SHUBERT –  Hundreds of trick-or-treaters and their families flocked to the Volkswagon bus campout at Indian Cave State Park to help celebrate Bustoberfest and take part in a fellowship that values mechanical knowledge, travel stories and family.

Daniel Stuart of Yankton, S.D., has put over 100,000 miles on his Westfalia camper over the past 20 years and says Bustoberfest has become like a family reunion for him.

Stuart: “It’s been a major part of my lifestyle. I really appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the country, enjoy the people and enjoy the bus.”

 

Terry Wolfe of Omaha was among the 11 VW bus fanatics who started the event 25 years ago.

Wolfe: “It’s a great opportunity for people to get together and share. The Volkswagon community is extremely welcoming.”

  Being available for trick-or-treaters at the state park in southeast Nebraska has been a core part of the event from the start and was officially included as a park attraction over a decade ago. They expect over 350 trick-or-treaters and their families and cap off the day with a potluck dinner among the VW bus community.

 

Wolfe said the event has been around long enough that children that once arrived in car seats are now pulling up in the driver’s seat.

 

Ralph and Shannon Meyermann of Hancock, Iowa, explained their decision to be married at Bustoberfest.

Meyermann: “I’ve been coming here for 13 years with my daughter and brought (Shannon) into the family as well. It would be just a good family reminder, fun and I can’t forget. It’s the same weekend every year.”

They are looking for many more Bustoberfest anniversaries.

Meyermann: “For us it’s probably more fun married.”

 

Wolfe said the 25th year for Bustoberfest is an accomplishment considering the age of the buses and their fans. Will the event make it to 50 years?

Wolfe: “My bus – this red one – is going to be 60 years old next year. Will it survive to 110, maybe not. Will I survive to 100 and whatever, probably not, but it doesn’t really matter as long as we can get together.

Wolfe: “They are old technology. They are the oldest technology virtually on the road because they are all solid, no electronics, just plain old plain. It takes some skill or some money.”

Stuart said it’s hard to keep his VW bus going, but sometimes, for the Buskatiers, love is all you need.