLAQUES TO THE FIRST 150 ENTRANTS, CASH FOR BEST OFs.

EARLY SETUP & REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FRIDAY BEFORE THE SHOW.

24 HR SECURITY.

EVENT HELD RAIN OR SHINE.

FREE CAR WASH AREA WITH SUPPLIES..

FREE SECURE TRUCK & TRAILER PARKING INSIDE SHOW AREA.

STEREO CONTESTS, VW ENGINE SOUNDOFF CONTESTS, VW BUS TUG OF WAR,
MISS CIRCLE YER WAGENS CONTEST AND OTHER SURPRISE VW ACTION CONTESTS.
MORE EVENTS TBA.

50/50 CHARITY DRAWING TO BENEFIT THE "FORGOTTEN CHILD" FUND.

SPECTATOR FEES: ONE DAY PASS $7 - WEEKEND PASS $12 - CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY ADULT

VENDOR FEES: $25 PER DAY FOR UNLIMITED SPACE, OUTOORS, PRE-REGISTERED BY APRIL 25, 2009 - $35 PER DAY AT THE GATE (includes one weekend pass)
VENDORS URGED TO PRE-REGISTER TO BE GUARANTEED A SPACE OTHERWISE WE CAN'T PROMISE WE CAN FIT YOU IN.

VWs FOR SALE: $25 FOR ONE DAY OR WEEKEND PRE-REGISTERED BY APRIL 25, 2009 - $35 AT THE GATE (includes one weekend pass)

SHOW ENTRY FEES: $15 PRE-REGISTERED BY APRIL 25, 2009 - $20 AT THE GATE (includes vehicle & driver)

CAMPING FEES: $7 PER PERSON FOR ONE DAY OR WEEKEND. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER FEES. CHILDREN 12 & UNDER CAMP FREE. PRIMITIVE (limited electrical) WITH SHOWERS & CLEAN RESTROOMS AVAILABLE.

BREAKFAST BY BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA AVAILABLE AT CONCESSIONS AREA.

SHOW HOURS: SATURDAY 8 - 6, SUNDAY 8 - 4
GATES CLOSE AT 10 EACH NIGHT

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: FROM I-40, EXIT #407, TAKE HWY. 66 TO SEVIERVILLE. GO PAST VOLUNTEER CHEVROLET & THE MUSCLE CAR MUSEUM TO THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION (hwy. 411 / 441). TURN RIGHT AT THE LIGHT. GO TO THE NEXT LIGHT & TURN RIGHT AGAIN. YOU'LL SEE THE SHOW ON YOUR RIGHT.

GREAT NEWS !!
THE NEW BRIDGE JUST THE “MUSIC OUTLET” ON HWY. 66 INTO SEVIERVILLE IS NOW OPEN.
CROSS THE BRIDGE & TAKE A LEFT. THIS WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE SHOW & ELIMINATE SITTING IN TRAFFIC FOREVER TRYING TO GET THERE.

MOTEL INFO: LANDMARK INN 1-800-548-9038. ON THE WEB, http://www.landmarkinnthesmokies.com
MUST MENTION THIS EVENT FOR REDUCED RATE

PETS REQUIRED TO BE ON A LEASH & PICKED UP AFTER.

MORE INFO & PRE- REGISTRATION: http://www.avwa.com/cyw29.html OR CALL (865) 654-8009 8-5 M-F EST

Ok, let's hear what you have to say. More will follow. Perhaps discussions on these events can imporve our local gatherings.

[72westie]

21 Window and I flew out for OCTO last year. It was a pretty good show, rained the whole morning. All splitties. Saw at least 4 Barndoors and lots of other cool buses. Greg has some good pictures I think, maybe he can post them up. Two years ago Greg and I drove his TDI to the Buses by the Bridges show and then we went to California for the Pamona swap meet. The Bridges show was kind of lame for us, it was just a camping event mainly, not a lot of swap stuff when we were there. We kind of felt out of place at the west coast shows, as we didn't know anyone. It was some fun times though. Hopefully we will hit Shasta next year, that's the rough plan for now.

[WideFive]

...

[21window]

Did that one too a couple years ago. Nice show. Nice time of year to be in Florida. Lots of Bullis.

