Corvette enthusiasts from around the world are setting their sights on Effingham, Ill. and Mid America Motorworks for the 18th Annual Corvette Funfest. Registration is up nearly 40% over last year for Corvette Funfest 2011, set for Sept. 15-18, 2011, easily confirming its status as the largest Corvette Party in the world. This year’s theme is “America’s Star Spangled Corvette Party.” What better way to celebrate America’s Sportscar than with a red, white and blue theme. A patriotic premium parking display will greet enthusiasts with red, white and blue Corvettes as they enter the show field.
Returning guests will be welcomed with a variety of improvements, including a Show Preview Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. where guests can register, check in and explore Funfest a day earlier than in previous years. For more convenience, all Corvettes will enter and exit Funfest grounds through a single location and Funfest Headquarters will be the one-stop-shop for check in and on-site registration. Several improvements have also been made to the Funfest grounds, including new roads and an Install Dome.
The Thursday Fun Run Road tour takes enthusiasts through the scenic Effingham countryside to the Courthouse Square in Effingham for a Downtown Party sponsored by the Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
This year, Corvette enthusiasts will have the opportunity to tour the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at Funfest! The American icon will be on display throughout the weekend, giving guests the chance to tour the interior and learn more about the legendary vehicle. Friday evening Mike and Laurie Yager, along with firefly grill, will host “firefly grill + Corvette Funfest = TREC Benefit,” a black-tie optional cocktail party at the Yager’s home. Tickets for the party are $100 per person and proceeds benefit TREC, Trail Recreation Effingham County.
Boy Scouts of America and Mid America Motorworks have strengthened their partnership this year. In addition to assisting with parking, the Scouts will be seen volunteering in a variety of areas at Funfest. The Two Rivers District Scouts are organizing a Camporee on the south grounds of Mid America Motorworks’ corporate campus and will have an informational display on the Funfest grounds all weekend.
Enthusiasts are invited to bid on a 1982 Collector Edition Corvette to raise funds for Teammates for Kids Foundation. The Foundation, co-founded by Garth Brooks and Bo Mitchell, generates funds for children’s charities. The Corvette will be auctioned Saturday with other great prizes, including free transport to the winner’s home.
Female guests are encouraged to visit Funfest Paradise, For Ladies Only. The revamped ladies zone features exclusive seminars, a wine tasting and class, Corvette merchandise and spa services for Corvette’s female enthusiasts.
The Saturday evening concert presented by Neal Tire & Auto Service promises to be a must-see performance. Don Felder, former lead guitarist with rock group The Eagles, will perform “An Evening at the Hotel California” with his band.
Sunday at Corvette Funfest 2011 is family day! Mid America Motorworks is celebrating the 18th Corvette Funfest on Sept. 18th with amazing activities and displays, including a 5K Run, the Mt. Dew Road Show and more. Effingham native Travis Birch will entertain guests Sunday with free special concert. Other highlights for the event include tethered hot air balloon rides from Pepsi Mid America, expert seminars, the Cars for Sale Corral and much more!
Corvette Funfest is scheduled for Sept. 15-18, 2011. Register online and find the latest event details at corvettefunfest.com.