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Your Comments on
Corvette
Funfest 2007 |
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Wil Cooksey, Corvette Plant Manager,
said.....
“Funfest is one of the most awesome events around the hobby you
could attend. This show is a must attend for all enthusiasts.
The camaraderie between the Corvette people and the folks at Mid
America Motorworks is impressive to see. Funfest is very well
organized – the Mid America team clicks like a well-oiled
machine. The event is called Funfest for a reason – it’s a
perfect fun-filled festive occasion of friends, hobbyists, and
cars, cars, cars! Put it on your calendar, you won’t regret
it.”
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George Barris, Owner of Barris Kustoms
"King of Kustomizers" said...
“My feelings about the Funfest cannot be put into words, but
I'll try... how about Outstanding! Fantastic! Terrific!
Unbelievable! It was amazing to have such a great car show in
between cornfields and cow pastures. Most of all a "super"
family, the Yagers and they have the most organized and friendly
staff. I had a great time meeting and greeting all.”
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Hi Mike,
The show was great as always and thanks for the autographed book and plaque.
I’ll use the book I picked up at the show for one of our clubs auction items
at Christmas (Spina Bifida benefit).
The club will be down again next year, though I doubt we will have the huge
(for us) group that we did this year. More people came than had signed up,
including two that had their cars in the calendar show area, so we ended up
with over 25 Vettes! I grew up in Sullivan and more than 40 of that group
converged on Jibby’s there Friday night for steaks and had a great time. The
sheriff was in for dinner too and had to meet the Corvette group, especially
the ones with the HEYOFFICER on their license plate.
Feedback:
The new parking arrangement was great as no one had to move their cars. We
really appreciated being able to park together and congregate in our tent
for breaks.
The new layout had a lot of advantages as people did not miss some things
like they have in past years. In past shows I’d talk about this or that, and
folks would say something like “I didn’t know there was anything over
there.” Having all tents on just one side of the facility though was a bit
more sterile than the past. Mike’s cars showed well in the tent, but people
missed seeing the garage, though I can see where managing the crowds had to
be easier this year.
Adding some other “vendors”, like the representatives from Corvette shows
and such was good. More to see and do is always better.
People were grumbling about the change in discounts and that they would
probably have to pay next year, though I did not hear anyone say they would
not be back because of either of those changes.
I personally missed the silent auction tent. I can’t remember that I ever
won anything, but it was fun.
The band choice of 3 Dog Night was good. However, most of our group thought
they did not perform as well as the past two year’s groups and their
interaction with the audience was not as good in comparison with the Beach
Boys and REO Speedwagon --still a great evening though. We all thought the
location of the soundstage was great.
I really enjoy the presentations every year. George Barris was great this
year! If he indeed does come back next year, please invite him to talk again
since that was so much fun. There have been some more technical talks in the
past that were great too, like on the magnetic suspension when it came out,
high performance driving, etc. I’d personally like to some of that kind of
talk included each year. Dennis Gunning’s talks are always good too and I
look forward to hearing about his latest restoration efforts every year.
As I am a small business owner, I really appreciate that Mike has the local
chamber there promoting the Effingham area. It’s good to see local
businesses support one another.
Mary and I have not been able to enjoy the art preview at Mike’s home and
are hoping to be able to do that next year, unless our group ends up wanting
to get together again, then that will take priority. Having a larger group
showing their work at the event is great.
Mike’s doing a book with some of the proceeds going to the National Corvette
Museum is very much appreciated by us NCM members. With the expansion
underway, the Museum needs all the support we can give it.
The pins, tee shirts and posters are a staple and I enjoy having the posters
for many past years in my garage. They are all obviously good advertising
for Mid America Motorworks as well.
You folks keep the cost of food down and the quality up, with lots of
seating. Please keep that up and everyone hopes other Corvette shows learn
from you on that.
Every year I donate $ 120 to the school in the guise of a raffle ticket to
win a Corvette and appreciate that Mike supports that. It seems he does a
lot for local charities and that is good to see.
Having the registration and catalogue sales lines close together confused
people. They also missed that in previous years there seemed to be more
places to sit and browse catalogues to make their decisions. I’d suggest
more tents with tables and chairs to browse the catalogues like you do at
Bloomington Gold etc. might be good.
You may remember that I am the WI Captain for the 2009 National Corvette
Museum caravan and the WI, MN, Dakotas, and IL clubs are all using Mid
America Motorworks as a stop on the way to Bowling Green. Cheryl Habing and
I have not emailed for a while so I need to do that. My thought though is
whether Mid America Motorworks thought it as appropriate and would be
interested in promoting the 2009 Caravan at the 2008 Funfest.
That’s my top of mind thoughts. Most of all I want to send my thanks for
Mike Yager having done this for all these years, for his support of the
Corvette hobby and the National Corvette Museum, and I am looking forward to
2008 and another great show in America’s Heartland.
