By Nick Berry

April 21, 2012 marked the day that every Volkswagen enthusiast had been waiting for since the weather got chilly last fall. With the local meets and get to-gathers starting up everyone in the capital area are getting excited for the first local show of the season. King VW of Gaithersburg, Md. is the place to be.

Arty Bolembakh of Rockville, Md. is a certified Volkswagen tech at King VW and suggested last year to start a show. The show would be hosted by King VW. Bolembakh wanted to create a laid back, family fun show that everyone could come to and have a good time. “I enjoy bringing everyone together,” Bolembakh said.

To achieve a laidback environment the show was free to get into and park among several other things that were free. The cars that were included in the show had a sticker put on the windshield with a number on it. The purpose was to make it easy for people to vote for their favorite cars. The people would write the number of the car and drop it in the box that was under the VW tent. “This was one of the best and easiest ways to judge the cars,” said Bolembakh. The votes would be counted at the end of the show.

So with great success of the first King VW show last year, Bolembakh put on another. The second annual King VW Spring Rollout BBQ kicked off the beginning of the show season with a bang.

“According to the Facebook event we are expecting to almost double the size of last year’s show which was about 40 cars,” Bolembakh said. This year’s show had about 80 cars of all different makes, models, generations and styles.

The show nearly doubled its turn out from last year and the weather was perfect for the show. “This year’s show we had more vendors than last year,” Bolembakh says.

The vendors that helped put on this show were Volkswagen of America who sponsored and hosted the event with King VW. The employees at King VW set up a tent and grilled hot dogs and burgers that were free. They also supplied free drinks. Volkswagen of America had a stand of VW apparel that was for purchase. The King VW employees were giving out prizes such as free oil change or VW apparel to their favorite cars in the show.

The Shop Autowerx of Woodsboro, Md. brought a line of cars and of course a trailer with their euro plate machine press. Owner Jake Dzik of Hanover, Pa. printed several amounts of euro plates for people on the spot.

AK Powder Coating and owner Kris Moore of Frederick, Md. was there handing out business cards and showing off sample of his powder coating work. He also had a few sets of wheels for sale.

Sirius Satellite radio also sponsored the show and played music all sorts of music all day long.

Throughout the show there were those who really enjoyed the small local show and those who expected a bit more from it. Andrew Brenton of Hampstead, Md. journeyed out to Gaithersburg for the show and was very pleased. “It was cool that it was a small show because it was like hanging out with some friends and having a BBQ," Brenton said.

Other attendees agreed with Brenton. Tim Bungato of Rockville, Md. said “This is the best local show to go to. Nothing beats free entrance, free food and free stuff. I can’t wait for the next one!”

On the other hand those who wanted more from the show like Curtis Justis of Germantown, Md. “I was expecting the show to be bigger and have more vendors. The best thing there was The Shop Autowerx trailer that printed euro plates,” Jurtis said.

At the end of the show the votes were counted and first, second and third place awards were given out.
In third place was Chris King with his black e34 BMW on red m-parallel wheels.
Second place went to Bruce Kirkham who brought his orange convertible bug.

First place and “best in show” went to Ryan Beard with his mk6 Volkswagen Jetta that sat on air ride and a tasteful set of gold Rotiform wheels.

Overall the show was a great success. Tons of cars, free food, free stuff and good people and friends that all shared the same interest.

“There will be a show next year if King VW lets me put one on and I hope to make this show bigger and bigger each year.” said Bolembakh.  

For more information about the King VW Spring Rollout BBQ follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/291828074208527/

King VW- 979 N. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Since the long wait is over and it is finally spring time there are several upcoming shows for the Capitol Area.
April 14, 2012 B&V Repair & Performance (9871 Main Street, Damascus, MD 20872) will be hosting a show and BBQ starting at 9a.m. This will be the one year anniversary celebration with 2 pulls on the dyno for $60 with air and fuel and $50 without a/f. Also there will be specials going on this spring and summer for those who attend. B&V are a one stop shop for performance, custom fabrication and maintenance for all kinds of vehicles.

April 28th at 8a.m. Volksfest (2775 Lebanon Rd, Manheim, PA 17545-8711) will be taking place. The registration for the show closes at 12p.m. and awards given at 3p.m. This is a laid back show and swap meet so bring parts and cash.                       http://www.parenfaire.com/volksfest/

April 29th at 11a.m. The Shop Autowerx with poke/tuck will be presenting the Skyline Drive BBQ (218 East 8th Street, Front Royal, VA). Come out and take a cruise down skyline drive and grub out. The show proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks.    www.cruiseskyline.com

Saturday May 5th Cinco De Euro at World Impex foreign auto parts (10821 Williamson Lane Bldg E-3, Cockeysville, Md. 21030). The show starts at noon and will run until 5p.m. This is an all European car show that will have live music entertainment, vendors, raffles, and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit Island Dog, Inc.Come out and show your support and have fun with friends!

For other events not listed check facebook or the regional forum on vwvortex. (http://forums.vwvortex.com/forumdisplay.php?5111-Regional-Forums-%28VWvortex%29).