Breaking News

Jingle Bugs Rock!
2010...

Old Town, Kissimmee, Florida December 12, 2010

Breaking News...

Friday, December 18, 2009 - I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell everyone who participated in this years event, Thanks! We had another great show with 154 cars. vans, rails, etc., participating and raising over 1000 toys and close to $600 for the U.S. Marine Corps. Everyone seemed to have a good time and there was plenty to do. The Repeatles kept the show rocking at the top of every hour and of course there was the Herbie Corral, Pokemon, Santa and all the Old Town rides, shops and other entertainment that Old Town offers everyday. Once again we held our best decorated car contest, a 50/50 (with the winner generously giving back his winnings to the Marine Corp.), gave away numerous prizes including Lightning McQueen and more. Check out our pictures by clicking on 2009 Pictures on the left and make sure you check back often as we continue to put together plans for 2010. If anyone has any suggestions as to how we can improve the show, please contact us by using the Contacts page. May God bless and may you and your families have a wonderful Christmas holiday...

Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - Just over a week away, boy where has time gone :). Anyway, just a reminder that if you would like to promote your show at Jingle Bugs Rock, your flyers must be handed out by us at the check-in table (Old Town Policy). There's still time to send them to me so contact me now by using the Contacts page and I will give you mailing instructions. Also, if you would like to see a listing of events, prize give-a-ways, etc., download the Information Brouchure by clicking here. See you at the show!

Thursday, November 17, 2009 - Well, we are putting the final touches on the show preparation and everything has fallen into place very nicely. Looking for a great turn-out and we are expecting lots and lots of toys. Don't forget the special drawing for Lightning McQueen and if you are a Vendor, Car Swap enthusiasts, interested in selling your car or promoting your show, please click here for details. ..

The gates will open for the vendor, car swap and car corral areas at 11:00. Those participating in these areas should proceed to the main parking lot area located directly behind the Fun Spot for access. All others show participants should come in the main front entrance as we did last year to drop off your toys and pick up your registration numbers. The gate will open promptly at 12:00 and all cars participating in the best decorated car contest need to be decorated no later than 2:30 in order to be judged. The cars will cruise the bricks at 5:00 and winners of the contest, 50/50 winners and other prizes will be handed out at 5:30.

Make sure you bring your children and their friends for a fun filled day at Old Town. Once again, discounts will be offered for rides, food, etc., so don't miss out. See you at the show...

Monday, November 09, 2009 - Just got back from the Pasco County Bug Jam. What a great show this year. Of course we handed out over 700 cards for Jingle Bugs and have spread the news that we have opened up our show to all vendors, those interested in a swap meet, and even those selling cars. The cost at our show, a low, low $15 plus a new unwrapped toy for the Marines. Compared to what the Bug Jam was charging, you almost can't afford not to come! Please contact us if you plan on participating in any of these areas...

And talking about handing out flyers, Old Town has had a long standing rule that flyers would not be handed out, placed inside the cars, etc., at any show held there. Last year there were a few individuals who got a little upset with Old Town personal because of this rule. However, we can hand them out with the packets that are given to you as you arrive. So Please, Please, get your flyers to us now so that we can sort them for your and put them in the packets. It would be our pleasure...

Thursday, November 05, 2009 - Well, we are just over 30 days away from our second show and everything is coming together nicely. The Saralego has provided a free weekend stay at the resort for us to give away once again (make sure you show your appreciation by booking your rooms now for the show) and our favorite embroidery shop, Out Of This World Embroidery, has provided some nice looking keychains once again. In addition, we have purchased plenty of candy, etc., to give away to all the children who attend. Let's support all of our great sponsors who help make this show possible.

And for those who did not participate in the best decorated car for the holiday contest, make sure you take a look at the pictures and film strip from last years event. We had some beautifully decorated cars and it was really hard deciding our winners. This year we will be looking for the most original/creative decorations along with evidence of the level of work that went into the car. This is something the entire family can get involved with and of course, we will have our mini vacation give-a-way to the winner along with some verily nice second place prizes as well.

One last thing, make sure you bring plenty of toys! Remember, you will get one ticket for every three (3) toys you bring up to a total of five (5) which will be used in the special drawing for the beautiful Lightning McQueen ride on toy that will be given away. This is one you won't want to miss out on...

