See List of 2008 Wnners Below Article

Nearly 500 Volkswagens and an estimated 7,000 people crowded the 40-acre Pasco County Fairgrounds on the sunny second Sunday in November to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Pasco Bug Jam. I would like to thank each and every one of you that attended, entered a VW, supported us as a sponsor, and rented a vendor space. The sluggish economy didn’t affect the Bug Jam and the youngsters at All Children’s Hospital will benefit from your efforts, as well as the other non-profit organizations that the Bug Jam supports.

I would also like to thank the judges that volunteered their time. It is a thankless job and a long day for them. They don’t even get to enjoy the show and then get some criticism from folks that think they should have won instead of someone else. All I can say is that we all do our best. There were some mighty fine vehicles at the show and I don’t think anyone that attended could argue with that.

On that note, I would like to congratulate and thank Merton Riopelle. Merton’s 1960 stock VW Bug won Best of Show.  Merton was so thrilled to have won and was so generous to donate his $300 prize money back to be given to All Children’s Hospital.

Merton, of Temple Terrace, Florida, bought the Bug from his neighbor and the original owner, Elmer Sauls, in 1989 when Elmer’s wife died and he was moving to an apartment and had to give up one of his vehicles. Merton undertook the project of restoring the 1960 treasure to its original glory with hopes of finishing it for Elmer’s approval. Unfortunately Elmer died about two years ago at the age of 92, a few months before Merton finished the car. Merton and his wife, Carol, know Elmer would be as proud of his Bug as they are. And we at the Pasco Bug Jam are proud to have the Riopelles as participants and thank them again for their generous contribution to All Children’s Hospital.  

Like All Children’s Hospital, all of the organizations that benefit from the Bug Jam are non-profit, including the Pasco County Fair Association, Inc., hosts of the event. There is sometimes confusion about this and I would like to explain that the Fair Association is NOT a county agency or affiliated with the county in any way. The Fair Association, founded in 1947, owns and operates the fairgrounds and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was originally founded in 1947 for the purpose of hosting a county fair. We do NOT receive county, state, or federal funding, although we, like other non-profit organizations that host events in Pasco County, do receive some money from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council. The Fair Association, governed by a volunteer 30-member board of directors, survives by rental of the fairgrounds throughout the year, annual memberships, and fair revenues.

The original founders of the Bug Jam, Florida Bug Jam, outgrew their original location in Land O’ Lakes and rented the fairgrounds until five years ago when it had also outgrown their volunteer base. That group asked the Fair Association to continue hosting the Bug Jam, with Florida Bug Jam providing concessions. The Fair Association agreed and also agreed to continue supporting the charities that Florida Bug Jam had supported, including All Children’s Hospital and Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. On Bug Jam Day we are ALL volunteers, arriving before 4 a.m. and not leaving until after dark.

I don’t mean to dwell on this, but some times the hard work that goes into the Bug Jam is thankless and some times we are criticized because people “assume” the show is put on by promoters. WRONG. We do take comments into consideration and try to improve each year. But, as the saying goes, it is hard to please all of the people all of the time.

I hope the majority of those that attended had a great time and will come back next year as the Bug Jam becomes “legal.” The 21st annual Pasco Bug Jam will be held Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. So mark your calendars now. And look for updates on this website around March or April. Right now, it’s time to get ready for our February fair.

                                                                   Sincerely,

                                                                   Carol Jeffares Hedman
                                                                   Bug Jam Coordinator 

 

2008 Pasco Bug Jam Winners

Best of Show
Merton A. Riopelle of Temple Terrace, FL, 1960 Bug, Stock

Best Engine
Tee & Evelyn Watkins of Bardstown, KY, 1973 Thing

Best Paint
Tee & Evelyn Watkins of Bardstown, KY, 1973 Thing

Best Interior
Ted Hart of Ocoee, FL, 1968 VW Sedan

Best Display
LaShaun Daniels of Jacksonville, FL, 1974 Type II
 
Participating in Most Bug Jams
David Evans of Land O’ Lakes, 20 Years

Most Club Participation
Rare Air Emerald Coast (Pensacola, FL)

Drove The Furthest To Participate
Rosetta J. Binder of Fairbanks, Alaska
4,719 miles
1970 VW Camper

