During the three-day celebration, more than 15,000 Corvettes were displayed and over 45,000 enthusiasts enjoyed the sights and seminars.
Mid America Motorworks hosted its 15th annual customer appreciation event the weekend of September 19-21. Corvette Funfest, held annually on Mid America Motorworks’ 150-acre corporate campus in Effingham, Illinois, is one of the largest gatherings of Corvette enthusiasts in the country.
This year’s theme was the Corvette Challenge Series. Homage was paid to the many owners, drivers, and creators of the series. Dave McLellan, “the man behind the cars,” was the special guest for the weekend and participated in many seminars and Celebrity Autograph sessions.
Corvette Funfest 2008 was also full of exciting new displays and events. The Budweiser Clydesdales were in attendance throughout the weekend and were hitched as part of the Celebrity Choice Awards Ceremonies held at the new Field of Dreams area. The new Corvette Cantina offered guests an opportunity to cool off and enjoy a fun wine tasting, original art, and an automotive jewelry display.
Another new display, the Performance Choice Do-It-Yourself tent, featured demonstrations by expert installers from Performance Choice. Two complete interior restorations were done, as well as several seat cover and console cushion installations.
On Friday morning, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open the new Performance Choice facility located on the Mid America Motorworks campus. Performance Choice, a division of Mid America Motorworks that manufactures and installs custom Corvette interiors, had previously been located six miles south of the corporate campus. The move was completed in early 2008.
This year 87 Corvette clubs from around the country attended Funfest and filled up the Club Field. Special display parking featured the Corvette Challenge Cars, the Field of Dreams – a special display on only one Corvette of each year and color from 1997-2004, and “8’s in 08” displaying each Corvette decade ending with 8.
Dozens of major industry suppliers brought products and answered questions concerning proper installation and use. At the “Install Alley” over 200 customers had new exhaust systems installed by Corsa, Borla, B&B and Mid America Motorworks. Many other Corvette owners added high-performance brake systems from Baer Brakes, SLP air intakes and American Car Craft dress-up items to their vehicles. Callaway Corvette, Bondurant Racing and Goodyear also set up special displays to educate and entertain Corvette fans.
Over 100 Corvettes were offered for sale by their owners in the “For Sale Corral.” Many changed hands, leaving the new owners searching for extra garage space. Those enthusiasts already prepared with unique garage space entered the “Best Garage & Corvette Themed Room” contest.
General Motors impressed enthusiasts with an extensive display of 2009 Corvettes. GM Engineers were also available to give escorted rides to the children, and children-at-heart, attending Funfest.
Many people headed to Mid America Motorworks’ Funfest Sales & Registration Building., taking advantage of the 10% discount or free ground shipping offered on Mid America Motorworks products. Customers who were present on Sunday had the chance to win Mid America Motorworks gift certificates ranging in value from $50 to $5,000, totaling $50,000.
Corvette Funfest 2009 will be a very special Funfest, as it will be a celebration of Mid America Motorworks’ 35th Anniversary. As of today, the dates and location are still being determined.
Mid America Motorworks offers quality parts and accessories for ‘53-08 Corvettes. For more information or to request a free catalog, please call toll-free 800.500.1500 or shop www.mamotorworks.com.