Thursday, October 01, 2009 - Just a quick update on what's going on. We are starting to get enquires about the accommodations for our vendors, swap meet and car corral area. For those who were there last year you know that we put the vendors on the asphalt along with the cars. This year we will do the same (depending on the number that we have) with the swap meet and car corral participants located directly behind them in the grass. That way you can bring all of your prized processions along on trailers or by whatever mean is necessary and have plenty of room to lay it out. Again, we are only asking for $15 plus a new unwrapped toy to reserve you a space. All vendors, swap meet and car corral participants should contact us using the Contacts page prior to November 30th so that we can make sure there is enough space reserved for you.

Please note that Old Town is only made possible by the number of great shops and restaurants that pay a monthly lease. Please, please don't bring anything that you think may conflict with these shops. In other words, you cannot sell clothing (t-shirts, hats, etc.), food, or any other item that you might normally expect to find in a tourist shop. If you stay with VW parts, etc., you will be fine. However, if you have any question as to the items you have, contact us first...

Friday, September 04, 2009 - We have mailed out over 1500 postcards around the state so far and will be putting them in David Maus Volkswagen sometime this month to help raise awareness of the event. Old Town is gearing up for the show by reserving the band once again, contacting Santa, advertising, etc., and is really looking forward to the show.

Lightning McQueen is sitting primed and ready to be given away (click here for details) and we have decided to do this by holding a simple drawing. You will get one ticket for every 3 new unwrapped toys you bring in up to a maximum of five tickets. Remember, the main reason for the show is to raise toys for needy children, so bring those toys in...

Friday, August 21, 2009 - Well here you have it. We found the cutest ride-on car the other day and just had to pick it up as a give away prize at the show. Still working on the best way to do this, but here he is...

I'm sure we will have to have some type of contest to see who wins this beauty. Stay tuned...

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - Well, the flyers/postcards are in and ready to be distributed. We will be putting packets in the mail for all those who were so gracious to help us last year. Please see that these are given to your local VW parts houses, handed out at local shows, etc., so that everyone is aware of the date and time.

Two new sponsors so far this year, Summit Racing Equipment and K-Mart Super Center of Winter Garden. And if you haven't seen the great price that the Seralago has given us for the event, check out the "Places to Stay" page. You get a full size double room for only $36/night! And this is in the heart of Central Florida, only 2-3 miles from Disney and a first rate resort at that. Go ahead, pick up your phone and reserve a room now before they are gone...

One last thing, we have picked up a very special item that will be given away at the show. We won't tell you right now what it is, but check back over the next week or so and we will have a picture of it available for you...

Saturday, August 01, 2009 - August already! Can't believe it... Anyway, we have been proceeding with our planning efforts although we have run into a few snags as far as setting things up. First of all we were trying to make Jingle Bugs Rock a non-profit corporation so that larger sponsors could contribute and take a tax break at the same time. Well, to make a long story short, it will not happen this year. However, many of last years sponsors have already committed to this years event and we have been working on finding additional sponsors as well. Of course Old Town and David Maus are fully behind the event and the show will go on...

This year we will be running the show from 12 noon to 6:00pm to give those who want to have a little more time enjoying the attractions and eateries of Old Town that option. Also, we will have a car corral where you can bring your old (or new) cars that are for sale along with a vendors/swap meet area. The only requirement on our vendors is that you do not sell anything that could be in competition with the tenants of Old Town. In other words, no clothing, food, etc.. The best suggestion is to stay with VW parts and accessories and you will be just fine. There will be a nominal charge of $15 (plus a toy) for anyone wanting to take part in the car corral and vendor/swap meet area.

We loved the competition last year for the best decorated car contest. Going back and looking at the video footage that was shot at the show makes you really appreciate the time and effort many put into this. This year will be basically the same except we will be posting some guidelines for the judges to use when selecting the winners. Most importantly will be originality and of course how it ties into the Christmas holiday theme, along with evidence of personal effort. Come on everyone, let's make this years competition even better than last years...

Flyers will also be available by the end of the month and ready for distribution. Those who are interested in helping to distribute cards should contact us as soon as possible.

