GATHERINGS, swap meets and camping trips used to fill up classic car owners' annual calendar, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced many people to postpone their plans.
After a two-year forced break, the classic Volkswagen (VW) clubs are finally back organising various activities.
The long line of Beetles, Kombis, Transporters and other classic VW models that assembled at Pantai Geting in Tumpat, Kelantan, recently was perhaps a manifestation of just how much classic car owners missed gathering with like-minded folks.
All were present for one reason; the Bekwoh 3.0. Its previous leg was held in March 2019 at the state's scenic Pantai Kandis in Bachok.
Held on June 11-13, organisers Kelab Volkswagen Klasik Kelantan and Tk Classique welcomed 421 vehicles to the event location, a mere 5km from the Thai border town of Tak Bai.
Main sponsor Agrobank's booth attracted a big crowd as a DJ set the mood for visitors.
Roars of engines settled as masked participants put up camps along the beach. Families held barbecues while car owners hunted for original parts and vintage accessories at the stalls. Official merchandise provider, Pitagorasta, offered a myriad of mementos beyond official T-shirts and stickers.
The beach race on Saturday became the highlight of the event. Beetles with racing kits braved the soft sand as skilled drivers plough their ride towards the finish line. Spectators enjoyed premium coffee and swayed to the music of the buskers while more games were held throughout the day.
At night, traditional shows including dikir barat entertained the audience. However the real "bekwoh" (Kelantanese dialect for "kenduri", or banquet) took place at noon the next day, where local delights were served to all the participants.
All in all, Bekwoh 3.0 certainly triumphed in reuniting VW owners from all over Malaysia as well as a handful of participants from Thailand. The success of this leg of the Bekwoh would likely be followed by more classic car events.
