It's July! (And You Know What That Means...) - Take 2

And if you don't... Well, I'm sorry I haven't been using whatever social media you happen to follow. At any rate, I do hope you're ready to visit Provo's Bicentennial Park in seven days. The thirteenth annual Wasatch Classic VW Show suffered a couple of setbacks in efforts to have our show this year in the same location as the last twelve years. The Farmers Market (or, is "Farmers" supposed to be the possessive, "Farmer's"?) has waxed possessive with Pioneer Park to the tune of a mayoral contract, and the Provo Parks Department has chosen 2011 as the year they stop letting show goers park their cars on Provo Parks grass. So, for 2011, we'll be gathering at Bicentennial Park in south Provo, and we'll be parking on asphalt.

As I've started saying a lot, lately, Bicentennial Park is a nigh-perfect location for a family reunion. In addition to the obligatory park pavilion, Bicentennial boasts a duck pond, sand volleyball pit (anybody got a net?), and a wide expanse of well-manicured lawn. The trees don't cover the parking, but they do line the east and west sides of it, so the sun won't make its appearance until after the show starts. The playground equipment is mere feet from where the cars will be, and since the park isn't ringed with busy streets, those of you with kids can enjoy the show without your progeny asking to go play next to traffic. Like I said: great for a family reunion. Or VW Show. To boost the fun factor, and provide easy access to tasty grub, Kranky Franks of Springville (Home of the Danger Dawg) and Frosty Frog Shaved Ice have been invited to join us. Both Kranky Franks and Frosty Frog are on Facebook, so swing by and show them what they have to look forward to at our party.

Some things to remember about this year's show:

1. Location. If you drive to the park we used last year, you'll only find a Farmers Market. This year's Classic is located at 1440 South and 1510 East. If you're coming from out of town, it's probably easiest to take the University Avenue (Exit 269) and head east to State Street, turn left and look for 1440 South. It's only a half mile from the turn, and there's a sign that says "Bicentennial Park." If you're starting out in town, just head for the Juvenile Hall on the old road to Springville and turn east at the Sinclair station you'll see on the left.
2. Shade. Bring it. The club can cover a 20'x30' space and a 12'x12' space, but that leaves a lot uncovered. The park's lot has room for about 90 cars to park normally, and the more of that space we can shade, the better. Bring umbrellas, canopies, whatever.
3. Cash. We don't charge swappers to come to the show, but they'll probably balk at taking an IOU for that 1970 Karmann Ghia tail light lens you've been trying to find for months. There are businesses near the park, but none of them is a bank, so it will be a good idea to come prepared.

I want to thank all those who have preregistered on thewasatchclassic.com already. Last year, with one week to go, there were 16 preregistered cars. As of right now, there are 25. While that may not sound like a lot, the total number of cars registered for both WC11 and WC12 was 72. Both years, about 30 of those were preregistered, and most of those registered in the final week before the show. Compared to 2010, the number of preregistered cars seven days before show time is up over 50%. Preregistration really saves a lot of frayed nerves on the production side of this show, and helps in the task of getting what people are going to need. Plus, it can save you a couple of bucks on your registration fee if you pay it online.

Now! Since I had to miss last month's cruise, anybody want to get on here and give a report?