Corvette Funfest, September 19-22, 2019

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Not all Corvette enthusiasts are living beings.  But that didn't stop 
Michelle Paillou's guests riding shotgun from enjoying the event!

And take a look at that handy aftermarket cup holder that she found.

So it was hot on the Thursday.  So while waiting for the Road Tour
Gary Skinner and Carol Kellerman found some shade in the
trunk of this nice 1960.  He has owned the car since 1986 and is the
2nd owner.

I wasn't totally sure that they wanted to be photographed, but
they were polite and let me shoot the picture.

The Mid America Campus is a big place, as you can see.  Here you see 
Michelle Paillou's nice 1958 car.  She drove it from St Louis, no problem.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to ride shotgun at the Road Tour.  Of
course I quickly said "Heavens yes!".

So the cars were grouped by color code sections.  (Not the car color).

It was getting closer to embarkation time and I got Michelle to pose for a quick
picture.

Soon enough we were on the road to Newton, Illinois, the home town
of Mid America's CEO and Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager.

The reason for the celebration - Mike's 70th birthday.  (more later).

And here is a view looking back at the cars behind us.

As you can see, it was a perfect day for a road trip.

Entering small town, USA!

And here we were in Newton.  The town rolled out the red carpet for us!

They don't often have over 400 Vettes drop by.

We are making our way to the downtown square.

Of course we all waved at the folks..

And who did we run into... Mr. Lingenfelter!  We had just toured his 
collection in Michigan in August with the National Convention.

He remembered SACC visiting his collection!

(L to R) Jack Hollada, Gerri Hollada, Mr. Lingenfelter.

The excitement was building!  Here is Michelle discussing all things C-1 with some
new friends.

And here comes the State of Illinois Champion 150 member Newton Marching
Eagles Band.  And they put on a great show!

And do they have drums?

And right in his home town is the guest of honor, Mike Yager.  With him is his wife Laurie 
and the county queen.

And the town created this special Corvette birthday cake for Mike!

And as you can see, he liked it, and who wouldn't!

I volunteered to drive the tram.  Here is my view from the cockpit.

And I didn't run over anybody!

Not that I know of, anyway.

And here are some of the tram travelers enjoying their ride!

Friday, September 20.

10:00 AM and time for the opening ceremony.  

(L to R) Michael Yager, Mike Yager, Laurie Yager, 
Tabbi Yager, Blake Yager.

The National Anthem was sung by Nashville singer Dakota Daneille.

Marie Chance was awarded "Farthest Driven to the Road Tour".  She
drove her Vette from Los Angeles to attend.

Here is Werner Meier conducting one of the seminars.  Note
the nice classroom, air conditioned, Audio-Visual ready.

There were 24 tech session seminars.

Also there were 12 seminars and events at Funfest Paradise geared 
for the ladies. I didn't get a picture because I wasn't allowed in.

And here are some of the Celebrity Choice winners!

Sometimes you just don't want to get back out of a Corvette.

We understand.

This is one small area of the show field.

This might give you a better picture of the size of the show field.

I had to get far away to get it all in the picture.

This is the 1910 Gas Station.

Directly behind in the Performance Choice building is where the 
ladies enjoyed the Funfest Paradise events.

This is an action shot of the Install Dome.

And here is the Central Great Rivers Chapter meeting.

Right at the historic 1910 Gas Station!

And what is Funfest without a concert?

We were entertained by the Beatles tribute band The Return.

They were really good!

So that was my experience at the 2019 Corvette Funfest at
Mid America Motorworks campus at Effingham, Illinois.

The weather absolutely cooperated, the venue was great,
the events were well thought out and well carried out, plus
they were fun!

And next year should be even better!