Blast from the past benefits the future

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 by Grayson Edds

More than a hundred Volkswagens filled Oakmont Park in Morgan’s Point over the weekend and raised money supporting the Morgan’s Point Police Department. Thanks to the 9th annual Larry Parrott Memorial Transporters at the Point, you might have noticed a few more classic cars on the road this weekend, all made by Volkswagen.

Except for the occasional new car or truck, the scene could have been one straight out of the 1970s. More than 100 different models filled Oakmont Park in Morgan's Point including 84 buses. Campers came from all over Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and even Mexico.

This year's three-day event included a lunch cruise to The Gin Pavilion on Nolan Creek in Belton on Saturday, where more than 60 buses lined the parking lot and the participants enjoyed lunch at The Gin and Corona's.

The afternoon was filled will kid's games at the campsite, and the Police Organization Support Team (POST) served the Thor Martin Memorial BBQ to campers.

The next four hours were spent in their famous auction, where the majority of their money is raised.

"I think we did $6,000 last night. We didn't have a lot of high-dollar items last night," said camper Brent Brendemuehl, "but those $20, $30, $50 items are going to add up."

Most of the items were donated and VW related including knick-knacks and collectible items.

Over the last eight years, the event has raised more than $30,000 for the Morgan's Point Resort Police Department. The money that they have raised for the police department has primarily gone to equipment such as computers, Glocks, and talkies for the dive team. This year, they're hoping to provide funding for body armor.

Unfortunately, this will be the last year that Paul Smith will be organizing the event, and the group is currently looking for another interested party to keep the VW Fest and fundraiser alive.

"It's been a lot of fun to put together over the years," said Smith. "Several groups have shown interest to continuing the event and keeping the tradition going."

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