Super Sidewalk Sale

Be sure and join us for our upcoming Funfest for Air-Cooled VW on June 15th and while you are here, visit our Super Sidewalk Sale. We will have new items on hand for you to peruse and to pick up, and at low prices. It will probably be the best Super Sidewalk Sale that you’ve ever attended! Make sure to come out to Funfest for ACVW on June 15th and enjoy all of the activities that we have planned!

Friday Night Cruise-In

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW begins on Saturday, June 15th, but the fun really starts Friday Night! Come early and join us on June 14th at 5pm, when we'll be hosting our Funfest Cruise-In to Pinky's, a long time local favorite on beautiful Lake Sara. Voted Effingham's #1 outdoor dining venue, you'll be sure to enjoy an evening of great food, drinks and fun! Registration for this event is free. Click here to sign up now!

ACVW Funfest is free to attend this year!

ACVW Funfest is free to attend this year. We are forgoing mandatory registration, we just ask that you fill out this form so that we can properly prepare for this years festivities.

Make sure to still come in and receive a goody bag when you get here on June 15th (while supplies last).
Register Now!

Swap Meet 2024

Sign up for the Swap Meet today via our reservation page. This year, we will have the same 20' X 20' spaces available to swappers but this year, that space is free! The only requirement is that you reserve your free space by June 1, 2024. Tables and chairs will not be provided.

VW Funfest for Kids

VW Funfest puts the Fun in Funfest for the little ones! This year, we will have an incredible Inflatable Obstacle course, that is sure to delight kids. We will also bring back “Paint the Bus” for kids to explore their creative side. Plus, sack races, tie dye, and a kids favorite, the movie “Herbie Fully Loaded.” The kids will love this years Funfest and we hope to see all of them out!

Toni's Snak Shak

Toni’s Snak Shak will be joining us this year during Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2024! This local food truck is well known in the area for its wide range of food! Make plans to try out their deep fried ¼ hot dogs topped off with so many different toppings that your mouth will water just thinking about it. Enjoy one of their taco barges, the deep-fried pickles or their loaded tater tots and chili cheese fries. Plus, they are known for their dessert nachos which include their infamous cinnamon chips. Owners Beth and Hemi will serve the best local food, all while keeping prices low. We welcome Toni’s Snak Shak to Funfest with open arms!

Dr. Darby back for 2024

Dr. Darby Milnor of Midwest AutoSavers Inc will be presenting two informative and entertaining seminars for Funfest for Air-Cooled VW!

Miles of Smiles!

Dr.Darby has been driving and restoring Air-Cooled VWs for nearly 50 years! Come and share his wealth of knowledge and experience as he takes you on a journey of purchasing, repairing, and driving your Vintage Volkswagen and be prepared to get the most Smiles Per Gallon!

Life's Lessons from the Doctor's office

Dr Darby will share with you some of his tips & tricks, and discuss how to get safely home if you break down, what to carry with you at all times and some funny stories from over the past 50 years of Volkswagening.

We hope that you will join Dr. Darby at this years Funfest for Air-Cooled VW on June 15th!

Camping at Funfest 2024

Come early and enjoy Effingham and stay at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW all weekend with our FREE on-site camping! We are proud to offer Bus and tent camping on our facilities for our guests. Then on June 15th, Toni’s Snak Shak food truck will be here with hot coffee and breakfast served up, hot and fresh!

We offer minimal overnight security, lighting at night and Porta Potties for campers. Camping begins the evening before the event (Friday, June 14th) at 5:00pm.

Fires are prohibited on Mid America Motorworks grounds, showers are not available, and we are unable to provide electrical access to campers.

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2024: Save the Date!

Enjoy fun in the sun on June 15th during Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2024! This Volkswagen-tastic one-day event will offer up some incredible memories and fun for those living the VW lifestyle. This adjustment grants us the flexibility to host more intimately sized gatherings, such as our upcoming Effing Cars & Coffee event in collaboration with Probst Auto Body on Saturday, April 20th. We are going back to our roots in this new chapter and continue to foster meaningful connections within the VW community!

The event this year will be completely free for entry! There's no admission fee - simply show up and enjoy the festivities! Plus, don't miss out on the chance to grab one of our exclusive event T-shirts to commemorate the occasion, that will be available on-site. We will have awesome 50th Anniversary lapel pins available, not to mention our annual poster that is a collector's item. For Volkswagen aficionados, we're thrilled to announce a dedicated swap area where you can find treasures for your collection. Dr Darby Milnor is making plans to join us to present his ever entertaining and informative seminars. And for families, there will be a kids' area with exciting activities to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day. Paint the bus will be back, by popular demand and the tie dye station will be open to make some beautiful memories. Toni's Snak Shak food truck will be here serving up both breakfast and lunch, plus you really don't want to miss her cinnamon chips either! More information on Funfest will be announced soon. On-site camping will be available as always!

We are still planning and finalizing other aspects and events for this year's show. More announcements will be forthcoming soon.

Powered by EMPI!

We are thrilled to announce that Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2023 is proudly sponsored by EMPI! With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1956, EMPI Inc brand products have consistently showcased their reliability through impeccable craftsmanship and the use of top-notch raw materials. This year's show features some fantastic goodies courtesy of EMPI ranging from lanyards, stickers, and shirts to exclusive prizes of high-value performance parts that you will have the chance to win during the show!

Jump for Joy! Bounce Houses and More!

Excitement is in the air as we gear up for Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2023! From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 17th, your kiddos can indulge in the fun-filled experience of bouncing and sliding and the challenging fun of an obstacle course. Three options for this year's Kid's Zone will include these exciting inflatables!

Based on the popular animated character, the Wall-E bounce house will have your little ones jumping for joy. The Giant Slide is not for the faint-hearted. This towering inflatable structure is sure to give your little ones a rush of adrenaline as they slide down its slippery slope. Last but not least, we have the Dinosaur Obstacle Course, perfect for those who love adventure and a bit of a challenge!