People’s Choice Award
Kennette Madera of Clearwater, FL, 1970 Karmann Ghia

CLASS WINNERS
A-1: Bug, Pre-1958 Stock
Winner: Willy Blanco of Miami, FL, 1956 Bug
Second: Bruce Wolzanski of Pompano Beach, FL, 1955 Bug
Third: Ryan Padilla of Orlando, FL, 1957 Bug
A-2: Bug, Pre-1958 Modified
Winner: Gregg Hannon of Orlando, FL, 1957 Bug
Second: Henry Rodriguez of Orlando, FL, 1956 Beetle
Third: Mike Unland of Naples, FL, 1956 Beetle
Fourth: Rick “Woody” Hawkins of Stockbridge, GA, 1950 Bug
A-3: Bug 1958-1964 Stock
Winner: Merton A. Riopelle of Temple Terrace, FL, 1960 Bug
Second: Dawn Barker & Michael Murphy of Clearwater, FL, 1962 Ragtop
Third: Greg & PJ Carr of Brandon, FL, 1966 Beetle
A-4: Bug 1958-1964 Modified
Winner: Angel Fleitas of Naples, FL, 1960 Bug
Second: Justin Flowers of Cleveland, TN, 1961 Beetle
Third: Charles Overton of Tallapoosa, AL, 1964 Beetle
A-5: Bug 1965-1967 Stock
Winner: Classic Camber of Pinellas Park, FL, 1965 Beetle
Second: Javier Ortiz of Orlando, FL, 1966 Bug
Third: Jerad W. Pitts of Archer, FL, 1966 Beetle
A-6: Bug 1965-1967 Modified
Winner: William Otto Unland of Naples, FL, 1963 Bug
Second: Tim White of Bradenton, FL, 1965 Bug
Third: Orlando Perez of Ocoee, FL, 1965 Bug
Fourth: Ed Temples of Jacksonville, FL, 1965 Beetle
A-7: Bug 1968 & Later Stock
Winner: Michael D. Rose of Boynton Beach, FL, 1968 Beetle
Second: Robert M. Simon of Fort Myers, FL, 2004 Mexican Beetle
Third: Juan Morales of Kissimmee, FL, 1969 Bug
Fourth: Steven Hall of Lakeland, FL, 1999 Mexi Sedan
A-8: Bug 1968 & Later Modified
Winner: Ted Hart of Ocoee, FL, 1968 VW Bug Sedan
Second: John Sarnecki of Brooksville, FL, 1995 Mexican Beetle
Third: Ken Willaford of Plant City, FL, 1968 Beetle
Fourth: Karen Campbell & Robert Metcalf of Bradenton, FL, 1974 Beetle