Enough for now. This time I promise I will try to keep this part of the site a little more up to date. Check back often...

Monday, April 06, 2009 - Well, it's that time of year again and we have already begun our advanced planning. Old Town was very impressed last year with the cars and the people who were involved and they are looking forward to having us back this year bigger and even better than 2008. We have had a couple of planning meetings to talk about things to be done and will be getting together monthly from here on out. Anyone who would like to be involved as a sponsor , in planning, or to volunteer their time should contact Gail Love by using the Contacts page to the left...

Monday, January 19, 2009 - Sometimes it's better late than never, but I really wanted to thank Robert Koneschusky of Clermont along with Autozone, A&W Rootbeer, Chick-fil-A, Lowes, and Wendy's all of Clermont who gave toys for the event. We know how much work goes into trying to coordinate such an effort and it was much appreciated. I know Robert is already planning for this year's event in how he can collect even more toys for the children...

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - Happy New Year to one and all! We finally returned from a nice trip out west to visit some family and have been busy ever since. I once again wanted to thank all of our sponsors and hope they will each return this year to once again put on an even bigger and better show. I've had many additional people tell me that they really enjoyed the show. Hopefully, with the help of some friends, we will start planning Jingle Bugs Rock II at the beginning of February. And talking about planning, we are looking for a few more individuals who can spend a little time each month helping in this effort. It would be really nice to see some of the local car clubs get involved.

And I wanted to take a just a moment to thank everyone for all the toys that were donated to Toys-for-Tots. I don't know the total collected this past year by the US Marine Corps, but I can tell you that they were really needed. The lines outside the distribution center were extremely long and there were many more families in need this past year than ever before. A special thanks to everyone who participated, especially those who brought car loads of toys instead of just one.

Thanks again to everyone. Please keep this site bookmarked on your computer and check it out occasionally for updates as the year progresses. See you in December...

Monday, December 15, 2008 - Well, the show was a big hit by what I could tell. We had over 160 cars show up from around the state and collected a stage full of toys along with around $700 cash raised for Toys-for-Tots. The Repeatles tribute band was really good and kept everyone entertained while they were checking out the cars, shopping, and eating at the many various stores and restaurants at Old Town. The staff at Old Town really went out of there way to help make it an enjoyable experience and there were a number of folks who came out just to volunteer. There were also a number of cars who really went all out to decorate their cars for the holidays and it appeared that everyone really enjoyed the cruise down the brick streets of Old Town. I was asked over and over again if we were going to do it again next year. Well, I can't see how we could say no. It was great...

A special thanks to all of our sponsors and the many people who helped make the show a success. Without you, it wouldn't have been possible. Make sure you check out the pictures and video by clicking here. And for those who may be interested in helping to make this show even bigger and better, please drop me a line...

Gail Love

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - Toys, Toys and more Toys

Don't forget that this event is completely for Charity, i.e., the US Marine Corps Toys-for-Tots, and every toy that you give will go to a truly needed family. Please, bring at least one new unwrapped toy and if you can, bring more. Every toy counts...

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - IMPORTANT NEWS

All participants are asked to be at Old Town no later than 3:00pm. We won't turn late entries away, but the individuals handling registration may be asked to do other tasks after 3:00. Bottom line, you can arrive as early as 1:00 and are asked to be at the show no later than 3:00. Of course, you can stay as late as you want...

Tuesday, December 09, 2008 - Well, I got a breather, so here goes. First of all, just a reminder that the first 150 cars get the Jingle Bugs Rock goodie bag with candy, the commemorative Jingle Bugs Rock Christmas ornament/key chain, and other misc. items. These are really cute and has a little something for everyone in the family.

We will be collecting the toys for the event and handing out registration numbers at the entrance to Old Town which will make you eligible for the Best Decorated Car contest and subsequent drawings. All cars must register regardless. You will also be receiving a flyer with a list of rules required to participate in all events at Old Town along with a list of prize give a-ways, and participating Old Town shops where you can find the best discounts. Of course, you can show any of the shops your proof of registration and they may extend discounts as well, but it will be on a case by case basis. Below are preliminary copies of the flyer for those who may want a quick peek.

