VALLA VW: What to expect at the VW Spectacular
THE 19th Volkswagen Spectacular will take place this year from August 2-6 at the Valla Beach Tourist Park, so if you love Volkswagens or are just looking for an enjoyable weekend – be sure to check it out.
The Volkswagen Spectacular began in 1984 at Raleigh raceway as the brainchild of Mark Pell. The first show was a casual, low key event compared with the highly organised and jam-packed weekend the spectacular has evolved into.
Some of the original participants have not missed a single one of the past 18 shows.
As the spectacular has grown so too has the importance of the event to the Volkswagen fraternity, both nationally and internationally.
The event draws Volkswagen enthusiasts from all over the country to the Nambucca Valley. They arrive, driving all makes and models of Volkswagens from kombis to fastbacks, station wagons, buggies, and of course the original car of the people – the iconic Beetle, making it possible to observe every incarnation of Volkswagen imaginable over the event’s duration, and then some.
Many of the ‘V-Dubbers’ will begin to arrive ahead of time on Wednesday, August 1 and stay in the local area until the following Monday.
Thursday, August 2 marks the start of the racing at Raleigh Raceway, where several of the willing put on a show for the punters, slipping and sliding all over the track. So grab a picnic basket, the family and get trackside.
After the racing, participants enjoy a casual welcome dinner and cruise around the Nambucca township.
Friday, August 3 is the second day of racing at Raleigh Raceway, where late arrivals and those who posted less than impressive lap times have a chance to impress, then it’s back to Valla Beach Tourist Park for a bistro and event registration.
Saturday morning, August 4, is the highlight of the spectacular, with all of the participating vehicles joining a parade into the Nambucca Heads township. The parade travels along the Pacific Highway under escort by the local police and arrives in the main street in one of the only events in NSW where the police stop traffic on the highway for such a convoy.
If you have the chance it’s worth grabbing yourself a decent vantage point to view the convoy as it rolls into town. The sight of 350-odd cars snaking their way up the hill is a memorable one.
Upon arrival, the cars are all parked in the main street, which is blocked off to traffic for the Saturday morning. During these hours the public and fellow enthusiasts have the chance to check out the amazing collection of VWs.
If all this Volkswagen fever gets you inspired to join the ranks of the crew of enthusiasts, then head out to the Valla Beach Tourist Park. At the resort through the duration of the weekend you will find a collection of
everything you need at the swap meet to become a bona fide ‘V-Dubber’ – from chrome plated wheel nuts to
underwear with strategically placed beetles, it’s all there.
On Saturday night the charity auction is held with all proceeds being donated to local charities and support groups such as the local VRA, Nambucca Lions Club and Nambucca Rotary. In past years these auctions have raised upwards of $30,000.
Saturday evening sees a fancy dress/costume themed dance and dinner for registered participants only, and Sunday will see the cars on display at the Valla Beach Tourist Park for the judging of the trophy categories for the weekend.
The trophies are awarded to the top 10 VWs of the event at the presentation on Sunday afternoon, and the judging and presentation gives the public and participants an opportunity to check out the best of the best.
There will also be local markets and a great array of food available on Sunday so bring the kids and make a day of it.
This is when things begin to wind down and there will be a fireworks display at Valla Beach Tourist Park on Sunday night to signal the end of the weekend’s events.
For those who are still around there will be breakfast on Monday.
Mark it on your calendar and be sure not to miss the 18th Volkswagen Spectacular on August 2-6.
For more information visit www.volkswagenspectacular.com.