When Volkswagen introduced their New Beetle (a freshly updated version of the classic model) in 1998, the advertisements claimed it to be "Reverse Engineered from UFO's." This week, several New Beetle caravans will begin cross-country treks from strategic points across the nation for the 5th annual "Roswell 2K Car Show Weekend," on June 18 - 20.

Roswell, the infamous site of an alleged, government-suppressed, UFO crash in 1947, will be host to an estimated crowd of more than 20,000 people, making it the biggest New Beetle event in the world. And conservative estimates put the number of Volkswagen New Beetles that will be displayed in the show at well over 500.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. will, for the first time, have an official presence this year as hosts of the evening "Sky Watch Party," Friday, June 18th where participants just might witness a UFO landing.

The 3-day event centers around the New Beetle car show on Saturday, June 19th at the Convention Center in downtown Roswell, followed by a New Beetle Parade down Roswell's historic Main Street. Dean Jones, from the original Disney "Love Bug" movies will serve as parade Grand Marshall. The Roswell Zoo will host an "Alien Picnic" event featuring an Alien Costume Contest, food, and games for the kids.

On Sunday, New Beetle owners will tour the International UFO Museum and then cruise to Carlsbad, NM for the "Buffalo Hump Rally." Later that night, the New Beetles will take in a flick at the local drive-in movie theatre.

Returning this year is Podvision, a rolling live webcam documenting the trek from Durham, NC to Roswell and then the event itself. You can begin monitoring their progress when Podvision begins realtime broadcasting on Tuesday morning, June 15th.

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