Ivan Schrodt
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Dear Mike,
I just wanted to say thank you to all of the people who drove the golf carts
last week-end. My husband had a sore foot and was almost not going to go
because of it. He had waited months foot he funfest and thought he wouldn't
be able to get around. When his foot go sore, we asked the golf cart drivers
to give us a lift. They were busy hauling around supplies and yet not one of
them said no. They were so kind, I was truly impressed. It really helped him
out and we both enjoyed the fest. Tell every one of them thank you from us.
Bill and Diane Chandler
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This was our first summer with a Corvette - What a blast! Friends have come
to your Funfest for several years. We had already ordered from you and
decided to take a look. What a show!! Well thought out, organized, super
event. Everyone knew their job & did it with a smile. We ate at IGA twice-
Good food- great prices ( usually very inflated ) Loved the back rub. The
town sang praises for your event and what you give back to the community,
These things really influence my spending habits! I love to hear companies
like you. Sound like a great place to work. Didn't get to stay for the
concert, but maybe next time!Thanks for a really
great time!
Dick & Cindy Grimm
Letts, IA
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We had a wonderful 3 days of "Corvette Heaven" What a blast, so may
wonderful people! All we heard were "Good Reviews" !! Everyone loves the new
setup on the grounds! You all really out done yourselves! Can't wait to see
what is in store for next year! What a hoot ! Please have the same line up
for the "Custom Corvette Display"
Looking forward to next year
Lois & Darrell Neal
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I'd like to thank all the people at Mid America Works for the recent
Funfest. We traveled (5 Corvette Loads) from Santa Maria, Ca. to our first
ever Funfest and we had a great time!
All the employees I met were very helpful and courteous. I'm sure by the
time I met you, it had been a long few weeks of preparation and you were
tired already. You guys and gals did a great job. You all made us feel
welcome. Thanks. We were not disappointed.
Good Luck to you all, have a great year.
Mike Woloshansky
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As each Funfest grows, so does the excitement and anticipation I
have each year that I attend. It was fun being able to park at the
theme for this year, sevens in 07. Thanks for puttin' on the Ritz
for all us vette folks!
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Another Great Funfest, we make the trip every year from Ohio great
weather makes for a nice 900 mile weekend. We made our first trip to
Funfest in 1996 and have been their every year since. Can't wait for
next year to see what Mike and his crew has up there sleeves.
Ken n Deb King
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We have been to many
Funfest celebrations and they just keep getting better. This was made
extra special this year due to the hard work of Nancy Bushur who made
our club parking area so enjoyable. Thanks again Mike and team and we
will see you next year
Tom and Susie Rohrer Eau Claire, Wisconsin
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Dear Mr. Yager, Family, and Staff,
Just wanted to say a very BIG THANK YOU
AGAIN for a wonderful event. I was able to meet Mr. Yager last year and
wow what a wonderful man. He has been personal friends with my neighbor
for years. This year I was able to have my 17 year old daughter with me
also. She was amazed at all the corvettes and how nice and friendly the
staff was.
We met some great new people and even had a
new exhaust installed. It sounds so GREAT. This is a event you just
cannot miss if you are a corvette owner. Mr. Yager and his family and
staff just are so wonderful and give so much to the community and us
corvette owners. He really deserves so much credit for his kindness and
willingness to give back some of what he has been blessed with. Good
things come to those like Mr. Yager. I personally know he used to sell
things for the corvette out of his car with his wife, and look where he
is today. I feel so blessed to be a part of this big Corvette family.
To each and every one of you at Mid-America
Motorworks may you continue to be blessed for all you do.
To Mr.Yager and his family I hope you continue to prosper and enjoy all
the wonderful things you have been blessed with. You are a true
inspiration to the type of business man and boss that more business
owners should try to be like. When you take care of your people and are
fair with them, they will give back 10 fold.
Thank you Again Everyone at Mid-America.
Dennis Lawson and Daughter Heather Lawson
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Just wanted to drop you a note and give you two thumbs up for a
great weekend. I almost did not come this year because of where we
had to park our RV last year.
This year the RV's got to park up close and that made us feel a lot
more welcomed. My wife and I appreciated that as it made for a much
more enjoyable weekend for us. The concert was great as was the pre
concert band. The whole rearrangement of the Fest layout was well
thought out and the Lucky 7's display was a great idea, would like
to see Lucky 8's next year. Keep up the good work.
Mike.
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Just wanted to let
you know that my wife and I enjoyed your hospitality last weekend.
Thank You!!!
This was our first
Funfest, but it will not be our last. We bought our First 'Vette in
May to commemorate our 25 Year Anniversary. My Brother, who has had
numerous 'Vettes has been going to your Funfests for 7 years had
told us of the fun and festivities and he and his wife invited us to
caravan down to Effingham for the weekend. All I can say is WOW!!!