A-9: Bug 1968 & Later Full Custom
Winner: Jon Massaro of Palm Harbor, 1974 Beetle
Second: Walt Morelan of Mobile, AL, 1972 Beetle
Third: Ed Kenney of Salisbury, NC, 1972 Bug
A-10: Herbie, All
Winner: David Evans of Land O’ Lakes, FL, Herbie
Second: Stephen Love of Clermont, FL, 1965 Herbie
B-1: Bug Convertible, to 1972 Stock
Winner: Jose Ayala of Kissimmee, FL, 1967 Bug Convertible
Second: Roberto Rodriguez of Orlando, FL, 1961 Bug Convertible
Third: Wendy Martinez of Ocoee, FL, 1966 Beetle Convertible
B-2: Bug Convertible, to 1972 Modified
Winner: Steve & Jeremy Smith of Ft. Lauderale, FL, 1959 Bug Vert
Second: Aaron & Nikki Mahr of Lakeland, FL, 1972 Beetle Convertible
Third Vicky Kogel of Bradenton, FL, 1958 Beetle Kabriolet
B-3: Bug Convertible, 1973 & Later Stock
Winner: Brenda Marshall of Winter Park, FL, 1979 Bug Convertible
Second: Mary Clegg of Orlando, FL, 1975 Bug Convertible
Third: Tim Ebright of Tampa, FL, 1979 Beetle Convertible
B-4: Bug Convertible, 1973 & Later Modified
Winner: David Burgardt of Sun City Center, FL, 1974 Bug Convertible
Second: Randy Reynolds of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 1978 Bug Convertible
C-1: Super Beetle All Years, Stock
Winner: Jack & Terri Nosbish of Riverview, FL, 1979 Super Beetle Vert
Second: Samuel Santana of Orlando, FL, 1979 Super Beetle Vert
Third: Tom Faessler of Osprey, FL, 1974 Super Beetle
C-2: Super Beetle All Years, Modified
Winner: Bob & Carol Norwood of Polk City, FL, 1971 Super Beetle
Second: Jared Monaco of Riverview, FL, 1974 Super Beetle
Third: Harry Patterson of Seminole, FL, 1972 Super Beetle
D-1 Ghia All Years, Stock
Winner: LeeAnne & Robert Metcalf of Bradenton, FL, 1967 Ghia
Second: Joseph P. Bodo, Jr., of Tampa, FL, 1973 Ghia
Third: Johnny Moreno, of Orlando, FL, 1963 Ghia
D-2 Ghia All Years, Modified
Winner: Joe Cherry of Mobile, AL, 1973 Ghia
Second: Ted & Susie Pierce of Alva, FL, 1971 Ghia
Third: Jose & Mildred Molina of Sebring, FL, 1971 Ghia
D-3 Ghia Convertible All Years, Stock
Winner: George D’Amato of Jacksonville, FL, 1974 Ghia Convertible
Second: Cindy Seifert of San Antonio, FL, 1971 Ghia Convertible
Third: Lisa Patterson of Lutz, FL, 1971 Ghia Convertible
D-4 Ghia Convertible All Years, Modified
Winner: Tracy Enos of Clearwater, FL, 1970 Ghia Convertible
Second: Gustavo Ramirez, Sr., of Miami, FL, 1963 Ghia Convertible
Third: Joan Brunken of Thonotosassa, FL, 1971 Ghia Convertible
E-1 Thing (Type 181) All Years, Stock
Winner: Roger Rudd of Riverview, FL, 1974 Thing
Second: Hung Lee of Tampa, FL, 1971 Thing Military
Third: Debbie Hyde of Jacksonville, FL, 1973 Thing
E-2 Thing (Type 181) All Years, Modified
Winner: Tee & Evelyn Watkins of Bardstown, KY, 1973 Thing
Second: Bo & Tina Nepip of Venice, FL, 1973 Thing
Third: Herbert W. Bates of Lakeland, FL, 1973 Thing
Fourth: Garry Debolt of Tampa, FL, 1973 Thing
F-1: Type II, to 1967 Stock
Winner: Howard & Lucy McClanahan of Meadow Bridge, WV, 1966 13-Window Deluxe
Second: Ken Hippensteel of Acworth, GA, 1958 Type II Single Cab
Third: Aaron Ramoutar of Jacksonville, FL, 1965 Type II
Fourth: Gerald H. Krueger of Orlando, FL, 1962 Type II
F-2: Type II, to 1967 Modified
Winner: Ron Folden of Longwood, FL, 1959 Single Pick-Up
Second: Ian Kogel of Bradenton, FL, 1966 Riviera Camper
Third: Carlos M. Machicote of Elba, AL, of 1959 Crew Cab
Fourth: Bill Parrott of Miami Lakes, FL, 1964 Bus
F-3: Type II, 1968 to 1979 Stock
Winner: Linda Nelson of Middleburg, FL, 1977 Bus
Second: Jose Casanas of Kissimmee, FL, 1976 Bus
Third: Steve Bielman of St. Augustine, FL, 1975 Dual Cab
F-4: Type II, 1968 to 1979 Modified
Winner: LaShaun Daniels of Jacksonville, FL, 1974 Type II
Second: Gus Chennells of Gotha, FL, 1975 Bus
Third: Alex Perez of Tampa, FL, 1969 Deluxe Bus

F-5: Bus Camper, 1968 to 1979 Stock
Winner: Terri & Jack Nosbisch, Jr., of Riverview, FL, 1976 Camper
Second: Tim Weir of Cape Coral, FL, 1973 Camper
Third: Carl H. Sturgeon II of Spring Hill, FL, 1979 Type II Westfalia
F-6: Bus Camper, 1968 to 1979 Modified
Winner: Jim Stevens of St. Petersburg, FL, 1971 Westfalia
Second: Robert Thompson of Deland, FL, 1974 Bus
F-7: Vanagon & Euro Inc.Camper, 1980 & Later, All
Winner: Pat & Kay Higgins of Tampa, FL, 1985 Westfalia, Stock
Second: Marinel Francos of Kissimmee, FL, 1993 Eurovan, Modified
Third: Herbert Martinez of Kissimmee, FL, 1987 Vanagon/Modified
G-1: Type III & IV, All Years, Stock
Winner: Javier Rivera of Middleburg, FL, 1965 Notchback
Second: Jon Goodrich of Lake Worth, FL, 1965 Squareback
Third: Philip Kozel of Winter Park, FL, 1970 Squareback
G-2: Type III & IV, All Years, Modified
Winner: Joey Cagle of Gainesville, GA, 1967 Type III Fastback
Second: Mike Unland of Naples, FL, 1966 Type III Notchback
Third: Robert Haines of Jacksonville, 1965 Notchback
H-1: Baja Bug, All
Winner: Scott Heath of Elligay, GA, 1966 Baja
Second: Tom Alexander of Spring Hill, FL, 1968 Beetle, Modified
Third: Chad Vilches of Plant City, FL, 1964 Baja
H-2: Open Body, All
Winner: Geraldo Martinez of Deltona, FL, 1963 Dune Buggy, Modified
Second: Jose R. Cuences of Avon Park, FL, 1967 Dune Buggy, Modified
Third: Will O. Adams of Cantonment, FL, 2007 Berrien Buggy
Fourth: David Pauli of Lake Mary, FL, 1968 Meyers Manx, Modified
Fifth: Clive Mayo of Miami, FL, 1963 Fiberglass Dune Buggy
Sixth: Lonnie & Kristi Fernatt of Meadow Bridge, WV, 1962 Dune Buggy
H-3: Trikes, All
Winner: Barry Dawson of Ocala, FL, 2007 Trike
Second: Norman Colson of Lee, FL, 1997 VW Trike
Third: Kevin W. McPherson of Spring Hill, 1966 Trike

