Payback is a bit--... Er, well, sometimes, payback can be a lot of fun. To show our appreciation to Mr. Esserman of Esserman Volkswagen for his invaluable help getting VolksBlast 98 off the ground we agreed to come out with our cars and help out with some of his promotions. With the help of Magic 102 (a local oldies radio station) we attracted quite a crowd to the lot.

Some of the bonuses for all who showed up was free grub (sandwiches and drinks courtesy of Publix), free tickets to next months Beetle reunion concert (where Magic 102 is giving away a restored 1967 bug, and a brand new 1998 new Beetle), a chance to spin the prize wheel for more loot (hats, T-shirts, koosies, et al), and of course the opportunity to check out all the great new Volkswagens (including the new Beetle). I know this is starting to sound like a commercial, but what the hell... one hand washes the other. Fun, Sun, and Volkswagens... What more can you ask for.

There was another bonus. They loaned us one of the Radio Controlled New Beetles toys that Volkswagen is selling. Being the obsessed toy collector that I am, I already knew of its existence; but with a $135 list price, I had been resisting. Seeing the little thing zip around the lot, and hearing that they had it discounted for the event was more then I could stand.

Needless to say (which is why I’m saying it) I went home with one of my own. Plus, I figure having the little version to play with will help reduce the wanting desire I have building for the real one.