A Red, White & Blue Corvette Funfest

Mid America Motorworks' Corvette Funfest, September 15-16, fell on a tragic week in our nation's history. On the Tuesday prior to what is typically a weekend getaway for Corvette lovers, terrorist attacks rocked the core of our nation in New York City and Washington D.C.

While rescue efforts valiantly continued and Americans were glued to TV news reports, Mid America and Funfest organizers were inevitably faced with the question, "Will you still have Funfest this weekend?"

Company president, Mike Yager, explained it best during Funfest's Opening Ceremonies, Saturday morning. The following is an excerpt from that address:

'YOU ARE FAMILY. We at Mid America couldn't any more shut our doors to you this weekend than we could shut out the horror of last Tuesday.

I know I speak for everybody at Mid America when I tell you of all the years we've been hosting this family reunion, we've never felt as strongly about going ahead today.'

And so began Funfest 2001.

Amidst the sea of 6,500 Corvettes and the 28,000 enthusiasts, American flags waved proudly and red, white and blue-clad participants showcased that their thoughts and prayers were not far from the victims and families of those terrible tragedies, along with the ongoing rescue efforts in New York City.

Mike Yager summed it up best as he closed his opening ceremony,

'Not only do we need to hug each other today.
Not only do we need the comfort of your company.
We also need to show ourselves and the rest of the world that we will not permit terrorism to control our lives.
To run for cover today is to surrender to those who would trample on our inalienable rights to life, liberty and, yes, even the pursuit of happiness.'

And so the pursuit of happiness continued with the Corvette - a symbol of American pride and freedom.

The events that have made Funfest the 'Corvette party of the year' were all a go. Celebrity Autograph signings were a main attraction and this year Dave Hill, Corvette Chief Engineer, Dave McLellan, Retired Corvette Chief Engineer, Wil Cooksey, Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant Manager and Fred Gallasch, Former Assistant Corvette Brand Manager, were all able to attend.

However, many Funfest Media veterans, suppliers and Special VIPs were understandably unable to make it this year due to grounded air travel. Of course, all were greatly missed and expressed their disappointment to all Funfest participants for having to forego the event.

Also this year, asphalt parking in the center lot went to the first 70 people, who wished to make a $50 contribution to the National Corvette Museum. Mike Yager and his family presented a check to the NCM on Saturday in the amount of $3,500.

But the most significant contribution came from all of the Funfest goers who made donations to the American Red Cross Fundraiser during the weekend. At the end of the day Sunday, Mike Yager announced that the Red Cross New York City Relief Efforts would receive $10,000 based on the generosity of Funfest attendees.

This presentation took place before the Awards Ceremony, in which 2001 Fun Display Winners all received a beautiful, glass-etched frame, featuring each owner alongside his/her Corvette.

Throughout the weekend, GM Corvettes were also staged in front of Mid America's Corporate building, as GM engineers: Lloyd Tartar, Suresh Nair, Grant Nelson and Gary Rock held informative seminars on Dynamic Vehicle Testing and 2002 New Model Information. Another popular attraction was a 1978 Mid America employee-owned and primed Corvette. This car was actually on display for all of our participants to sign and leave a message for their fellow enthusiasts.

Seminar topics included lightweight flywheels, 1984-96 insights and fiberglass replacement among others. Then again, on the softer side the Funfest Fashion show made a comeback after its successful debut last year, featuring the hottest new apparel and accessories in Mid America's catalog.

The Manufacturers' Midway was bustling with dozens of suppliers on-hand to showcase their wares and answer customer inquiries. And there was a new twist on our C5 Soundoff area, in which we brought in a lift to install exhausts during the show.

The most exciting moment probably came during Saturday's unveiling of a proposed commemorative Corvette stamp. Mid America launched its Corvette STAMPede Petition Drive, calling for all Funfest participants to sign a petition to get a stamp approved for the Corvette's 50th anniversary in June 2003.

Senator Duane Noland was on hand as a show of support, while Dave McLellan and Fred Gallasch unveiled the stamp to a collective 'ahhh' from the crowd. While there is no magic number of signatures needed, Mid America encourages all of our customers to pass petitions on to neighbors, friends, co-workers, collectors club members and family to get this stamp enacted for the Golden Anniversary.

We will have a petition in upcoming catalogs and also have an electronic file you may download on the Web, which you can copy, gather signatures and mail back to us. This is truly a grassroots effort, so your support is crucial to the campaign's success.

As Funfest wound down on Sunday afternoon, Mike Yager asked for a moment silence and reflection as the song 'Proud To Be An American' filled the airwaves of the entire Funfest grounds.

With all of the weekend's festivities coming to a close, patriotism and American pride outweighed all else. With America's sports car at the center of all the action, Funfest 2001 may not have been another record-breaking year in attendance, but it was truly the most significant in its 8-year history.

In closing, Mid America would like to express our deepest sympathies to the victims and families of the senseless terrorist attacks on America, September 11, 2001. We also salute the heroic efforts of rescue and relief crews, working tirelessly in the aftermath of these tragic events.