Vintage Volkswagen Enthusiasts Gather for Annual Celebration

The Long Island Volkswagen Club is set to host its highly anticipated 2024 All VW Show at Riverhead Bay Volkswagen in Riverhead, New York, on Sunday, September 15th. This annual event, which has been a staple for the club for over two decades, promises to be a captivating showcase of both vintage and contemporary Volkswagen models, including the iconic Beetle, the versatile Thing, the spacious Squareback, the sporty Rabbit, and the ever-popular Golf.

Unleashing the Timeless Charm of Volkswagen Classics

A Passion for Preservation

The Long Island Volkswagen Club has been a driving force in preserving the legacy of these beloved German automobiles. With a membership that spans over 25 years, the club has fostered a tight-knit community of enthusiasts who share a deep appreciation for the unique design, engineering, and cultural significance of Volkswagen vehicles. From the iconic Beetle to the beloved Microbus, these cars have become enduring symbols of pop culture, capturing the imagination of generations of drivers.Danny Tichio, a long-time member of the club, has been a proud owner of a 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle since 1974. His journey with the club began when he stumbled upon a group of Volkswagen enthusiasts gathering at a local Applebee's in Hicksville. "I have an old Volkswagen, obviously, which I've owned since 1974," Tichio shared. "When I lived in Hicksville, I used to see a group of Volkswagens at the local Applebee's. One day, I stopped by and they said, 'Oh, yeah, we have a club.' And I said, 'Oh, how do I join it?' They said, 'Just come to the meeting.' That's how I met up with these folks."

A Celebration of Diversity and Community

The annual All VW Show at Riverhead Bay Volkswagen has become a cherished tradition for the club, providing a platform for enthusiasts to showcase their prized possessions and connect with like-minded individuals. "It's just a chance for everybody to show off their Volkswagens," Tichio explained. "And it's really interesting to see all the cars that show up, all the colors. Mine's a nice bright yellow. We have every color in the rainbow, and a lot of nice people. You meet people who don't belong in the club, but they have a general interest in cars."The event is free to the public and features a car contest, a 50/50 raffle, and a variety of food and merchandise vendors, making it a family-friendly celebration of all things Volkswagen. "It's really interesting to see all the cars that show up, all the colors," Tichio remarked. "We have every color in the rainbow, and a lot of nice people. You meet people who don't belong in the club, but they have a general interest in cars."

The Enduring Appeal of the "People's Car"

Volkswagens, particularly the vintage models, have maintained a strong and enduring appeal among enthusiasts and the general public alike. The unique shape and size of the Beetle, as well as the iconic Microbus, have become instantly recognizable symbols of pop culture, transcending their status as mere modes of transportation.Tichio shared his own perspective on the timeless charm of the Volkswagen brand. "They're cute," he said. "Everybody recognizes a Volkswagen Beetle or Volkswagen bus going down the road. I remember as a kid, you know, playing punch buggy ... I always get somebody honking whenever I go by, recognizing the car."The Volkswagen's status as the "people's car" has contributed to its lasting popularity, as these vehicles have become ingrained in the collective consciousness of generations of drivers. Whether it's the nostalgic appeal of the Beetle or the free-spirited association with the Microbus, Volkswagen's enduring legacy continues to captivate and inspire enthusiasts around the world.