And below, you will find a layout of Old Town showing all the great shops and restaurants. Old Town has really put a lot of time and money into making this a show we will remember. Lets make sure we show them our appreciation...

Monday, December 08, 2008 - Just a quick update (I'll post more sometime tomorrow), but I just got back from a coordination meeting at Old Town and it looks like everything is coming together nicely. While there, the Out Of This World Embroidery Shop made us an offer of 20% off on all store merchandise including any special orders for custom embroidery items. We've bought a lot of things from them in the past and love the quality. If you want something special, let them know. This offer is good for the day of show only, but will be on all items even those that will be picked up at a later date...

Saturday, December 06, 2008 - As with any show, there are certain rules that must be followed. Here's a copy of the normal rules that Old Town requests from all their cruisers with a few additional entry's just for our event.

1. Registration/entry to Jingle Bugs Rock is a minimum of one new unwrapped toy (or a cash donation of $10.00) per car to be donated to the US Marine Corps Toy’s for Tot’s program and is open to all VW owners. We encourage families to bring as many toys as possible.

2. You must register your vehicle between 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Sunday, December 14th, 2008 at the North entrance to Old Town. You must have a valid Drivers License, registration, tag, and proof of insurance.

3. No "flame-throwing" (you never know), "burning rubber" or "racing" of engines.

4. Automobiles with excessive fluid leaks are not allowed (Yes, I realize all good

v-dubs leak oil. Let's just not leave puddles on their brick streets...)

5. All Florida laws will be enforced, including open containers of alcoholic beverages inside a moving vehicle. If you must drink before the cruise, please do not drive in the cruise.

6. The cars will cruise down the streets of Old Town at 5:00 pm sharp. Cruisers are to follow the directions of those directing the cruise and should stay as close to one another as possible without creating a danger to the car in front of them.

7. All cars participating in the “Best Decorated Car” for the holiday event must be fully decorated no later than 3:00 pm so that the judges will have enough time to properly judge each car.

8. All prizes will be given out at the Main Stage immediately after the cruise.

9. By registering for the cruise you acknowledge that we maybe taping or photographing the cruise.

10. You also authorize us to use any video on TV or the publication of photos which might include your car and its passengers.

Monday, December 01, 2008 - Well, the wife is packing the gift bags which will be given to the first 150 cars to show up on the 14th. Once again, we will start letting the cars in starting at 1:00 and vendors at 12:30. Please make sure to enter on the North side next to the Ferris Wheel. You will have to have your hand stamped and pick up a registration number in order to be eligible for any prizes and/or discounts being offered. For instance, Old Town is offering unlimited rides on any of their 14 carnival rides for only $15 (Normally $25. Specialty rides like the golf cart track, laser tag, etc., are not included). A list of the rides and other discounts will be posted before the show.

And don't forget to bring a minimum of one new unwrapped toy (we encourage you to bring as many as you can) for the US Marine Corps. Remember, this event is totally to help those children who may not have a Christmas without us. The Marines will also be joining us along with the color guard who will be leading the cruise at 5:00. If you forget, we will ask that you pay a $10 fee when you enter, also to be donated 100% to the cause...

The judges have been selected for choosing the best decorated car for our contest. There will also be a second car selected as second place. The judges will be anonymous, but I can tell you they are experts when it comes to decorating for the holidays and they have no ties with anyone so it will be impartial. All I can tell you at this time is that they will be looking for that one unique car that someone has really put some time into making it special. I'm not giving out the total prize package yet, but it will be worth your while. Maybe next year we can have prizes for the top five...

Well, that's all for now. we will keep stuffing the bags and going through the last minute details. If you think of anything, please drop us a line...

Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - Once again, two weeks have come and gone. We are actually working on one of the Herbies trying to get it ready for the show with a brand new package of tricks. Hopefully we will be able to finish in time. As for the show, most of the pieces are in place. We will be stuffing the give away bags with candy and other goodies in the next week or so.

A special thanks to the Out Of This World Embroidery Shop which is located at Old Town for making us custom key chain ornaments that will be given away to the first 150 cars. Each piece of the ornament is cut by laser and then hand assembled to make almost any design you can think of. This is the same way they make all their custom automotive tags and of course they have a full line of high quality shirts, hats, etc., that can be embroidered with any design you may have. I would encourage you to check them out (see their link above) and to order that special gift for your friends or even yourself while you are there (you can also order on-line).

