Waterfest 19 Photos - Event Coverage
It was another hot one in New Jersey this year as the force that is Waterfest continues to steam ahead, now going into its 20th year as North America's largest VW / Audi Event. As usual, there was an impressive turn out of cars and spectators, yet we couldn't help but notice that the numbers seemed smaller than in the past. We're not sure if that can be attributed to the increased popularity of other competing events or if some of the novelty has just worn off over time. It seems as though the powers that be - behind the scenes have picked up on this, and in an attempt to reinvent the show have added "Afterfest", new for 2013, which is a get together outside the venue in Englishtown, where showgoers are able to party and take part in typical Waterfest craziness yet in a more controlled environment. While we weren't able to witness the burnout mayhem firsthand, from what we've heard things went over pretty well with those in attendance.
At the actual event, title sponsor APR constructed a megaplex of tuning complete with an air conditioned VIP tent with video games, food, and lounging. Their staff of what we were told was 72 able bodied individuals took over the hotel we were staying at. Their army of technicians flashed cars as well as installed exhausts and intakes right there on the spot in the blazing July heat. Our hats are off to those brave souls. Meanwhile, other tuning companies like Schimmel Performance kept cool in the shade, showing off their high horsepower VR6 turbo drag cars, no small spectacle you can be sure. On the opposite end of the spectrum and parking lot were the myriad of sticker and t-shirt vendors offering all types of deals on vinyl and cotton.
We'd like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth, as people seemed even more respectful and polite this year than we can previously recall. We definitely appreciate everyone's business and we hope we were able to accommodate as many people as possible. While Waterfest may not be the hot topic that it once was it definitely has its place on the VW show calendar and we plan on attending for as long as we are able.
Waterfest 19 Photos - Event Coverage