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Pasco Bug Jam Is Food For The Souls Of VW Buffs

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TBO.com

Published: October 2, 2008

DADE CITY - Whether it's a pre-1950 Volkswagen Bug or custom VW dune buggy, the Pasco Bug Jam has just the place to show it off.

Nearly 500 such entries crowded onto the 40-acre Pasco County fairground in Dade City in 2007, officially making the Pasco Bug Jam the largest VW show in the Southeast and the second largest in the country, a news release states. This year even more Volkswagen enthusiasts are expected to participate as the Bug Jam celebrates its 20th year Nov. 9.

The deadline to preregister Volkwagens is Oct. 27. There are 58 judged classes, ranging from all ages of Bugs, Karmann Ghias, buses and campers to Herbies, trikes, rails and ratrods. Trophies are awarded in all classes, with special awards of cash and trophies.

Advance registration is $25 and includes gate admission for two, a show T-shirt, dash plaque and goodie bag. Day-of-show entries will be accepted if space is available but will only be eligible for the top 20 trophies in air- and water-cooled classes. Day-of-show registration will be $25. Day-of-show entrants will get two gate admissions but only receive a dash plaque -- while the supply lasts. All preregistered and day-of-show entries must be in the gate by 10 a.m.

New and used VW parts vendors, along with VW toys and collectibles and almost anything VW related, are part of the Bug Jam. Vendors must register by Oct. 31.

Other Bug Jam activities will include music, contests and games throughout the day, children's games and inflatables, a live auction and food.

Entry forms for show vehicles and vendors, along with information about the Bug Jam, are available on the Web at www.pascobugjam.com ; by calling the Pasco County Fair Association Inc., (352) 567-6678; or by e-mailing vwshow@pascobugjam.com .

The nonprofit Fair Association hosts the Bug Jam, this year featuring the theme "It's Legendary."

"The Bug Jam truly is legendary," said Carol Jeffares Hedman, event coordinator and a Tampa Tribune correspondent. "It started 20 years ago with just a few Volkswagens as the baby of some VW lovers and today has grown to become known throughout the country -- even the world. We have people come from Canada, Puerto Rico, England. I don't think this year's gas prices will even affect us much. VWs have always been economical, even before it was fashionable."

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