For anyone who may have a few spare minutes, we could use some help with check-in at the show and maybe help with the 50/50 tickets. I promise we won't keep you long and you will have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves. If you are interested in helping, please send me an e-mail...

Monday, November 10, 2008 - Where does the time go. It seems like only yesterday that I was updating the site. Anyway, just over a month to go. I hope everyone is getting excited. We continue to receive registrations (used for planning only) and I have talked to a lot of people who say they will be there. It should be a good turn out.

Things to remember:

1) The Seralago is still holding rooms at a great rate for those who may want to stay over night or over the weekend, see "Places to Stay". Don't miss out on this great offer. We will have to give up the block of rooms that were reserved before too much longer...

2) Don't forget to dress up your car for the holidays if you want a chance to win the mini-vacation package. This is the largest of the prizes to be given away and is worth $300 - $400. There are no rules, just whatever catches the judges eye. The judges will not be VW owners and will not be associated with anyone at the show so it should be fun...

3) We will be giving out a special little gift bag to the first 150 cars that show up at the entrance to Old Town. We will open it up at 1:00 for those who want to come a little early and get a good parking space (actually all the spots at Old Town are pretty nice but there are some that are closer to the entertainment, rides, etc.). Vendors and/or those with displays can start setting up at 12:30.

4) Don't forget to bring a minimum of one new unwrapped toy (we encourage you to bring as many as you can) for the US Marine Corps. Remember, this event is totally to help those children who may not have a Christmas without us. The Marines will also be joining us along with the color guard who will be leading the cruise at 5:00. If you forget, we will ask that you pay a $10 fee when you enter, also to be donated 100% to the cause...

5) We continue to pick up small give-away items for the event. We will be having random drawings and a 50/50 so come prepared. All money raised will be given to the US Marine Corps.

6) Vendors are allowed at the show. There will be no fee this year but you must not be selling anything that is sold in the shops of Old Town, i.e., competition is not allowed. If you plan on setting up a display and/or table/tent, please let us know before hand. We will check with Old Town to make sure there is no conflict.

Well, enough for now. Please contact us if you have any questions and/or comments on how we might make the show better.

Saturday, October 18, 2008 - Just got back from a great show up in Mississippi called Crusin-the-Coast where we saw some great looking V-dubs. It's a great show with over 4500 cars each year and is right on the coast which makes it a lot of fun. Anyway, we are still moving forward. There hasn't been much to report on over the last several weeks except that there has still been a number of people asking if there is some type of requirement as to the condition of your car (Old Town usually won't let in rust buckets, unfinished cars, etc.). The answer is NO! This is a VW function and we make the rules. Anything goes... However, it would be nice if your car would run so that you could participate in the cruise that will take place at 5:00.

I would also like to remind everyone that there will be a grand prize give-away for the best decorated car for the holidays. Remember, you don't have to decorate, but it could be worth your time. We're thinking of doing something a little different like what you have seen on the Planned Events video, but haven't decided yet whether to go ahead or not. Anyone else thinking of doing something similar?

And don't forget about the great rates at The Seralago Hotel & Suites, especially if you are from out of town. You could spend the weekend and I guarantee you will enjoy your stay...

Saturday, October 04, 2008 - A quick call for some help. We are going out of town next week and so far all my contacts for the Melbourne show have either run into problems and can't be there or they have not gotten back with me. In either case, we really need someone to pass out postcards at the show. If you are going or know someone who is, please have them contact me immediately and I will make sure they have the cards before we go...

Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I've updated the site so I thought I would take a few minutes to do so. Registrations continue to come in from around the state although we have had none from our northern friends up around Jacksonville/St. Augustine yet or the Melbourne area. If you haven't taken the time to register yet, please do. It will really help us to make sure we have adequate goodies for everyone. It's quick and simple, see our pre-registration page. The Melbourne show is coming up early next month and we need someone to help hand out cards (our one member who was going to do so has come up with a conflict). If anyone is interested and can help, please let me know.

