Moparfest – 2008 – Finally a Weekend of Sunshine

At last the Mopar Gods sent 2 days of Sunshine to New Hamburg on the 3^rd weekend of August.

 A tremendous amount of planning goes into the presenting of Moparfest, and this year new records were set.      

Firstly the Pre-registered show vehicles reached 949 entrants registering by August 1^st. This was up about 30% over last year.

It was felt that perhaps the Grand Prize for this year – a beautiful 1970 440 Road Runner, was responsible for this increase.  The blazing Hemi orange exterior, burnt orange interior, and new Crager SS Mag wheels, made for a very sharp combination. The Moparfest organizing committee reported a high level of favorable feedback wherever the vehicle was shown.

Secondly – the vendor turnout grew again, filling the 220 spots with pre-registered vendors. The organizers were able to open a new area to accommodate some last minute drive in Vendors. Most vendors reported the bigger sales took place on Saturday, and that overall they had a high level of serious enthusiasts over the weekend. A high majority of the Vendors already pre-registered for next year – guaranteeing their spot in a sold out field.

 Brian Stephens of Woodville, Ontario, won the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. His key was the lucky one that started the car, so he needs to make more room for another car in the garage.

 The 2^nd Vehicle – Art Larson of PA, USA, won the New Hamburg Optimist 1971 Super Bee Ticket car. This became the first year to see the ticket vehicle go to a Mopar enthusiast in the USA.  The event has been drawing our Mopar friends from south of the border for years, so it was bound to happen at some time.

In addition, the local participating Mopar dealers, along with the Chrysler Canada Parts Division, have continued to support Moparfest by supplying a new 360/380 HP factory crate engine. This year Len Weiler of Walkerton was the last man standing during Ted Woods Elimination Draw. Len was overheard saying that he never won anything in his life, so this is a good way to start - to take home an engine valued well over $6000.00.

The Moparfest organizers are extremely grateful to these dealers and to Chrysler Canada for making this possible.

 Inside of the arena was a varying selection of 24 unique and low productions shows vehicles, along with 2 examples of the new 2008 Hemi Challengers. This made for a constant flow of indoor spectators. So many stories were overheard, many starting with, my father had 1 just like that, or I owned 1 of those. It was easy to see how these vehicles brought back past memories for many.

 More new records fell when the winners of the 2- 50-50 draws on Saturday and Sundays

reached new levels. Saturday’s winner took home $5,489.00, while Sunday’s winner was given $5,834.00.

  Again, Rick Haffner and his team are to be commended for this, as the New Hamburg Jr, Hockey players, and the Sunshine Foundation really do count on these funds each year.

 The Engine Blow Contests each day are always a highlight, with Mark Murchison winning a $500.00 Gift certificate toward a set of Michelin or BFG tires, courtesy of Bast Tire Service of Waterloo. On Sunday Steve Rose won a certificate for a new set of Bridgestone tires, courtesy of Bridgestone Canada. Both sponsors provided the highest quality product, and we are grateful for their involvement.

Also in attendance was Byron Cherry, aka Coy Duke of the hit T.V. series The Dukes of Hazard. The spectators kept him extremely busy - and the kids loved the distinctive horn sound of the General Lee.

 On Sunday Roy Westlake of Chrysler Canada Parts division forwarded $3500.00 (which was collected from the sales from the Mopar Trailer), to Juvenile Arthritis.

 Additional draws took place both days – and all winners can be seen on the web site www.moparfest.com.

 Both days included live Bands on the main stage from 12 noon to 3:30. Over 16,500 people were on the grounds over the weekend. At the conclusion of the event on Sunday – the 2 cars that will be given away next year were unveiled. The show vehicle participant vehicle is a relatively rare 1968 Barracuda 340 – 4 speed Formula S car, while the New Hamburg Optimist vehicle is a beautiful 1973 Dodge Charger R/T 440 vehicle.  Both these vehicles will soon be on the Web Site for viewing.

 The 29th annual Moparfest is deemed to be another success for the many Youth and Community Groups that count on the funds raised at Moparfest. The goal this years was

 to raise $150,000.00. We’re happy to report that $153,000.00 was raised at Moparfest 2008.

 This means the total over the last 18 years has now reached $1,694,972.00 having been raised through Moparfest and all its related activities. All this, while at the same time enjoying our Mopar Restoration Hobby.

 The Moparfest committee wishes to say THANK YOU to the show vehicle participants, the volunteers, and all event sponsors.  We also want to congratulate all the winners at this year’s event.  We would like to invite everyone to return to New Hamburg and see the newly rebuilt grandstands, which will be very impressive, and highly useful, rain or shine. Mark your calendars for the 3^rd weekend of August 2009 when we return for the 30^th anniversary.

Submitted by Don Wagner and the Moparfest Planning Committee

Total show vehicles for 2008 was 1532

952 were pre registered and 580 showed up at the gate.

People on the grounds over the weekend – approx.  20,000

Thank you every one for making this year’s show a huge success!
Despite the gas prices we have had a record number of vehicles pre register for the show and even more show up at the gate.. We really appreciate everyone who came out to join us. All the show cars, the vendors, the people who come out to see them, as well as all the volunteers for all their work to make it all come together each year. The many sponsors who continually sponsor Moparfest and the community and neighbours who welcome us to town each year. Without everyone as one group we wouldn’t be able to raise the money we do for the charity organizations involved with this show. Thanks everyone.  See you next year!!

  See 2008 photos click here