Volkswagens on parade in Eureka Springs, Arkansas Special

Eureka Springs - The 18th annual Volkswagen weekend in Arkansas featured VW Beetles, Buses, Dune Buggies and more competing in a car show with 24 different show categories.

The 2010 “VWs on Parade” festival, organized by the North West Arkansas Volkswagen Association (NWAVWA), was held August 27, 28, and 29 in scenic Eureka Springs, AR. Dave Heilemann, a representative of NWAVWA, told nwaonline that the “weekend was the largest since it was established in 1992. The parking lot at the hotel holds 300 and several more had to be turned away.” The event kicked-off Friday evening with a BBQ cookout for pre-registered participants. On Saturday, participants and visitors enjoyed viewing the Volkswagens parked in the parking lot of the Inn of the Ozarks.

NWAVWA

"VWs on Parade." Eureka Springs, Ark.

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The 24 different show categories, based on the types of vehicle, included Beetle Split and Oval, Beetle Convertible, Ghia, Bus, New Beetles, Dune Buggies, Bajas, and Thing. Wade and Kelly Jones, owners of Basil’s Café in Rogers, Arkansas, entered their Volkswagen in the competition. “We were in category 16,” Kelly Jones told DigitalJournal.com. The Joneses’ entry in Class 16 – Thing (Type 184) “took third place,” said Jones who noted that this was their “second year to go” to the event.

Wade Jones

VW Thing owned by Wade and Kelly Jones. "VWs on Parade" festival in Eureka Springs, Ark. August 28, 2010.

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As stated by Heilemann, “Everybody’s got a VW story,” and Jones shared hers. She said, “Our car is a 1974 Thing restored by Kevin Morey at Best Collision. It was my first car when I was 16.” Specialty trophies, such as Best Paint, Best Interior, and Best in Show, were also awarded. According to nwaonline, “The competition was so close, some judges changed their minds at the last minute.” In addition to the cookout and car show, a parade and tourcade were held. The event benefitted the Flint Street Food Bank in Eureka Springs.