It was like a County fair for Corvette Lovers.
I would like to
say "Thank You" to one of your special guests, Bob Johnson. He took
the time to relate some of his experiences to my Brother and me and
we came away very impressed with this 80 year old VIP. It was a joy
to meet him.
You can be most
proud of your Staff. They went above and beyond the call of duty
taking care of the thousands of customers and lookers. Every one
that I had contact with was most friendly and helpful.
You Sir, have been
truly Blessed, and you are not afraid to give back to your community
and customers. May you ever prosper.
Thank
you,
Rich Ewald
Rochelle, Illinois
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Thanks for the follow
up. The install was a snap, no pun intended, and took about thirty
minutes. My wife, Wendy, and I discovered that we had grown about four
inches after the new seats were in place as we were sitting higher than
before. We love the seats. Matt was more than helpful. He freely lent us
his tools and knowledge all making for a fast and easy install.
Nancy,
I did want to comment on the treatment we received at this years
Funfest. On Thursday evening we were at the Fire Fly restaurant and
happened to see Mike, Laurie and several other Mid America folks there.
Mike came over to our table and welcomed us as if we were his only
customers. Laurie came by later and thanked us for coming to Funfest and
told us to let her know if there was any thing she could help us with.
Nancy, you have been helpful above and beyond our expectation. It is
this kind of customer service that keeps us and others coming back year
after year. Thank you again for all your help in making our dealings a
pleasant experience.
We are planning on
doing the Club Parking in 08.
Keep up the great
work. May God continue to bless you, and the great Mid America crew.
Glenn
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Just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you and your terrific crew for
making FunFest 2007 so enjoyable for me personally and yet another
spectacular success for MAM!
Few people, I'm sure, really grasp what a monumental effort it is to pull an
event like this together and have it come off so smoothly while giving the
illusion that it's easy when, in reality, it takes untold hours of planning
and the untiring and unselfish dedication of those involved to make sure it
all comes together and works so seamlessly. Well, I, for one, do realize how
much hard work and conscientious effort such a thing requires and I say
kudos to you, your staff and all the townsfolk who volunteer to make it such
a wonderful gala festival for all of us fiberglass fanatics!
And, most of all, your friendship, personal warmth and good humor is the
real highlight of FunFest -- you really do know how to make a person feel
'special'. And my mom always told me I was special 'cause I rode the short
bus! :)
Seriously, though: please take a moment from your busy schedule to extend my
heartfelt thanks to Lori, Cheryl, Jodi, Patty, Ed Baumgarten, Paul (the
video guy) and the rest of your staff for all their kindness, help and
attention and be sure to give Laurie, Mike Jr. and Blake a big hug of thanks
from me as well. I look forward to doing it again next year, and I certainly
hope I'm on the invite list once again!
Sincerely,
Tom
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I'd love to do a Christmas story on what the
Yager bunch does for all of the kids. All of you are fantastic!
Again...thank you for the fun memories at the Corvette Funfest. I needed
that fun day. Mom has been in the nursing home for over a year after a
stroke. Took her the story about the little filling station and will show
her the whole book tomorrow. She remembers the long time ago events but
seldom the current day's activity. So hard!!!
When mom was growing up west of Casey, they had a good neighbor by the name
of Anonia Yager. Ended up one of mom's youngest sisters (nine kids in the
family) was named Anonia. Always wondered if that Yager family was related
to Mike and Laurie's. Who knows?
My dad was an aviation mechanic in the military before he returned to Casey
and bought the filling station (also one in Montrose). When WWII broke out,
he returned to St. Louis and went to work helping build planes during the
war. His best friend had been killed when Pearl Harbor was bombed and dad
wanted to help out in the war effort.
Years later he brought us all back to Casey, helped build the first Casey
Airport hangar and bought about five planes. All those memories come back
while sitting near the filling station.
Again...thanks Mike for his American spirit. We're lucky to have the Yager
team in Illinois.
Becky Rhoads
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Thank You, Thank You, Thank You ! This was by far the best Funfest ever. The
layout was near perfect, the concert was top notch and the staff was so
friendly that their faces have to be tired from the constant smiles.
I personally dealt with Scott Bohannon and Nancy Busher and you could not
ask for two better people to deal with for the club parking. I look forward
to next years Funfest and will be counting down the days to the number one
Corvette event of the year.
As far as feedback other than that... The only problem that I heard of was
the speakers were so loud that normal conversation was almost impossible and
the seminars could not be heard because of it. Not the music but the
announcements.
Like I said before , Thank You Mike and Staff for a Wonderful Weekend !
Scott Winebarger,
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To Mike Yager and employees,
The Corvette Funfest just gets bigger and better every year!!!!!!!
Great time.
Thanks,
Jay Mason
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