I-1: Rail, All
Winner: Rob & Wendi Ferguson of Valrico, FL, 1966 VW Rail
Second: Kirk Anderson of Enterprise, AL, 1972 Rail, Modified
Third: Eric Brown of Ocala, FL, 2008 Rail
Fourth: Bill Vinyard of Ocklawaha, FL, 1963 VW Rail, Modified
J-1: Full Custom, Air-Cooled, All
Winner: John H. Smith of Spring Hill, FL, 1961 Beetle
Second: Mark & Lucy Pinkstaff of Belleview, FL, 1974 Beetle
Third: Mike Reed of Ft.Meade, FL, 1958 Type II
K-1: Special Interest Street Legal
Winner: Lowell Snow of Arcadia, FL, 1967 Bus/Modified
Second: Doneece Olsen of Okeechobee, FL, 1962 Choptop Roadster
Third: John Epps of Tampa, FL, 1971 VW Powered Motorcycle
Fourth: Connie Walker of Hudson, FL, 1999 Hummbug/Modified
K-2: Special Interest, Not Street Legal
Winner: Robert “Bobby” Goggin V of Pembroke Pines, FL, Herbie Go Cart
Second: James Runge of Port Charlotte, FL, 1966 Bug, Modified
Third: Jet Albritton of Sarasota, FL, 1967 Off-Road Buggy, Modified
K-3: Kit Cars, Air- & Water-Cooled, All
Winner: Logan H. Birdsong of Valdosta, GA, 1937 Jaguar Replica with 1972 VW engine
Second: Eldred Duvall of Eustis, FL, 1965 Bug, Modified
Third: Felix Santana, Jr., of Davenport, FL, 1978 VW Scorpion
K-4: Ratrod (Custom)
Winner: Dustin Knapp of Naples, FL, 1959 Beetle
Second: Terry L. Hampton, Jr., of Dover, FL, 1970 VW Ratrod
Third: Matthew Coppens of Naples, FL, 1966 Beetle Convertible
K-5: Ratrod (Unrestored)
Winner: Clay Freshour of Naples, FL, 1969 Fastback
Second: Shawn Watters of Tampa, FL, 1966 Bug
Third: Shawn P. Stoll of Sebring, FL 1964 Beetle
K-6: In Progress
Winner: Walter Levy of Kissimmee, FL, 1967 Beetle
Second: Jerry Carpenter of Temple, GA, 1966 Beetle
Third: Wild Bill Tucker of Pensacola, FL, 1978 Ratrod