Remember, these inflatables are only available on Saturday June 17th, so make sure you don't miss out on the fun! Wristbands will be available for purchase on-site.

Get a Wild Caricature at Funfest!

Dan Wild, a talented caricature artist, will be making a special appearance on Friday June 16th, providing his services exclusively on our grounds from 12 PM to 4:30 PM. But don't worry! Not only that, he will also be present at the downtown party from 5 PM to 8 PM! Whether you prefer black and white or color caricatures, Dan can cater to your preference thanks to over 20 years of caricaturing events! Don't forget your VW! If you have a photo of your ride, Dan can even expertly incorporate it into the picture for an additional fee. Don't miss the chance to get your very own personalized caricature from Dan Wild at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2023!

Top Five things to know about VW Funfest

Just two months until VW Funfest! Top Five things to know about VW Funfest for those who have never attended:

1. Kids are welcome! Not only are kids encouraged to pursue their own VW passion, we set up an entire kids zone on the property with bounce houses, bus painting (yes exactly what is sounds like), face painting and more! So, bring the whole family!
2. Judging! Don't worry, the only thing we are judging is our favorite VW on the show field. We select staff and VW hobbyist to select their favorite VW. The only criteria is that the VW is registered for VW Funfest. Outside of that, it's up to the judge to select their favorite VW. From the perfectly original Beetle to the Bus who's seen a lot over the years to a Ghia with a fantastic story! Anything goes.
3. You won't go hungry or thirsty! For 2023, we've put a focus on brining in the best food trucks we can. From sweets to holy cow, that BBQ was good and as always, we'll have adult refreshments available.
4. Camping! Skip the hotel and feel free to camp on site! We always have a large contingent of campers that stay with us throughout the weekend. Toilet facilities will be on site, but no showers!
5. Swap meet time! From those hard to find parts to the Herbie lunch box that you had as a child, somebody will have it in the swap meet. Probably. Maybe…

Save the date! Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2023 Dates Announced

Mark your calendars! Spring will be here before we know it and that means Funfest for Air-Cooled VW isn’t far behind! This year’s show is planned for June 16-17, 2023 on our corporate campus in Effingham, IL.

More information will be available soon, but here are a few things you can count on! A wealth of family and kid-friendly activities to keep you and your family entertained, the swap area will return bigger and better this year, wonderful food and refreshment vendors, Celebrity Choice Awards, and the Fun Run Road Tour.

Check back here to stay up to date on the latest Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2023 news and updates as more details are announced. We’ll see you June 16-17th!

Air Cooled VW Funfest Fun Run!

What is the VW Funfest Fun Run? Perhaps one the biggest questions we get is, what is the fun run? After spending the day on the show field or just showing up to the event after work, we want to provide an experience for all our Volkswagen customers to drive their cars together. Our schedule will soon be announced, but typically around 5:00 we ask everyone to start lining up on the Funfest Grounds.

From our show fields, we typically take a 20 to 30-minute drive through the country with several scenic sights. As we wrap up the fun run, we end up in downtown Effingham. Once in downtown Effingham, all the Air-Cooled VW's will line the town square and surrounding roads. With a live band on the city square and tons of great restaurants, bars, and shops nearby – it's a great way to prepare for Saturdays day of VW fun! Don't forget to stick around as trophies are handed out downtown by a few special guests!

2022 AIR-COOLED VW THEME IS “FUNFEST FULLY LOADED: CELEBRATING 53 YEARS OF HERBIE”

Mid America Motorworks is excited to announce its 2022 Air-Cooled VW Funfest theme, “Funfest Fully Loaded” to celebrate Herbie's 53rd birthday!

This birthday celebration for the Love Bug is planned for June 17-18, 2022 on Mid America Motorworks' 100-acre campus in Effingham, IL. You will not want to miss this year's celebration!

Swappers get ready! The swap meet area returns with all kinds of treasures. Reserve your SWAP Space today by calling 800.500.1500.

Also, a wealth of family and kid-friendly activities will keep you and your family entertained.

This magnificent event is not restricted to the Air-Cooled VW enthusiasts but is also available to the Jetta, Golf, and Water-Cooled VW community as well.

Our Saturday evening entertainment is still to be determined, but never disappoints. Be sure to purchase your meal tickets for the Country Dinner.

Mark your calendars so you do not miss, this weekend of fun. See you June 17-18th as we celebrate 53 years of number 53!

2021 Air Cooled VW Theme "Funfest Rewind"

After the year we have all been through, Mid America Motorworks is excited to announce its 2021 Air-Cooled VW Funfest theme, “Funfest Rewind.”

This throwback celebration is planned for June 4-5, 2021 on Mid America Motorworks’ 100-acre campus in Effingham, Ill. You will not want to miss this year’s celebration!

Swappers get ready! The swap meet area returns with all kinds of treasures. Reserve your SWAP Space today by calling 800.500.1500.

Also, a wealth of family and kid-friendly activities will keep you and your family entertained. We will have 3 bounce houses, snow cone and cotton candy machine. Hot Wheels track racing and tie dying sessions. *Some activities require a fee.

This magnificent event is not restricted to the Air-Cooled VW enthusiasts but is also available to the Jetta, Golf, and Water-Cooled VW community as well.

Our Saturday evening entertainment is still to be determined, but never disappoints. Be sure to purchase your meal tickets for the Country Dinner.

Mark your calendars so you do not miss, this weekend of fun. See you June 4-5th!

Camp Out Right Here On Funfest Grounds!

Don’t miss a minute of the action - stay at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW all weekend with our FREE on-site camping! We are proud to offer Bus and tent camping on our facilities for our guests.

We offer minimal overnight security, lighting at night and Porta Potties for campers. Camping begins the evening before the event (Thursday, June 3rd) at 5:00pm.

Fires are prohibited on Mid America Motorworks grounds, showers are not available at this time and we are unable to provide electrical access to campers.

