20th Bug-a-Paluza rolls into Camp Jordan

Bug- a - Paluza has grown from a handful of Volkswagen enthusiasts spending a Sunday afternoon together in a dealership parking lot in 1999 to one of the largest VW events in the Southeast.

This weekend, thousands of Beetle and van fans are expected to gather at Camp Jordan over Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, when the Scenic City Volks Folks car club hosts Bug-a-Paluza 20. The event has grown into a car show of all things VW: 39 show classes of VW Beetles, vans, Karmann Ghias, rail buggies and more.

“Best Of” awards will be presented in 11 categories along with seven specialty awards. Judging will be done by Stateline Wagens (air-cooled vehicles) and S&P Automotive (water-cooled vehicles.)

The awards ceremony and raffle drawing will start at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Bug- a- Paluza’s swap meet is one of the largest VW swap meets in the Southeast. Its vendor alley will be filled with new and used parts, along with VW-themed jewelry, clothing and accessories.

Throughout both days there will be games, prizes and giveaways.

Many visitors come for the day; others spend the weekend at Camp Jordan. Campers in the park’s RV lot may set up any time on Friday. There is a $5 per person charge for the weekend to camp in the RV lot. Campers wishing to set up before Friday must contact East Ridge Parks and Recreation Department directly to pay additional camping fees.

There is a $20 entry fee per show car; a $10 nonjudged entry, but the latter does not include entry to the show. Spectators are $5 ages 13 and older, ages 12 and younger are free.

All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. Since 2008, Bug-a-Paluza has donated over $150,000 to the non- profit, which provides accommodations for families of seriously ill, hospitalized children.

This weekend’ s Bug-a-Paluza will be sharing the park’s space with Tattanooga tattoo expo. Anyone buying a ticket to Bug-a-Paluza will receive a $5 discount on a single-day pass to Tattanooga.

Registration for this year’s Bug- a- Paluza car show is close to selling out. To register or for more information: bugapaluza. com.