Thursday, September 11, 2008 - I just thought I would take a few moments to give everyone an update on the "mini vacation" package that we will be giving away to the winner of the "best decorated car" for the holidays. So far we have a hotel room for the weekend, day passes for Gatorland, mini golf passes, all day ride passes at Old Town, dinner tickets to the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater and more to come. I haven't added the value of the package up yet, but it has to be worth over $400. Not bad for a quick weekend getaway or even to give to a friend or family member.

Now please understand, you don't have to participate in the contest if you don't want to. However, it's become a tradition of sorts that car owners like to dress their cars up for the holidays at Old Town. I really don't know what to suggest to those who are going to participate as far as what the criteria will be for winning. We've seen cars all lit up with Christmas lights, reefs, and other decorations that have really looked great. However, I put the short film clip on the "Planned Events" page of some really radical decorations used back in 1969. Our plan right now is to have a couple of local celebrities who have no ties to the show to come out and more or less simply select the car(s) they like best. That's right, no big deal judging, etc., just what catches their eye. This way, no one will know until it's done...

Of course we are going to try and have additional prizes for the close runner ups as well. It should be fun and everyone will come out a winner just knowing that they brought a smile to those who will be looking on.

Monday, September 08, 2008 - As you know, we have now mailed out numerous cards around the state and are already getting pre-registrations and questions. It appears that some individuals are concerned about Old Town's strict rules on having all cars within a certain year range and that they are finished, i.e., not under restoration. Well, Jingle Bugs Rock is the VW communities event and therefore we can do just about anything we want, very much like the Corvette, Mustang or any other custom show they have. Already, we have all years included and I believe all cars should be allowed such as rat rods, unfinished and even ole rust buckets. This is to be a show for everyone. It's meant to be fun...

Friday, August 29, 2008 - Old Town has now confirmed the Beatles band that will be playing for us and they are called The Repeatles. We don't know a lot about them as of yet, but Tracy over at Old Town says they should be great and as soon as I get more I will be sure to post it. A special thanks to Old Town for working with us so well and for all they have already done. Also, we have made a flyer up for those who may want to help us advertise the event. If you don't get postcards (we will be sending them out to those we contacted early next week) but would like to post the flyer in your local VW parts houses, etc., simply click here to download the pdf file. You should be able to print out a color copy and please, feel free to use it as you want.

Friday, August 22, 2008 - The postcards arrived today and they look great! Starting next week and then continuing over the next few months, we will be distributing them at the sponsors locations, local car shows, and also sending them out to the adjacent VW clubs around the state. Last Saturday night at Old Town, we confirmed that Santa will be joining us between the hours of 4-5 and we have already identified a red convertible for him to ride in in the cruise. It's going to be fun...

Friday, August 15, 2008 - Gatorland has now officially joined us as a sponsor and will be giving away passes to their park as part of our Mini Vacation Give-away. With this announcement, we have finalized our design for our advertisement and have ordered 5000 cards that will be distributed around the state. If anyone would like to receive some of these for distribution in your area, please use our contact page to let us kow.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - Received a call from Arabian Nights Dinner Theater today saying that they are behind us 100% and are donating 4 dinner tickets for the cause. The only other major sponsor right now is Gatorland and I'm so sure they are going to participate, I'm adding them to our Sponsor's page. With a confirmation from them, we will be going to print on some 5000 postcards to advertise the event state wide.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - We are proud to announce that Pirates Island and Pirates Cove Golf Adventures has joined us as sponsors and will be donating golf as part of our Mini Vacation Give-away.

Monday, July 28, 2008 - A good day for sponsors! We visited a number of locations this day to solicit more sponsors for the event. Two local VW parts houses, Triangle Auto Parts and K&K Foreign Car Parts, Inc., were really excited about the event and pledged their support. In addition, we visited GATORLAND of Kissimmee who also loved the idea and is now looking into providing free passes to the winner of the Best Decorated Car contest, which will be part of the Mini Vacation give-away. We also checked into several local mini golf courses and Kissimmee's Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre who also responded very positively. We will know more from them later this week.

* Note: This event is being sponsored locally by Old Town of Kissimmee, Fl, David Maus Volkswagen of Orlando, and others as noted on our Sponsors page This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen AG or Volkswagen of America, Inc. implied or otherwise.