Kid's Zone and Other Fun-Filled Events for All Ages

Highlights for the kiddos this year include a Tie Dying activities; 3 Bounce Houses; Paint the Bus; Hot Wheels Races, Face Painting and Snow Cone and Cotton Candy Machines.

Bring your family and come prepared to have the time of your life! Mid America’s Motorworks has planned this year’s “Funfest Rewind” event for you and your family to enjoy!

Spectators Welcome At Funfest for Air Cooled VW 2021

Spectators are invited to attend this year’s Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2021. Please Enter Gate 2. There is no parking fee this year. Hope to see you all at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2021 set for June 4-5, 2021. Visit funfestacvw.com for more information!

Ryan Collins takes home Darryl's Custom Engine

Lyle Kruger wins VW Engine Tune-Up from Midwest Auto Savers

Kelly Frey Wins Best Dune Buggy Award

Steward Named Passing On The Passion Award Winner

Passing on the Passion Award Travis Steward

“Always a Car/Truck Guy”

In memory of his grandfather....Bud Stull

It was the 1950s and Bud Stull was your typical teenage driver, auto body repairman, and car/truck guru. From racing souped-up Model Ts down two lane roads, to creating a unique combo Chevy truck/Pontiac sedan as well as many Dune Buggies and hot rods, Stull was “Always a Car/Truck guy.”

“His work was his life and passion, and he was good at it,” said Travis Steward, his grandson. “In his free time he would play around with totaled cars that were sitting in the lot.” The aforementioned Chevy truck/Pontiac Sedan project was a result of his need for a shop truck. Not wanting to spend much money, he purchased two totaled vehicles from insurance companies.The “Chevy truck was hit hard in the front, and the other, a Pontiac sedan that was creamed in the rear,” Steward said. While Steward never actually saw the truck/car combo, he said his grandfather’s friends have shared that it looked like it came off the showroom floor.

Stull’s passion for auto body repair began early in his life.  He and his father built their auto repair shop by hand in the town of Wood River. A place that literally became a place where the most imaginative, artistic and unusually creative projects ensued. Volkswagen Dune Buggies, trucks, as well as many other hot rod projects were made in that small shop throughout Stull’s lifetime.

Fast forward to the 1970s.

“Owning a business means you are always getting new literature in the mail on state-of-the-art products,” Steward said. “Bruce had already started his west surge of Beach Buggies, and there were not many in the Midwest yet.” One day a pamphlet arrived in the mail that stated “Buy in bulk and save,” Steward said. It was a brochure from Kellison.

Stull’s background in the industry gave him insight into how a Dune Buggy was made, Steward said. He knew how to take a VW and turn it into a Dune Buggy by removing the body, add a little cutting and fiberglass, and voila, you have a Dune Buggy.

It wasn’t long before the Always a Car/Truck guy started making one to two Dune Buggies a month, advertising them for sale in the local newspaper.

Soon Stull’s four children entered their driving years. Each of them started driving with a Volkswagen Bug. The cars were worked on daily or weekly, according to Steward.

Another recollection of Steward’s is when his grandfather built a beautiful 1966 Bug that won an award at Funfest. He said his grandfather’s good friend owns it today. In his early years, Steward also remembers seeing a few rail buggies around his grandfather’s shop.

The Ultimate Project for Stull and his wife was yet to come. “With his vision, his next build became his favorite of all time, and grandma’s too,” said Steward. “He built a VW bug truck. Yes, of course, it was already complete, but he put his touch on it. Anyone that knew him knew it would turn out spectacular,” said Steward.

In his true fashion, it had a stake bed, painted with flattened clear. But what made this unique was the decal he had on the doors: ‘Bud’s Buggy Barn.’”

In 2013, Stull sold the truck through Gateway Classic Cars (ittle did Steward know then that one day he would be able to track down this vehicle, after his grandfather’s passing, and purchase it as his own on Ebay.)

Steward’s Grandfather Bud was soon onto another Dune Buggy project, along with working on his Cushman scooter. “I was over at his place as often as possible to learn as much as possible,” said Steward.

Steward is nominating his grandfather posthumously. Sadly, Bud Stull passed away in April of last year, leaving a Buggy In Progress in his garage. Of course, their family was struck with grief. Steward’s Grandmother soon decided to part with the Buggy in Progress because she wanted to use the garage space. Steward said he wasn’t going to let it leave the family. He purchased it, and added it to his collection that now totals four VWs.

Steward said he was able to start pursuing his own VW passion several years ago. He built a big garage, bought tools and his first VW rail project. He came upon an opportune fiberglass project. His collection was starting. It wasn’t long before he owned four VWs.

As for sharing how he was able to track down his grandfather’s Bud’s Buggy Barn project, he said he was at work one day scrolling for VW parts and it just popped up on his screen. Determined that no one was going to own it but him, he secured the online deal immediately.

Steward had the SLUGTRUCK at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019!

Thank you Travis for sharing your story and your continued loyalty to the VW hobby.

Tyler and Amber Summit win Best Individual Campsite Award

Marci Wease wins Best of Show

Btown Vdub Club wins Best Club Campsite

Open Mic Night Deemed A Success

Mid America Motorworks thanks all of you for a great 21^st anniversary celebration!

We’ve been doing these festivals for more than 20 years, and the weekend is like aged wine….it just keeps getting better and better.

Thank you to the following who helped make our Open Mic Night a tremendous success! Our schedule was full of many talented people including the following: The Mike Mayhaus Band, Kristina Renee, Jake and Mikayla, Bad Daddy, Cody Bumgardner, Josh Koester, Jed Adam, Anna Habing, and Outro. An even greater thanks to you our customers who were welcomed to our stage and knocked your performances out of the park!

If you missed Michael Yager Jr. III’s versions of the Beatles’ classics “All You Need is Love” and “Yellow Submarine,” here ya’ go!

