Volkswagen enthusiasts gather at Bus by the Bridge
Written by Becky McSeddon
It’s all about people, friendships, and being outside. That’s the consensus of Vahlwergnugen residents who participated in this weekend’s bus ride along the bridge in Lake Havasu City.
Fahrvergnṻgen means the joy of driving in German, and VW Bus owners embody that.
this is 28th The annual Buses by the Bridge features Volkswagen buses that come from all over the country to camp at Lake Havasu State Park. This event continues until Sunday.
Lilia and Ben Narváez are a couple of bus enthusiasts joining us this weekend.
“I bought this bus from a student in Tempe in 2001. I’m from Phoenix and I’ve been coming here every year since then and have a great time,” Lilia Narvaez said.
Lilia and Ben Narváez pose for a photo next to the bus. Gillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
She said they have made several changes, including an improved engine and a new paint job, to name a few.
“My favorite part is definitely meeting new people and making friendships. We make great drinks in our little bar here,” she said.
One of Narvaez’s trips involved transporting a bus to Spokane, Washington.
“We drove them home along the coast, visited many spots on the beach and had a great time on the way back,” she said.
For Ben Narváez, it’s a memory. “That’s all there is to it,” he said.
Surprise Geralene Aston is at Bus by the Bridge in her VW Bus ‘Corndog’.
“February. In 10 days it will have been three years since I found her in a small town called Riddle, Oregon,” she said.
Geralyn Aston poses with a bus at Bus by the Bridge. Jillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
“I drove there and then I drove her back. It was 15 degrees and freezing inside. It was fun though.”
Aston said he primarily travels to shows and events around Arizona.
“I love meeting people and being outside. This is my first time going to Bus by the Bridge,” she said.
She travels with her buddy Joey. Joey is a stuffed monkey.
Geralene Aston poses with a stuffed monkey on a bus. Gillian Danielson/River Scene
“Joey keeps the bus moving. He keeps her in perfect running shape. When I met Joey, he was just a bust, so I shaped his body and he kept me in shape. Now I can go anywhere.”
Buses along the bridge run through the weekend and include live entertainment and children’s activities. There’s also a car parts vendor and the Lake Havasu High School Boosters Club, which sells hamburgers and other food.
The West Coast Bays Lantern Walk will be held at the Showmobile on Friday night at 6 p.m.
Visit busbythebridge.com for event schedule and admission information.
Jillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
Jillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
Jillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
Jillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
Gillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
Jillian Danielson/Riverscene Magazine
