Bug Run Feedback, Fall '08

[Dustin]

The dates are decided by the track 100% based on their other events. I hope we can get more show cars and racers next time. Also get our vendor counts back up which slipped this time.

[major9999]

I wasn't able to bring my Ghia, but came to support the event, see who else came, and to buy some parts. I would much rather buy parts locally than to order from Illinois or California.

I was impressed by the turnout. I spoke to a friend in South Bend - Tom Pryde - who came after I had left, and he liked it, too.

I'll continue to come and will probably volunteer to help one of these times!

BTW, I appreciate the site colors as they are - the background matches my Signal Orange 1971 KG Cabriolet. I also have a blue 2003 VW Passat GLX Wagon.

[gobuggo]

I agree it was a good event. I caught a lot of crap from my own club for not bringing my car(rain threat, no decklid). This event could and will be huge. It took Milan about 5 years before it was large. Advertising is the key...you need to have more clubs involved. Good Volks can be the host club but the more VW clubs you get the bigger it will be and the more volunteers you have to pull from. There's lot of clubs, even in the Chicago area(2.5 hrs away). Get flyers to the clubs, e-flyers for websites, and I agree, big new vendors. Keep the vendor fees low..nothing worse than worrying about just breaking even cause the fee to participate is so high. I'm not sure what 131 charges but I've seen other places that were totally out of range. One of the main reasons we're able to have this event at 131 is because Steph is a VW enthusiast. We need to do everthing possible to support and build the event. Thanks to Good Volks for all of your work...I know first hand what goes into putting on a shows, I did it for over 10 years. Thanks, again.

[bren]

For 2008 swap prices were: $25 for used parts vendors and $50 for new parts vendors. Swap space size was basically unlimited and the vendors could choose their spot within the designated vendor area.

It is interesting to hear it took Milan 5 years to get their show big.

[Dustin]

Your right Ron,

Bren and I talked about getting other clubs involved and we have made friends with the Michiana VW Gruppe, The Old Fort VW Club, And the Tub Club so next year will be open to volunteers from those clubs as well. I posted the info on every site I know of and we handed out flyers all year starting in Lansing for the Buggy Builders show. Some clubs I got no response from. Maybe a club competition would help? Like an award for most members participating?

[Ruffuss]

Hey Guys hows about a fund raiser to finance any cost for spreading the word? I think our business cars and the flyers helped but we need more written and spoken word than that, don't you think?? How much is a radio spot? The DJ at the Fort Wayne helped spread the word in a BIG way. How about slipping the announcer at the Buggy builders show a few bucks for advertizeing help?? We could also kiss up to the other non VW shows we attend(Dust Off, Coldwater, and any other) that takes place before our event. If we could get some sheet flyers printed to place at shows and events couldn't hurt either. Even drop them in the windows of VWs and non VWs alike. We need to talk it up to anyone that will listen and even those who won't(You may have to talk twice to those that don't) Later Kenn

[Ruffuss]

Another thought, visit VW dealers, parts houses that deal VW related parts, foreign auto and the like. If we spread the word to them it they may help spread the word for us(sounding like a preacher aren't I) Any ideas on a fund raiser? Enough by pastor Ruffuss for now. Kenn

[Dustin]

Kenn,

We already drop off stacks of flyers to VW shops and parts suppliers I also drop them in the window of every VW I see. I think an announcement at the Lansing swap would help out. But an ad in Hot VW's like she did before helps but its pretty expensive.