Richeson Receives Platinum Bug Award

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019
Platinum Bug Award Winner - Ronald Richeson

As a young boy, Ronald Richeson was surrounded by Volkswagens.  His father, Charles, ran a local VW repair shop in the town of Waterloo, Ill.

It’s no surprise that Charles Richeson’s passion and love for the VW became an integral part of his son Ronald’s upbringing and lifetime hobby.  Emily Richeson has nominated Ronald (her father-in-law) to receive the Platinum Bug Award this year.

“There are many things I could say about my father-in-law about his love for Volkswagens; however, his dedication to Volkswagen goes far beyond loyalty.  He is genuinely an enthusiast for Volkswagen.” 

Not only does Ronald own many Volkswagens and drives them as much as humanly possible, he continues in his father’s footsteps as a second generation Volkswagen mechanic and hobbyist.  Ronald is known to spend countless hours in his garage working on his Volkswagens and those of others too.

In his daily life, he promotes and preserves the hobby by ensuring his father, sons, and grandsons are also engaged in the hobby.  His father still has his own dune buggy, and his sons are building or rebuilding their own Volkswagens as well.

“Whether learning about Volkswagens, working on them, driving in them, or spending time around them (at car shows) Ronald is always trying to pass on his passion for Volkswagens to the next generation,” said Emily. “Ronald is currently teaching/helping my husband, his eldest son, to build a 1957 Volkswagen Beetle; along with working on other Volkswagen projects.”

Spending a lifetime in the industry, Ronald is the leader of the Buggy Meister Volkswagen group.  The Buggy Meisters’ have four generations of Richeson’s on their Club Roster.  Attending car cruises, shows and events including Funfest for Air-Cooled VW is how they spend their leisure time. 

Emily believes Ronald is the ideal nominee for this year’s Platinum Bug Award.  He is a “long -term Volkswagen enthusiast and  promoter of preserving Volkswagens,” Emily said.  He is also committed to passing on the hobby and tradition of being a Volkswagen owner/enthusiast to the next generation.

Larry Cowin Receives Most Creative Award

Announcement for non-Fun Run Road Tour participants Friday

The parking lot across from State Farm and at the corner of Section Avenue and Third Street.

Schedule of Events

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

9 a.m.
Using Your Vintage VW as a Daily Driver:  Learn how to get your Air-Cooled VW in shape for reliable daily driving and how to maintain it for many trouble free miles.  The masterful Dr. Darby will also provide hints for highway driving and what to carry with you for roadside repairs.  If your Volkswagen is part of your lifestyle, you will not want to miss out on Dr. Darby Milnor’s wisdom and years of experience.  Dr. Darby Milnor - Small Stage

10:30 a.m.

Finding Forgiveness of the Copiers Through The Forming of the Manx Club: Changing my focus, from hatred of the copiers to accepting the happy faces of the people in their buggies, saved my life.  Afterall, if I hadn’t invented the fiberglass dune buggy, they wouldn’t be there.  So, I opened my arms to all types of dune buggies in the Manx Club.  Bruce Meyers - Small Stage

1 p.m.
Q&A: VW Clubs: History, Highlights, Upcoming Shows and More.  Mike Yager - Small Stage

2 p.m.

Opening The Transmission Bell Housing to Accept the Larger Flywheel:  Have you always wanted to learn how to open up the transmission bell housing to accept the Flywheel on your Vintage VW?  If so, you have come to the right event. Darryl Auch of Darryl’s Vintage Air-Cooled VWs out of Neosho, MO is on hand to cover this topic at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8.  Darryl has more than 40 years experience in building Vintage VW engines.  Join Darryl and his team in this thought-provoking, educational presentation. Darryl Auch - Small Stage

3 p.m.

Ignition Systems

Timing Is Everything
Mid America Motoworks on the Stage Understanding the basic purpose and operation of your VW ignition system is really quite simple.  Join our very own, Butch Claar, as he explains how to improve your engines performance, fuel economy, and longevity with simple periodic checks and adjustments to your ignition system. Butch Claar - Small Stage

Saturday, June 8, 2019

9 a.m.

Using Your Vintage VW as a Daily Driver: Learn how to get your Air-Cooled VW in shape for reliable daily driving and how to maintain it for many trouble free miles.  The masterful Dr. Darby will also provide hints for highway driving and what to carry with you for roadside repairs.  If your Volkswagen is part of your lifestyle, you will not want to miss out on Dr. Darby Milnor’s wisdom and years of experience. Dr. Darby Milnor, Small Stage

1:30 p.m. Q&A: VW Clubs: History, Highlights, Upcoming Shows and More. Mike Yager - Small Stage

2 p.m.

Opening The Transmision Bell Housing to Accept the Larger Flywheel:  Have you always wanted to learn how to open up the transmission bell housing to accept the Flywheel on your Vintage VW?  If so, you have come to the right event. Darryl Auch of Darryl’s Vintage Air-Cooled VWs out of Neosho, MO is on hand to cover this topic at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8.  Darryl has more than 40 years experience in building Vintage VW engines.  Join Darryl and his team in this thoughtprovoking, educational presentation. Darryl Auch - Small Stage

3 p.m.

Tales From The Doctor’s Office
Dr. Darby will share some humorous VW related stories gathered from his 43 years of buying and repairing VWs.  He will also and host an informal Q&A.  Bring you problems and questions and spend an hour with “The Doc.”  You won’t want to miss his personal account in the following areas: Bug afraid of Storms, Vanagon Nightlight, Oil Won’t Come Out, Mouse House, The Rolls Canardly, Punkely the Wonderbug. Dr. Darby Milnor - Small Stage

Stein Hoist Competition planned for Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019

Stein Hoist Competition

Are you ready to test your beer muscles?  Join us for our Stein Hoist competition at the Funfest Cantina (Bar) at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019.  Year in and year out our customers indulge in this German-heritage contest of holding one liter of beer in a Stein with their arm straight out in front of them.  How is your muscular strength? Will you be the last one standing?  Find out by joining in on this electric atmosphere that is sure to make you laugh.  Come prepared to win some great prizes if you can strong arm your opponents!