[Six Volt]

21 Window and I flew out for OCTO last year. It was a pretty good show, rained the whole morning. All splitties. Saw at least 4 Barndoors and lots of other cool buses. Greg has some good pictures I think, maybe he can post them up. Two years ago Greg and I drove his TDI to the Buses by the Bridges show and then we went to California for the Pamona swap meet. The Bridges show was kind of lame for us, it was just a camping event mainly, not a lot of swap stuff when we were there. We kind of felt out of place at the west coast shows, as we didn't know anyone. It was some fun times though. Hopefully we will hit Shasta next year, that's the rough plan for now.

Sounds like OCTO/BBB was a great trip. If you guys find the pics, please post them up. I think Vermillion Bob was out at OCTO one year. He told me everyone was asking him about his LEAKOIL T-Shirt!

I think that Shasta trip is incredible. It's kind of intimidating. I'd love to do that with a team of LEKOILERS. I'm too lame to try it solo. Some of those Shasta video's are really cool.

Since Aaron brought up Bulli Brigade lets inlcude that one now...

7. November 07, 2009 - Bulli Brigade 16
St. Petersburg, Florida

Who: Hosted by NEATO's Das Kool Bulli's and open to all split bus owners and fans

What: Bulli Brigade 16

Where: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Pioneer Settlement.
3130 31st Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 893-7326
http://www.stpete.org/boyd/pioneer.htm

When: Saturday November 7th, 2009. 8am-2pm

Awards:
-People's Choice Vintage
-People's Choice Commercial
-People's Choice Passenger
-People's Choice Camper
-People's Choice Custom
-Honorable Mention
-Long Distance

Fee's: $5.00 gets your 1967 and earlier bus in(free swap in a splitty bus)
$20 - new and used parts vendors not driving a split bus
No dogs - sorry, park rules
No Alcohol!

Here's an old thread on the event from 2004...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... de&start=0

A lot of these are split only events. We need some Bay & Vanagon events. Who's got some national events?

[Ken]

Carolyn and I took a trip out to CA in June-05. It happened to be the same weekend of the Classic and OCTO shows -imagine that .
I noticed the main difference between OCTO and LEAKOIL is the Quantity not the Quality of the vehicles. Both groups have a nice assortment of originals, survivors and show quality busses. OCTO gets 300+ splits at their show, at Kelley's, for example, we probably get 20+ splits. OCTO definitly has more Barndoors and specialty busses like ladder trucks, fire trucks, etc. Here are a few pictures, I'll bring more to the Thursday meeting. Maybe a slide show.

Thursday night at Nick's Drive-in

Friday at Lenny Copps West Coast Restoration Shop

Saturday at the OCTO Show - 300 plus split window busses incuding 10-12 Barndoors and every year type and condition you could imagine.

European Bucket Truck from Charlie Hammills collection.

Sunday at the Classic - 2000 plus VW's of every kind.

The California Coast was awesome. We drove Highway 1 from Los Angelis to San Francisco.

[Six Volt]

Since Ken mentioned "The Classic" i did some digging around on the samba community forum and found the reference below. I'm always wondering how the swap sales or vehicle sales go. Is it like Columbus only bigger? Anyone see any killer deals at these big shows?

Did Vermillion Bob buy the 'Green Giant' bus at one of those California shows?

Also, one other thing about these so called "big" shows is who shows up. That show in Daytona next month will have that Gerson fellow and his business partner Splitpile in attendance. They're the folks behind those green panels everyone seems to be raving about. It would be interesting to hear what else they plan on reproducing and whether they will eventually branch off and reproduce high quality bay and vanagon panels.

Here's what one of them said about the Fla show...

"Gerson and I will both be at Winterjam, Daytona Beach, Fl. in Febuary, Bustoration and Klassic Fab have a display of BUS parts and a load of metal available their. Come by and visit us at the Transporter Treffen, sponsered by Bustoration and Klassic Fab, supporting the split bus community from coast to coast."

June 11, 2009 - June 14, 2009 - So Cal Imports VW Classic
Irvine, California

The VW Classic weekend schedule Thursday June 11th-14th
Thursday – Sunday 11th-14th V.T.O. presents the Blackstar campout call 1-909-709-1269 or http://www.keepitstock.com/blackstar/

Friday June 12th
Vee Dub Parts Unlimited is hosting their annual open house and BBQ
From 9:00-6:00 at their Huntington Beach VW superstore.
Info (714) 848-8868

Vintage enthusiast will gather at West Coast Classic for their annual open house.
Info (714) 871-1322

DKP will have their annual cruise night at Nick's Burgers located at 1712 West Orangethorpe ave in Fullerton from 4:00-10:00 PM

