Vanfest 14, June 12-14 2009

Vanfest 14 will be June 12-14 this year in Aylmer Ontario Canada near London. Not on our usual Father's Day weekend. This event has turned into the largest custom truck show in Canada. Last year there were 15 early vans, Econoline, Mercury, Dodge, Fargo, 1st gen, 2nd gen, many of these vans were also at Bakers the week later. This year you get an extra week to rest up for Bakers.
Full details, flyers and pictures from previous years are here: http://www.vanfest.vandomain.com

okkkkk...... Help a newbie out... what do I need to do if anything to come to the event????

What do you need ? Depends on how long you will be staying. Do try to come for the weekend or at least all day Saturday and go back Sunday. Consider it a camping trip or there are hotels/motels in nearby St Thomas. We're suppose to have a food vendor this year so if you don't like to cook your all set.
Come by and see us at Autorama and we'll be happy to answer any further questions.

I will look into this when i'm in Detroit in a couple of weeks. There seems to be new procedures effective June 1 2009. But this has been pushed back several times. They have enhanced drivers licenses in certain states and provinces that will be acceptable.

Vanfest is just a couple of weeks away. I was really hoping that the new custom regulations would have been pushed back again especially since our local Canadian processing centres have just recently started issuing the enhanced drivers licenses.
For all the rules and regulations please go here if you are coming from the4 U.S : http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/
There will be a cruise into town on Friday night for a public show with awards. Last year we had 15 earlies, hoping to get even more in 2009.

The countdown is on now big time. Friday as I have mentioned there will be a cruise into St Thomas to BorHog Powersport an ATV/Off Road store. The convoy will leave the Vanfest grounds at 4:30 for Borhogs and we will be there from 5-7 then 5 awards will be given by the Bor-Hogs staff and then we'll head back to the park.
If you are arriving Friday around that time it might be an idea to stop by the park to register first or you can meet us at Borhogs and register on the way back to the park but there could be a lineup then.
Borhogs is right in front of the St Thomas airport right on Talbot Line a.k.a Highway 3 at 45025 Talbot Line, St.Thomas, ON
N5P 3S7

The June 1st deadline is past for the new border regulations. But the Canadian provinces were not quite up to speed on this and it has been decided to relax the new regulations for the summer. If you don't have a passport or enhanced driver's license be prepared to be asked a few more questions. Be sure to have photo id , birth certificate and any other documentation that is usually asked for at the border.

virtual, I will be unable to make it this year, but please get us some pictures

Vanfest 09 was a huge success. 350+ vans and trucks. 165 on the show field, 14 U.S states and 4 Canadian provinces. Largest numbers ever. A very nice selection of early vans once again. Took a truckload of pictures and some video that you early guys and gals will enjoy. Here's a link to the first batch: Vanfest Van pictures

G-man that purple Econo belongs to Rick Kinney. Its the STYX Grand Illusion Van It's pretty sweet,V8 with the Dodge doghouse. Has really nice interior too. That green VW camper is toooooo sweet! I see Ken Hopcraft brought his 67 8 door and his mid Econo Shelby van,along with Bongo the vanner dog. Notice on his Shelby van the custom front bumper. He added the fog light holes and license plate section before having it chromed.

I REALLY like this concept! Was thinkin on how to do this and make it look believeable. I would have done it a little different and another color, but all in all I kinda like it!! But then, I'm a little strange anyhow!

Tim don't see a picture of that, maybe in the second batch
G-Man
Moderator



Chris,not sure what "that" is but everything I mentioned is viewable by using the link Virtual provided.

Gman, it is in the "warm-up" section

http://www.showtrux.com/events/2009vanfest/warmup/index.htm

Sorry Chris, I didnt realize that shot was on the other page. The van Howard is standing by is one he is resurrecting from the past. It's called future shock. Ask Howard about it at Baker's.

Also,did you notice Doug Shinn's yellow Vanup? Fred Carello did the interior. Doug installed a pop-out rear window,pretty trick,huh? He used Astro hinges and seal and had tempered glass cut for it. I really like that idea.

I did see that pickup and didn't notice that window the first time. That is pretty slick. Is Howard bring that van to Baker's??? Love to see that door set-up up close