People’s Choice Awards Brings Judging Contest to Our Customers

People’s Choice Awards. It’s a growing trend throughout the industry.

Mid America Motorworks is excited to announce People’s Choice Awards will be replacing our Celebrity Choice Awards during the 2019 Funfest for Air-Cooled VW.

Be prepared to critique some of the best VWs from across the country.  Upon arrival, visit the Registration Desk in the Fun Dome to receive your ballot.  Mid America Motorworks staff members will be on hand to assist you in turning in your selections.  Here’s the scoop on some of the categories in the competition:

• People's Choice - Best of Show, $500 Mid America Motorworks Gift Card.
• People’s Choice - Best Campsite for an Individual: $250 Mid America Motorworks Gift Card; Best Campsite for a Club, Mid America Motorworks to make a donation to the Club's favorite charity.
• People’s Choice – Most Creative $100 Mid America Motorworks Gift Card.

In addition, there will be awards for:

• Best Dune Buggy
• Best Engine
• Best Herbie

All award winners will be announced Saturday afternoon. Must be registered to be eligible for judging.

Coffee Lovers - Are you Ready?

Spectators Welcome at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019

Spectators are invited to attend this year’s Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019.  Please Enter Gate 5. The price is $2 per car for parking.  Hope to see you all at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019 set for June 7-9, 2019.  Visit funfestacvw.com for more information!

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019 To Host Debut of Type 2 Body

This all new assembled prototype Type 2 body is near completion and will make its debut at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019.  Complete bodies are hand assembled in the USA using the latest technology and skilled craftsmen.  All of the components and panels used to build these bodies are brand new to the market, using all new tooling for a better fit and quality than anything else available before now!  All panels are EDP coated to prevent corrosion.  Come check out the body for yourself in person at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019, America’s largest air-cooled VW event.  The prototype is created by Golden Star, of Dallas Texas.  Also, on site will be the parts importer from Dallas and the manufacturer of the product from Taiwan.

Custom Engine Give-away!

One of our most treasured highlights at this year’s celebration is a Customized Engine Give-away from Darryl’s Vintage Air-Cooled VW Engines. 

Come early and enter for a chance to win one of Darryl’s Premiere, 1776cc Red-Tin, Dual Carb engines, valued at $5,800.  This state-of-the art engine is handmade and sits in an upright style.  It is made to replace any Volkswagen Type I (Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Safari/Thing, and more) as well as any pre-1972 VW Type 2 Bus, Camper, or Pickup.

Darryl first started building engines when he was 12 years old in his dad’s shop.  With more than 40 years in the VW industry, Darryl has a wealth of expertise and is planning on sharing his knowledge in a seminar on Saturday, June 8 as part of Mid America Motorworks’ Funfest for Air-Cooled VWs.  Darryl has also been featured in the magazine Hot VWs.

The engine maker takes pride in the fact that every single part is BRAND NEW and has zero miles on it!  Powerful and shiny, his engines are Never Rebuilt, Reground, Resurfaced or Reconditioned in any way.  That is his motto!  This year’s lucky winner of this fabulous Engine Give-away will also receive information on how to best break-in their new Turn-Key Engine as well as many other tips on how to maintain optimal performance.

The overall value of the give-away is several thousand dollars and includes a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty.  Warranty information is specific and included in this most amazing GIVE-AWAY.

Registered guests can earn additional entries for every $100 spent at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW.  The lucky registered Funfest guest will be randomly selected in a drawing held during Saturday night festivities that include an Open Mic Night as well as many other new, exciting events to be announced in upcoming months!

The winner must be present to win and must be a registered Funfest for Air-Cooled VW guest. You won’t want to miss out on a chance to win this top-of-the line Engine, designed and handcrafted by Darryl!

Also, the first THREE Darryl’s Engines SOLD will receive FREE INSTALLS on-site during Funfest for Air-Cooled VW. This offer is valid until April 15, 2019.  Order EARLY and get your FREE INSTALL scheduled!  Call 800.500.1500 to order your engine today.

See you June 7-9^th at Funfest for Air-Cooled VWs on the Mid America Motorworks' campus in Effingham, Illinois!

Funfest Welcomes Bruce Meyers!

We are thrilled to welcome Bruce Meyers back to Funfest for Air-Cooled VW! Bruce created the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy more than 50 years ago. By designing a lightweight dune buggy using fiberglass and a VW frame, Bruce revolutionized the world of off-road racing. Meyers Manx grew in popularity and has become the most copied vehicle in history.

This will be Bruce’s fourth time attending Funfest for Air-Cooled VW. In addition to leading expert seminars, Meyers will be giving the BEST DUNE BUGGY AWARD this year. Meyers will be available to sign autographs and visit with VW enthusiasts throughout the weekend. The Meyers Manx is a staple at off-road events and has secured a place in pop culture.

Herbie Trivia Contest planned

Funfest for Air Cooled VW Slalom

Put your precision driving skills to the test with our slalom course at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW!

For $5, you will have three attempts to top the leader board! All vehicles that enter will be put into their respective classes, ranging from bone stock to heavily modified. This ensures that you only compete with similar vehicles. There will be a Stock Modified, Bus, Buggy, and Water-cooled Classes.

Slalom races will take place on Friday and Saturday afternoon! You can sign-up for the Funfest for Air-Cooled VW Slalom when you register online, register by phone, or when you pick up your registration packet at Funfest Headquarters.

Campers get ready!

Campers get ready

Do you love the outdoors? 

Do you like to camp out for the best of summertime fun?

If you answered yes and enjoy nature, Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019 is for you! Our new Open Mic and bonfire events will provide you with the ultimate camping experience.

