All things VW this weekend at RP Funding Center
From Herbie the Love Bug to the trusty microbus in “Little Miss Sunshine,” Volkswagens and all their quirkiness remain an integral part of the American lexicon, for years – decades, for many models – after they rolled out of the factory.
From Sciroccos to Things and even Karmann Ghias will all call the RP Funding Center’s south side parking lot home this weekend, March 16 to 18, as one of the largest Volkswagen shows in the state motors into town.
And yes, they’ll be Bugs and Busses, too.
According to event organizer Eddy Varela, the 12th Annual Lakeland VW Classic will feature plenty of the iconic Volkswagens of the past – and perhaps a few from the present as well.
“We’ll have more than 850 different vehicles here over the weekend,” said Varela. “And while Saturday is the big Bus show – and Sunday is the general Volkswagen event – there are always plenty of all the models around.”
Besides cars, the event features live music, VW toys and collectibles and more, a kid zone with bounces houses, food and more along with the standard VW car parts and dealer displays.
The Bus – officially the VW Type 2 – gets its own day on Saturday. For while the microbus might be thought of as the iconic vehicle of the 1960s and California’s surf culture, its popularity stretches through today, as shown in movies ranging from 1967’s “What’s Up Doc?” or 1989’s “Field of Dreams” to 2007’s TV hit, “Lost.” On Saturday, the best example of this iconic vehicle will go home with cash and bragging rights.
On Sunday, the All Car Show will pit all VWs against each other. Forty classes of Volkswagen are expected to be represented.
The show is open to the public, with parking costing $8 while admission is $5 per person. Kids under 12 are free. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days.
The RP Funding Center is located at 701 W. Lime Street in Lakeland.
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