Volksblast History

Palmetto Bugs VW Club of Miami began to organize events to help raise funds for local charities. Giving back to the community, especially the ones in need, was the main focus of the club. Many of the members donated time as a club in helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity. The realization that more funds could be raised if there was a VW show, striked the interest of the club members. After talking it over with Wide5 Vintage VW Club, another local VW club, it was decided to go ahead and make a VW only show in Miami. Preparations began and VolksBlast was born.

1998 was the first year for VolksBlast and was hosted in the “First National Bank of South Miami” parking lot in South Miami. The first year drew 60 participants and 100 spectators. The show immediately became a success and arrangements were made to make it an annual event.  After a few years the show began to outgrow the location and it was decided to move to a local VW dealership. After just 2 years at the new location, the interest level of participants and organizers began to diminish. VolksBlast organizers decided to dismantle the show and end its run.

Word got around in the VW community that the show had been cancelled. This outraged many of the local VW people. A few “young volunteers” rose up and took initiative to form a committee to start organizing and planning the next show. The original organizers heard of the “young volunteers” commitment to resurrect VolksBlast and soon enough were reunited.

It was decided to go back to the original roots and move to the “First National” bank location in South Miami, with the support and help of the City of South Miami. Once there, the vision was to have VolksBlast hosted on Sunset Drive, a busy public street. In order for the show to continue and be successful, the organizers knew the show had to be on Sunset Drive and not in the parking lot. After many talks with City of South Miami officials, VolksBlast on Sunset Drive was approved the same year. Planning and coordinating immediately began as the show had never been hosted on public streets before. Members of another local VW club, Miami V-Dubs, joined in the coordinating and planning efforts as well.

With over 200 participants and an estimated 10,000 spectators at the last VolksBlast show, it was a great to see that once again VolksBlast had risen to its former glory, but better! The praises echoed from participants and spectators alike for hosting the show on Sunset Drive. VolksBlast organizers knew they had something special and that the show would continue. The original idea of starting a VW show to raise funds for local charities would continue stronger than ever.

VolksBlast has been covered by many different mediums such as newspapers, national and international magazines as well as local TV. HotVWs, a nationally recognized VW only magazine, has covered VolksBlast several times with full color multiple page layouts.

VolksBlast would like to thank the few “young volunteers” who took the initiative to resurrect VolksBlast and keep it going. Thanks to the show participants and vendors, who travel long distances to be part of the show. To the spectators, who participate in the fund-raising activities throughout the day such as the live auction, raffles and show merchandise. And to the sponsors, who donate their money and products to help VolksBlast in their efforts to raise funds for their different charities. If you are interested in being a part of the Volksblast team with some sponsorship help, we NEED your help!  Please email bugginmiami(at)hotmail.com for more information.

Make plans to attend VolksBlast show and your participation will continue to help in raising funds to help the different VolksBlast charities, including Habitat for Humanity and various local Miami charitable organizations. 
Volksblast Inc. is a 501c not-for-profit organization.