Also new this year as part of our People’s Choice awards is a BEST CAMPSITE award for an Individual and a Club.  Decorate your campsite with a cool theme because we are giving away a $250 Best Campsite Gift Card.  Your peers will be the judge of this exciting theme-centered contest.

Come CAMP OUT this year.  We look forward to seeing you!

Vintage Volkswagen specialists to speak at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW

Looking to learn how to best maintain your Vintage Volkswagen? Or, do you want to learn how to open up your VW engine’s Bell House to replace the Flywheel?

If you answered yes, please mark your calendars and plan on visiting us this year.

Several seminars are on the slate for this year’s Funfest for Air-Cooled VW including two Vintage Volkswagen specialists who have been in the industry for more than four decades: Dr. Darby Milnor and Darryl Auch.

Dr. Darby Milnor of Midwest Autosavers of Cary, Ill. has 43 years experience and will present “Using Your Vintage Volkswagen as a Daily Driver.” 

If you are interested in learning how to get your Air-Cooled VW in shape for reliable daily driving and how to maintain it for many trouble-free miles, you won’t want to miss this seminar! This master VW specialist will also cover hints for highway driving and what to carry with you for roadside repairs.

In another seminar “Tales from the Dr.’s office,” Milnor will share many humorous VW-related stories gathered from his 43 years of buying and repairing VWs and then host an informal Q&A session.  Bring your questions and problems and spend an hour with “The Doc.”

Also on campus is Darryl Auch of  Darryl’s Vintage Air-Cooled Volkswagens, of Neosho, MO. Darryl first started building engines when he was 12 years old in his dad’s shop.  With more than 40 years in the VW industry, he has a wealth of expertise and is planning on sharing his knowledge in a seminar “How to Open the Engine Bell House to Replace the Fly Wheel.”

Darryl owns and operates Darryl’s Vintage Air-Cooled Volkswagens and takes pride in the fact that every single part of the engines he makes are BRAND NEW and have zero miles on them.  Powerful and shiny, a Darryl’s engine is Never Rebuilt, Reground, Resurfaced or Reconditioned. 

Auch has been featured in the magazine Hot VWs.

Mid America Motorworks’ very own Butch Claar will be presenting a seminar on “Ignition Systems” as well.  Claar has more than three decades of experience with our company.

You won’t want to miss these enriching educational presentations. 

Register today to attend Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019!

Lawn Mower Races Planned at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW

It’s time to head to the races, the Lawn Mower Races that is!

Mid America Motorworks will welcome the Southern Illinois Sod Slingers to Funfest for Air-Cooled VW. The semi-professional Lawn Mower Racers look to mow down their competition, in this bragging rights tournament on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

All Funfest for Air-Cooled VW guests are invited to grab a lawn chair and an ice-cold drink from the Funfest Cantina before heading over to the grass field to the East of the Install Dome on the Funfest Campus to watch as the racers tear up the turf!

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW guests who dabble in the Lawn Mower Racing sport are invited to join in on the fun. There are no participation fees in this bragging-rights only tournament. For additional registration details call Mike Feldhake at (217) 857-3867.

The Lawn Mower Racing Tournament is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019 on the Funfest Campus during Funfest for Air-Cooled VW at Mid America Motorworks.

Country Style Dinner

There’s nothing better than a hot, home-style meal after a long day of VW fun! Funfest for Air-Cooled VW guests are invited to the crowd favorite Niemerg’s Country Style Dinner on Saturday night.

Plan ahead and reserve your tickets early for only $10/person; just call 800-500-1500 to add Country Style Dinner Meal Tickets to your Funfest Experience

Don’t fight the traffic – instead enjoy a meal of fried chicken, pulled pork BBQ, mashed potatoes and gravy and all the fixings! We dare you to try to fit it all on one plate!

Share your Club or Event Highlights at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2019

We are pleased to announce we will be offering a new CLUBS and SHOWS promo opportunity this season.

During our Funfest for Air-Cooled VW set for June 7-9 on the Mid America Motorworks 150-acre campus in Effingham, Ill., you will be able to promote your Club or Event LIVE in front of hundreds of VW colleagues and peers.  We will interview you, and you will be able share all the SUPER COOL attributes of your Club or Event.

This is a time to let your Club or Event shine! Come prepared to discuss your Club’s history, membership, upcoming events and more.

This is limited to the first eight registrations. Sign up TODAY! 

For more information, contact Dawn at dawn.james@mamotorworks.com.

FREE Space, Say What?

One of the most important aspects during our Funfest for Air-Cooled VW is our Swap Meet area, and this year, we are pleased to offer the first 40 Registered Swappers, Free Swap Space.

Our Swap Meet area allows Swappers to sell used toys, literature, parts, and other automotive related items. Registered swappers receive a 20’ x 20’ space to sell, trade or swap their automotive parts, accessories and memorabilia. This event is open to all brands!

Register early to secure your FREE Space and indulge in our free on-site camping as well!

Call 800.500.1500 to reserve your SWAP space before they are gone!

NEW THIS YEAR!

This year we are also offering INDOOR SWAP SPACE for $60.  Stay in out of the WEATHER.  While we pray for great weather, secure an INDOOR SWAP SPACE TODAY to avoid the SUN or the RAIN.  Call 800.500.1500 to reserve your INDOOR SWAP space before they sell out!

Kid’s Zone and Other Fun-filled Events for All Ages

Highlights for the kiddos this year include a Scavenger Hunt; Bigger and Better Low-Speed Slalom; Tie Dying activities; Inflatables; Paint the Bus; and Face painting.

Bring your family, and come prepared to have the time of your life!  Mid America’s Motorworks has planned this year’s “Celebrating 50 Years of Herbie” event for you and your family to enjoy! This includes a Herbie Trivia Contest planned throughout the weekend. Come, sit back and relax with us as we celebrate Herbie’s 50 years in the movies!  A special thank you to you, our customers, for your loyalty to our business.

