Bar City Vans

Bar City Vans was formed over the winter of 1975-76 by Steve Kundy and Mike King with a little inspiration from Jeff Heser. The first meeting was held January 4th, 1976, with 14 initial members. Some of these original 14 are still very much involved with the club. Bar City Vans was one of the largest and most active van clubs in the area.

Bar City Vans was the sponsor of the annual Oktoberfest Truck-In. The first Truck-in was held at Pettibone Beach Park in 1976, Since then we have moved, First to POW Wow Campground in Galesville, WI, then to Lake Neshonic Campground in West Salem, WI and finally, in 1988 to the LaCrosse Interstate Fairgrounds in West Salem, WI. There was always plenty of space for camping, showers, and the Exhibition Hall with the bar, music (live bands & D Js), venders, food, and games.

The Oktoberfest Truck-In normally drew about 60 Vans and has drawn as many as 400. We like to get on the road to other events as much as we like to host them. Bar City Vans has been represented in events held in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Virginia, California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and New York. Participation included the 2003 Nationals where Dee Ashmore took Best of Show and Mike Stolpa took 1st Place Early Dodge at the Harrisburg, MI Nationals. Bar City Vans are active members of Wisconsin Van Council and Corn Belt Van Council.

Through the years Bar City Vans has actively supported the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, the United Way Campaigns, The La Crosse Boys and Girls Club, for Goodness Sake, Adopt a Highway cleanup, Rotary Lights of La Crosse, WI, and many other Charities. We get together for picnics, parties, bowling, and many other things.

Our members come from all occupations.
We have vanners who work in health care, childcare, customer service, engineers, laborers, and mechanics. Mel Domenget represented us in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, during Desert Storm. We are a strong, well-respected club that continues to promote Vanning and the friendship that goes with it. If you would like more information contact President Lizz Stickles 608-317-0725.