Imagine 250 air-cooled Volkswagens taking over a beachside street in Imperial Beach, a Brazilian samba band moving through the crowd, rare VWs everywhere you look, and a community coming together to raise money for local causes. That's the 13th Annual Air-Cooled Fiesta en la Playa, and this episode of V-Parts Radio gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the event so special. Host Dave Stall sits down with Mario, longtime VW enthusiast and club organizer, along with John Harder, an 83-year-old Volkswagen owner with an incredible story of his own. John has owned his 1967 Volkswagen Beetle since December 30, 1967—more than five decades with the same car. In This Episode: 🚗 The 13th Annual Air-Cooled Fiesta en la Playa🌊 250+ Volkswagens taking over Imperial Beach🎶 Live Brazilian samba music and entertainment🏆 Rare, restored, and custom air-cooled VWs🔧 John's incredible 1967 Beetle restoration❤️ How the VW community supports local charities🎓 Fundraising for scholarships and community programs🤝 Why car clubs are about much more than the cars🚙 Rare Fridolins, Type 3s, Beetles, buses, and moreThe Air-Cooled Fiesta en la Playa happens September 20th from 9 AM to 2 PM on Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach. Admission for spectators is completely free, while vehicle registration is $35 on the day of the show. The first 150 registered vehicles even receive a commemorative event T-shirt. The city closes the street for the event, creating a Volkswagen takeover with show cars near the pier, off-road vehicles on the sand, vendors, music, food, and enthusiasts coming together from throughout Southern California and beyond. But there's a bigger purpose behind the fun. Mario explains that after covering the significant cost of producing the event, proceeds are donated back into the community, including support for the Cuyamaca College Scholarship Fund, San Diego healthcare organizations, and the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach. One Beetle — More Than 50 Years of Memories John's story may be the highlight of the episode. His 1967 Beetle eventually spent 17 years sitting beside his house deteriorating. After retiring, John decided it was finally time to bring the car back. Over roughly a year and a half, he completed about 95% of the restoration himself. The result? 🏆 18 show trophies—and counting. John's story perfectly captures what makes the air-cooled Volkswagen community different. These aren't always cars people buy, enjoy for a few years, and replace. They're vehicles that become part of families and sometimes stay with their owners for a lifetime. The cars may bring everyone together, but it's the friendships, stories, shared knowledge, community involvement, and generations of enthusiasts that keep people coming back. Whether you've owned air-cooled Volkswagens your entire life, you're restoring your first Beetle, or you simply appreciate great cars and the people behind them, this episode is worth the listen. Listen to the full episode of V-Parts Radio, then mark your calendar for September 20th and head to Imperial Beach for the 13th Annual Air-Cooled Fiesta en la Playa. YouTube: @MrDaveStall Website: DaveStall.com Vee Parts Radio 08/16/26