2019 Air-Cooled VW Theme 'Celebrating 50 Years of Herbie'

As a proud owner of one of the first “Herbie Fully Loaded” movie Volkswagen Beetles sold by Disney, Mid America Motorworks is excited to announce its 2019 Air-Cooled VW Funfest theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Herbie.”

This 50^th birthday celebration is planned for June 7-9, 2019 on Mid America Motorworks’ 150-acre campus in Effingham, Ill.  Inventor of the Dune Buggy Bruce Meyers will be on-site. You won’t want to miss this year’s celebration!

A new highlight this year is the addition of People’s Choice Awards. Come be a part of this new and exciting trend that allows our customers to be the judge!  With awards such as Best Herbie, Best Dune Buggy, Best of Show, and more, this year’s customer appreciation event is sure to please.

If you have a special talent you would like to share, come participate in this year’s newest attraction Saturday's Open Mic Night.  Sing your heart out, get your groove on, lip sync, or share whatever talent you have! We welcome you to our stage as we are looking forward to an exciting night full of entertaining acts.

Swappers get ready! Here’s the scoop… the first 40 SWAP meet registrants will receive their rental space for FREE.  Reserve your SWAP Space today by calling 800.500.1500. 

Also, a wealth of family and kid-friendly activities will keep you and your family entertained.  Make time for family, and come enjoy the Funfest for Air-Cooled VW on our campus.  There is something for everyone!

This magnificent event isn’t restricted to the Air-Cooled VW enthusiasts but is also available to the Jetta, Golf, and Water-Cooled VW community as well. 

Mark your calendars so you do not miss, this weekend of fun.  See you June 7-9th!

Submit Your Nominations for Passing on the Passion and Platinum Bug Awards

Funfest for Air-Cooled VWs - Standard Registration

Have An Ultimate Funfest

Experience Funfest for Air-Cooled VW as an Ultimate Guest! Ultimate Registration gives you an all-access pass to Funfest. Enjoy the VIP Hospitality area inside the Fun Dome, special Ultimate Parking just steps from all the action, front stage access at the Saturday night concert, and more! Ultimate Registration is the only way to make the most of your Funfest weekend! Ultimate Guests enjoy:

• Goodie Bag – Event T-shirt, Buyer Card, Lapel Pin, Event Poster & Special Ultimate Guest Gifts
• Friday Meals: Light Breakfast and Lunch
• Saturday Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Weekend Ultimate Parking and Admission for 1 Person
• Lead the Friday Night Fun Run Road Tour
• Exclusive Access to VIP Hospitality Area with Free Meals, Beverages & Snacks
• VIP Access to Saturday Evening Entertainment
• Limited Number of Hotel Rooms at Our Corporate Rate
• VIP Preferred Seating at Funfest Seminars
• VIP Interaction with Mike Yager & other VW industry celebrities throughout the weekend
• Eligibility for Celebrity Choice Fun Judging

50/50 Drawing Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Waterloo German Band

Saturday Evening Menu Change!

Mid America Motorworks Welcomes The Big Idaho Potato to Funfest For Air-Cooled VW!

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW - Ultimate Registration

2017 Funfest for Air-Cooled Volkswagen Theme Announced

Winner of the 2016 Engine Give-Away

Win a Custom 1776cc Engine at Funfest

Saturday Night Concert

Pepsi Fully Loaded

Pepsi + Herbie + Max = the BEST Pepsi station ever! Max Doering, our very own 2015 Passing on the Passion recipient, will be running the "Pepsi Fully Loaded" station at Funfest of Air-Cooled VW. Be sure to stop by the Pepsi station, located by the Fundome, for a cold Pepsi product and learn all about Herbie while enjoying your beverage.

Max has had a love affair with Herbie for many years and is currently on the hunt for his first Beetle, which we are certain will become a Herbie. Max will have both Herbie Fully Loaded and Herbie Goes Bananas on display at his booth. He will also have his most prized Herbie collectibles on display, which he has been acquiring for many years. Best of all, he has a vast knowledge of all things Herbie and will be able to answer most of your questions regarding Herbie.

Max is a very special young man and he reminds all of us at Mid America Motorworks the true importance of this fun and crazy hobby we call VW. Please stop by Max's Pepsi station throughout the weekend and share your VW story with him and I bet you will even learn a thing or two about Herbie. He will also be a celebrity judge and will be giving out the Teenage Choice Award, so be sure to keep an eye out for Max on the show field too.

Thanks Max, we love your passion!

Fun Run Registration Now Open

Sunray Funfest: A Corky Kind of Year

In March, the Yager family and the Volkswagen community said goodbye to an icon, with the passing of Corky Yager. Founder of Dade City, Florida’s Sunray Bugs, Corky was Mike’s older brother and the flame that ignited Mike’s passion for VWs. As Mid America Motorworks prepares to welcome thousands of Volkswagens to Funfest for Air-Cooled VW June 3-5, it seems only fitting that the event should celebrate Corky Yager.

Sunray Funfest: A Corky Kind of Year kicks off Friday, June 3^rd with a Fun Run that leads to the annual Downtown Party on the Effingham Square. Hosted by the Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Party features local food and entertainment, and serves as the first chance for registered guests to receive a Celebrity Choice Award.

Participants enjoy a whirlwind weekend of special displays, car show, Swapfest, expert seminars, product demonstrations and more. Celebrity Choice Awards take place Friday and Saturday with a brand new presentation style that puts the lucky VW owner and his/her VW on display at the new Winners Wall. Camping, another Funfest tradition, is free on the grounds Thursday through Saturday nights to registered Funfest attendees. The weekend culminates with the Saturday evening concert, where VW lovers are treated to headlining entertainment, rain or shine. 

Throughout the weekend, the MY Garage Museum & Retail Store will be open and available for self-guided tours. Movie Volkswagens from the Yager Family Collection, including the beloved Herbie cars, will be on display all weekend. The Fun Dome and Install Dome will both be full of activity, from the latest VW fashions and accessories in the Fun Dome, to the best performance and restoration upgrades in the Install Dome. Performance Choice will also be in the Install Dome with a wide variety of Volkswagen interior products.

