So where can you go to see a bunch of gorgeous Volkswagens in East Texas?  Wouldn’t it be great if all of these auto enthusiasts got together and showed off their cars?

That’s where the Piney Woods VW Fall Fest comes in.  On October 18, Volkswagen enthusiasts will show off their Beetles, Karmann Ghias, Things, and many other models at the festival sponsored by Gorman McCracken VW in Longview.

East Texas VW Club co-founder Jennifer Russell shared some of her excitement about the show with the Marshall News Messenger.

“I consider them a blank slate,” Russell says of the stock VW Beetles.

Russell’s Beetle, named “Blue Smiley,” is decked out in smile-themed slogans and memorabilia.  This year, she plans to add another layer of decoration with a Star Wars theme, including a replica of R2-D2.

This year’s Piney Woods VW Fall Fest will be the sixth annual show for the East Texas VW Club.  Russell says that the show usually only has a handful of New Beetles and features many of the older models.

The Volkswagen Beetle was first introduced to the US in 1949 and gained a loyal following in the 1960s.  In 1998, the New Beetle was introduced at the Detroit International Auto Show.

Russell’s love for the car is contagious.  Her roommate, Angie Sawyer, fell in love with the cars after going to a VW car show with Russell in 2005.  Now Angie has her own VW, nicknamed “C.C.”

“When I met Angie in 2005, she was driving a blend-in-car, like a Honda or something,” Russell said. “She went with me to a show in Roswell, New Mexico, in June (2005), and in July she got C.C. She was totally bitten by the bug.”

Those who attend the Piney Woods VW Fall Fest might come away with more than just a fun experience.  The show offers cash prizes for the best car in each class.

The Piney Woods VW Fall Fest starts at 9:00 am on Saturday.  Judging is at 2:30 pm.

If you are interested in attending the show in style, rent a show-ready Black Karmann Ghia convertible in Dallas.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities.  Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.