L-1: Water-Cooled All, up to 1984 Stock
Winner: Earl L. Douglas of Tampa, FL, 1981 Rabbit Diesel
Second: Jerry Wetherington, Sr., of Ft. McCoy, FL, 1981 Rabbit Diesel Pickup
L-2: Water-Cooled All, up to 1984 Modified
Winner: James Majcen of Palm Coast, FL, 1984 VW Golf GTI
Second: Yaw Jumah of Lake Mary, FL, 1983 VW Rabbit Pickup
L-3: Water-Cooled 1985 to 1992 Stock
Winner: Adam Keckes of Tampa, FL, 1992 Golf GTI 8V
L-4: Water-Cooled 1985 to 1992 Modified
Winner: Richard Gonzales of Gainesville, FL, 1986 Quantum Syncro
Second: Tom Panzarella of Bradenton, FL, 1990 VW Jetta
L-7: Water-Cooled 1998 & Later, 0-3 Modifications
Winner: Keri Tucker of Dade City, FL, 1999 Beetle
Second: Daniel Flores of Wesley Chapel, FL, 2002 ZTI
Third; William E. Neary III of Orlando, FL, 2008 New Beetle
L-8: Water-Cooled 1998 & Later, 4-Plus Modifications
Winner: John Beall of North Fort Myers, FL, 2005 GTI 1.8T
Second: Avenue Garage, Inc., of Port Charlotte, FL, 2002 VW GTI
Third: Wayne & Rhonda Meeks of Pompano Beach, FL, 2002 New Beetle
M-2: Daily Driver, Pre-1958 Modified
Winner: Tom Giacomo of Wesley Chapel, FL, 1954 Beetle
Second: Joe Chuney of Tampa, FL, 1957 Bug
M-3: Daily Driver, 1958-1968 Stock
Winner: Mack & Ursula McKenny of Ozark, AL, 1962 Bug
Second: Craig Freeman of Tampa, FL, 1967 Poptop Bus
Third: Jeffrey Brown of Tampa, FL, 1966 Beetle
Fourth: Mark Detro of Englewood, FL, 1963 Type II Single Cab
M-4: Daily Driver, 1958-1968 Modified
Winner: Anthony Buchman of Valrico, FL, 1966 Bug
Second: Bart Rodriquez of Ocoee, FL, 1964 Bug
Third: Chris Crocker of Carrollton, GA, 1960 Beetle
Fourth: Serena Reed of Ft. Meade, FL, 1964 Type I
M-5: Daily Driver, 1969 & Later Stock
Winner: Pat Yager of Stockbridge, GA, 1973 Karmann Ghia Convertible
Second: Ana G. Soto of Naples, FL, 1970 Beetle
Third: Carrie Ball & Lowell Wells of Lake Panasoffke, FL, 1973 Super Beetle
M-6: Daily Driver, 1969 & Later Modified
Winner: Kenneth Mazzeo of Citrus Springs, FL, 1972 Standard Beetle
Second: Matthew R. Valdez of Tampa, FL, 1974 Beetle
Third: Rosetta J. Binder of Fairbanks, AS, 1970 Camper
Fourth: Tie - Robert & Tanner McFadden of St. Petersburg, FL, 1973 Bug & Karen Alexeev of Gulfport, FL, 1979 Super Beetle Convertible

TOP 20 AIR-COOLED
Jeff Brown of Hephizbah, GA, 1970 Trike
Ansel Garrard of Largo, FL, 1965 Bus, Type II
Tom Bambard of Dade City, FL, 1973  Buggy
Philip Martin of White, GA, 1959 Bug
Crystal M. Maldonado or Orlando, FL, 1966 Bug
Tom Larson of Bradenton, FL, 1979 Bug Convertible
Patrick Kearney of New Born, GA, 1952 Bug
Marty Hibbert of Winder, GA, 1966 Beetle
Thomas H. Downing of Tarpon Springs, FL, 1969 Karmann Ghia
Ron Hubbert of Hopemills, NC, 1965 Drag Beetle
Bryan Kennedy of Winter Haven, FL, 1972 Beetle
Peter & Jeannie Lanio of Buford, GA, 1957 Oval
Joel Rosa of Caselberry, FL, 1973 Beetle
Mark & JoAnna Purdy of St. Augustine, FL, 1964 Crew Cab
Phillip & Joyce Quillen of Ocala, FL, 1978 Super Beetle Convertible
Paul Companioni of Miami Lakes, FL, 1967 Beetle
Ted Haumessen of Safety Harbor, FL, 1961 Bug
Rick Wolff of New Port Richey, FL, 1977 Sedan
TOP 20 WATER-COOLED
Peter Bennett of Cocoa, FL, 2004 Golf R32
Joel Castillo of Orlando, FL, 1981 Pick-up
Krystal Flores of Orlando, FL, 1988 VW Fox
Juscelino DasAnjas of Cocoa, FL, 2004 Passat
Jonathon David Niennini of Naples, FL, 2002 New Beetle Turbos
Peter Bennett of Merritt Island, FL, 2000 Cabrio
Ashley Westgate of Ft. Meade, FL, 1997 Jetta
Dario Rodriguez of Orlando, FL, 1985 Vanagon
Carlos Muniz of Orlando, FL, 2001 VW Station Wagon
Juan Cearcie of Orlando, FL, 1992 Speedster
Pedro J. Castillo of Orlando, 1984 VW Rabbit GTI
Luis A. Beras of Kissimmee, FL, 1993 Eurovan
Luis Velez of Clearwater, FL, 2005 VW GTI
Iederico Martin of Orlando, FL, 1991 GTI
Franciso J. Collazo of Davenport, FL, 2000 New Beetle
El Pino of Tampa, FL, 1995 Golf GTI
Brandon Watson of Citrus Springs, FL, 1986 VW GTI
Bruce Reynolds of Fruitland, FL, 19984 Rabbit GTI

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