Mark your calendars for June 3-5, 2016 to celebrate Sunray Funfest! Register today by visiting registration.funfestacvw.com or by calling 866.350.4539.

Everyone Loves Funfest

Funfest featured in HotRod Hotline

Check Out The Fun Dome & Install Dome

Come to the Fun Dome for a first-person look at the latest VW lifestyle and fashion! The Fun Dome is our outdoor retail center where our catalog and website come to life! If wrenches are more your thing, check out the Install Dome, where you can get the latest hard parts installed on your VW without ever leaving the show!

VW Legend Returns to Funfest

Work-in-Progress Preview 2015

VW Author at Funfest 2015

Saturday Night Concert

Funfest Photo Contest

Herbie at the Downtown Party 2015

Drawing for $500 Gift Certificate

Low Speed Slalom

Don't forget to test your “not-so-low”-speed Slalom skills! It is only $5 for 3 tries and is tons of fun! Don’t worry VW Buses, we have different classes, so you will not have to compete against Dune Buggies! There are great prizes each day, and also a spot in the Winners Corral and a photo with Mike.

Fun Run & Downtown Party

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW kicked off with the crowd favorite Fun Run & Downtown Party. Some 200 Volkswagens streamed through scenic Effingham County before an impromptu parade had locals welcoming VW crowd to Effingham. The Downtown Party – known as Welcome Fest – was hosted by the Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau around the Effingham Courthouse square. It included food vendors, snow cones, kettle corn, live entertainment, fabulous giveaways and, of course, a one-of-a-kind Volkswagen show. New to the Downtown Party, a full-fledged Celebrity Choice presentation took place along with the Effingham Mayor’s VW Award.

Celebrity Choice Awards

Celebrity Choice Awards are a Funfest tradition! For our Sweet Sixteen, we added judging on Friday at the Downtown Party, giving our Fun Run participants another reason to celebrate the first day of Funfest for Air-Cooled VW! Winners received a custom-made canvas trophy, autographed by Mike Yager.

Opening Ceremony & Awards

Funfest for Air-Cooled VW kicked off Saturday morning with the Star Spangled Banner at Opening Ceremony. Mike Yager and the entire Yager Family welcomed guests and presented the Platinum Bug and Passing on the Passion Awards to stand-out VW enthusiasts who took the hobby to the next level.

The Bug Movie

Following the response of his documentary, The Bus, renowned filmmaker, Damon Ristau, is creating a feature length documentary film about the most beloved and recognizable vehicle on Earth, the Volkswagen Beetle. The Bug Movie follows the iconic vehicle and the culture that loves it, including footage he shot right here at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW! Best of all, YOU can help make it happen! Contribute to The Bug Movie and be part of this amazing film.

Sweet Sixteen Funfest for Air-Cooled VW – Thank you!

The sun was shining – most of the time – and we had a great weekend with our Volkswagen friends and family! Thank you for being part of our Sweet Sixteen Funfest for Air-Cooled VW! From the Friday Night Fun Run and Downtown Part to the Expert Seminars, Slaloms, Exhaust Sound Off and of course the Saturday night Tons O’ Fun Band concert, it was a great weekend. The perfect kick-off to summer show season!

Fun Dome & Install Dome

From a hands-on demonstration on M Works Car Care to the latest in VW fashion and installs that just wouldn’t stop, the Fun Dome and Install Dome were both full of activity all weekend!

Plan the Ultimate Weekend

Experience Funfest for Air-Cooled VW in a whole new way - as an Ultimate Guest! Ultimate Registration gives you an all-access pass to Funfest. From the VIP Hospitality area inside the Fun Dome and special Ultimate Parking just steps from all the action, to front stage access with open bar at the Saturday night concert, Ultimate Registration is the only way to make the most of your Funfest weekend! Ultimate Guests enjoy: - Goodie Bag – Event T-shirt, Buyer Card, Lapel Pin, Event Poster & Special Ultimate Guest Gifts - Weekend Ultimate Parking and Admission for 1 Person - Lead the Friday Fun Run & Downtown Party - Weekend Access to VIP Hospitality Area with Free Beverages and Snacks - VIP Access to Saturday Evening Entertainment, Including Open Bar - Limited Number of Hotel Rooms at Our Corporate Rate - VIP Preferred Seating at Funfest Seminars - VIP Interaction with Mike Yager and other VW industry celebrities throughout the weekend - Eligibility for Celebrity Choice Fun Judging - Complimentary meals throughout Funfest weekend

The Lemon Brothers Band to provide entertainment

The Lemon Brothers Band, a rockin' young band from the Wabash Valley, will be playing the Funfest Small Stage during Saturday night's Country Buffet. The Band's talent of playing music and singing began at the early age of four, and they continue to play with a lot of natural groove and enthusiasm. Their musical tastes range from classic rock, country rock, and gospel blues.

Two Time Bonneville Salt Flats World Record Holder Coming to Funfest!

Bill Hatfield’s 1999 Mexican Beetle – known as the Salt Flats Flyer – was the fastest 36HP-based car at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2011 with a 108.325 mph pass for the 36HP Challenge’s DSS36 (dual carbs class) record with a pass of 108.325 mph. In 2012, Bill beat his record with a 114.909 mph pass. Bill will put the breaks on at Funfest long enough to show off his VW as he prepares for a return trip to Bonneville this September.

Low Speed Slalom Back by Popular Demand, Brought to You by EMPI!

Don't forget to test your “not-so-low”-speed Slalom skills! It is only $5 for 3 tries and is tons of fun! Don’t worry VW Buses, we have different classes, so you will not have to compete against Dune Buggies! There are great prizes each day, and also a spot in the Winners Corral and a photo with Mike.