Saturday June 13th (please note new location)
O.C.T.O. host their pre-VW
Classic 67 and earlier bus swap
Meet and display meet at Angels Stadium of Anaheim
2000 Gene Autry way Anaheim, CA 92806 for more information 1-714-374-7506 or http://www.octo.org

1:00 PM
Ed Economy's Toy and Memorabilia show will open at the Crowne Plaza. Info or table reservations call (714) 544-1759

Gene Berg rally starts in Orange. First car leaves at 3:00 pm. Info (714) 998-7500

Sunday June 14th:
SO CAL IMPORTS presents the VW CLASSIC
Gates open up at 7:00 AM, General admission is $15.00 $5.00 extra to register your car for the show, kids under 12 are free. Swap meet spaces are $40.00 and include 1 admission and 1 vehicle pass.

The host hotel is the Crowne Plaza call (949)-863-1999 and mentions the VW Classic for the special rate.
For more information call Bugorama Promotions at (800) 929-0077 or visit us online at http://www.bugorama.com

Also note: 72 Westie referenced the "Pamona Swap Meet" in an earlier post. While not exclusively VW, it looks like it's a huge event that includes pre-75 VW's. I'm sure Gregg and Adam can add more. Here's a link to this years event. It's this weekend!

http://www.pomonaswapmeet.com/

[Six Volt]

My posts are so long on this. My apologies. I'm doubling up just so they are readable. Thought I would add this one. Seems like I had too many 'split only' events. Over on the IAC, a largly bay window forum, they have this event in Oregon. http://www.itinerant-air-cooled.com/vie ... php?t=5243

This is where they camp.

These guys ae really cool. I met one of them when I was out in Seattle. They would welcome all, Split, Bay, Vanagon or Euros. 'Don from Canton' is a real active member of the IAC. I don't know if he's up to driving to Oregon!

Anyway, I'm just trying to get you folks to start talking.

[toolbox]

Since Ken mentioned "The Classic" i did some digging around on the samba community forum and found the reference below. I'm always wondering how the swap sales or vehicle sales go. Is it like Columbus only bigger? Anyone see any killer deals at these big shows?

You will find lots of parts and vehicles but no deals out in California at the shows.

[Six Volt]

Here's the tentative list of Shasta Mountain split bus participants for SST as posted on the samba. Someday I'd love to see a LEAKOILER on this list. (That, or were going to have to start our own winter event!) Anyone know any of these folks?

Current roster:

1.Richard Kimbrough AZ Rustybus Team Rustybus
2.Robert Saunders OR 60'Bus Team Mango Express Phil L.(co-pilot)
3.Aaron Boice CA Team Pirate Bus Emily M(co-Pilot)
4.Joe Cool CA 64'Sundial
5.Gene Cornelius CA Bartholomew Team Backroadbus Logan C.(co-pilot)
6.Lou Verrili CA 60'Crewcab Team Kombi Haus Robin(co-pilot)
7.Justin Campbell CA Team Kombi Haus
8.Nate Waldman, Riverside Ca, Team 40 Horse
9.Darrell Utley CA 60'Camper Team DeafVolks Mike B.,Marcus R.(cps)
10.Clint Dickinson CA 56'Panel Team DeafVolks Jonas V., Jill B.(co-pilots)
11.Blue Nelson CA 67'Dormy Team DeafVolks Sal S.(co-pilot)
12.Cameron Garbergio TX 67'Crew Team DeafVolks Matt W., Bert R.(cps)
13.Dave Ackerman OR 62'Singlecab Team Pepto Mike P.(co-pilot)
14.Eeeej & Rachel ID 62'Micro(Bosco)Team Idaho
15.Brent&Kris ID 61'Singlecab(White Lighning) Team Idaho
16.Mike Hanson NM 65'Westy Team Nadgas Helados Dan G., Leon A.(cps)
17.Chris Waymire OR 61'DoubleCab Mike W(co-pilot)
18.Lance Armstrong OR 63'Singlecab Team Green Truck Tyler D.(co-pilot)
19. Sean Dorman Livermore/Tom Mink 60' Singlecab- Team Blackcatface
20. Brian Piercy Forestville Ca, 65' Kombi Team Kombisutra
21. Cory Yeo -San Francisco 60' Panel Team Yeopanel
22. Hippie Tim- Vellejo Ca 65 Walkthrough poptop 13 Window Westy
23. Greg U. Sacremento Ca, 65' Kombi, Team Baddog
24. Janai The Fire Dude -San Jose, 60 DD Panel, Team 343
25 Jeremy, Team Surf City, Santa Cruz Ca