published: Friday, July 27, 2012

Summer of Love event to return

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - The love will spread throughout Sebring when a former local-favorite event returns Aug. 3 from a long hiatus.

The Summer of Love Volkswagen Love Bug Jubilee will once again make an appearance in the city of Sebring after years of missing in action.

Event co-coordinator Lora Todd described the Summer of Love event and explained this year's expectations.

"It (Summer of Love event) ran for several years then it just stopped. It hasn't run for several years now. The last time it was held it was at the Sebring Raceway, but this year when we brought it back we decided to move it to downtown," Todd said.

The Summer of Love is a VW exclusive car show that brings together fun and nostalgia for guests and attendees. Volkswagen Bug are allowed to register to enter the car show and compete in different contests throughout the day.

The weekend-long event will bring together dozens of those unmistakable cars to Downtown Sebring as well as the Sebring Raceway.

"This year we are going to have a ride the track event. Registered cars will be allowed to ride the historic racetrack. That is something that will be fun and memorable for everyone," Todd said.

Since it has been a while since the last Summer of Love event, Todd and organizers aren't really sure about the turnout expected for the event but are optimistic and hopeful.

"Our goal is to have 100 registered cars. Of course, more than that is always better; we are about halfway there so far," Todd said.

With just over a week left until the event, Todd and organizers are hoping the next few days will bring in more cars and people.

Numerous things have been planned for the three-day event beginning Friday, Aug. 3. The Kenilworth Lodge is one of the title sponsors for the event and will host the Summer of Love Meet and Greet and pre-registration party Friday evening. Saturday will hold the actual carshow in Downtown Sebring at Circle Park where plenty of vendors, live music and contests will keep attendees busy throughout the day.

"The car show is from 9 (a.m.) to 4 (p.m.). There will be judging of course, we will have live music from the band Free4M, lots of local food and merchant vendors, prizes and drawings," Todd said. Saturday's event on the Circle is open to the public to enjoy. Saturday will also bring the awards banquet and wrap-up pool party at the Kenilworth Lodge.

The final day of the Summer of Love event is Sunday, Aug. 5 with a police escort to the Sebring International Raceway where registered cars will have the opportunity to drive on the track beginning at 9 a.m.

Plan B Promotions, The Heartland Volkswagen Club and Kenilworth Lodge are working hard to provide a fun, exciting event for Sebring residents to enjoy.

"We are trying to create things in the summer months. There really isn't much going on around here in the summer; it's a very quiet time around here. We want to do something fun and help the local economy," Todd explained.

A portion of the proceeds from the Summer of Love event will go to the local Alzheimer's Association chapter.

"It's an organization that is near and dear to many people's hearts," Todd said.

Pre-registration for Summer of Love VW Love Bug Jubilee is still available. Interested applicants may download an application at www.summeroflovevw.com/ or contact Todd at 381-6467. A $35 registration fee is required; fee includes an event T-shirt, goodie bag, tickets for BBQ dinner and racetrack ride and much more.

For more information, contact Todd at 381-6467 or loratodd@hotmail.com.