Event Recap: Waterfest 21
Congratulations to Waterfest! The largest VW and Audi enthusiast show in North America is now old enough to buy a beer. This year’s show was certainly another great event, in spite of some mixed and brutal weather, with a very full vendor field, and overflowing exhibition lots. Even more positive for us, there were clearly more Audis than we remember seeing in years past. While we didn’t actually count cars, we certainly came back with more photos than we have ever before.
To say it was hot this year would be a mild understatement. Waterfest is usually known for being hot, but this year seemed to be more extreme than usual. We’re not sure if the weather kept people away from the show, especially on Saturday which started out extremely wet, or if the extreme heat (we saw reports of 107 degrees on Sunday) was to blame, but it did seem slower than previous years. Perhaps it was just that our expectations were higher, but even the normal traffic on exiting the show at the end of the day simply wasn’t there (not that we are complaining, it can be a massive pain getting out of Waterfest in the afternoon). But the heat was unavoidable. One of the most popular booths was the one with the 3 water gun toting maniacs spraying anyone who got close enough.. and everyone got close enough. Also, you know it’s hot when people from Florida are complaining about the heat.
Nevertheless, those who came to Waterfest 21 were clearly enjoying the show to its fullest. As is always the case, the vendors seemed to be doing great business as we saw constant streams of folks with armloads of goodies walking around the vendor area. Out in the exhibition lots were huge gatherings of enthusiasts, who were seen hanging out under tents, near charcoal grills and coolers full of drinks.
One of our favorite Waterfest activities is the drag racing, and this year was no exception. While it did seem again that there weren’t as many cars circulating through the strip throughout the weekend, the cars that were running were great and fast. We saw some interesting Audis, mostly modified street cars such as an A3, A6, a variety of S4s, as well as at least one purpose built drag car. There was an old 4000 quattro, which was fun to watch speedboat its way down the hallowed strip. As is always the case, when a car lays down a really good time, the spectators erupt in cheers. It’s a great spectator event, and a great way to cheer on your friends who might happen to be participating in the drags.
It’s clear to us that even 21 years on, Waterfest still has what it takes to overcome insane NJ heat, and bring a lot of really nice Audis and VWs to the same place for a weekend.