Downtown Welcome Party Planned for VW Enthusiasts

The City of Effingham’s Tourism Office will be hosting a Downtown Party from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 5, and residents are invited to join in welcoming Volkswagen enthusiasts to Effingham.

Mid America Motorworks’ Fun Run Road Tour will end in downtown Effingham, with Volkswagens set to park in the spaces surrounding the Historic Effingham County Courthouse Museum. Volkswagens are set to come down the parade route at approximately 5:15 p.m.

With Mid America Motorworks’ 17^th Annual Funfest for Air-Cooled Volkswagens expected to bring thousands of people to Effingham over the weekend, the Tourism Office is working to kick off the event with a Welcome Fest in the heart of the City.

“We are expecting over 500 Volkswagens to participate in this year’s Welcome Fest and Road Tour,” said Effingham Tourism Director Jodi Thoele.  “The Downtown Welcome Fest is a great opportunity for us to welcome visitors to our community, but also, for residents to come and check out some one-of-a-kind Volkswagens. We try to make it something the whole family can enjoy.”

Activities will include food from the Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill, Aunt Kim’s Kettle Corn, Tropical Sno and Culver’s frozen custard, live musical entertainment from Russ Howard, various giveaways, a chance to win a Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker along with the opportunity to see a variety of Volkswagens! This year’s theme is “Cars & Stars” and Mid America Motorworks will be bringing the official Volkswagen from the movie “Herbie Fully Loaded” downtown to be on display. After the VWs arrive, Jansen’s Dance will perform along Fourth Street. There's fun planned for the kids too, including coloring books, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. This year, Mid America Motorworks will also present their Celebrity Choice Awards downtown.

“There will be a lot of activity downtown that evening, and we hope residents will join us. And while you’re downtown, make sure to stop by all the wonderful shops in the downtown area,” said Thoele.

For more information on the Friday night event, contact the Effingham Tourism department at 217-342-5310 or visit www.VisitEffinghamIL.com.  For more information about events at Mid America Motorworks, visit www.FunfestEvents.com.