BRING BACK THE VANS
Vintage Decked-Out Van Competition
Got a vintage van you’re proud of? We’re hosting a small featured van competition at the Vintage in the Hudson Valley Festival. We’ll select 10 vans for Saturday and 10 for Sunday. Festival attendees will vote for their favorite van, and we’ll announce a winner each day.
Event Overview
Dates: July 11th & 12th, 2026
Sat: 10-6 | Sun: 10-4
Location: Ulster County Fairgrounds
249 Libertyville Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561
Got a vintage van with personality? We’re bringing back the magic — the decked-out interiors, the quirky details, the hand-painted stories, the “pull up and instantly make friends” energy.
We’re selecting 10 vans per day to be featured in our Bring Back the Vans Competition at the Vintage in the Hudson Valley Festival.
What This Is
This isn’t a huge car show — it’s a curated lineup inside the festival. Think relaxed showcase, fun crowd interaction, and a little friendly competition.
We’re looking for vans with personality — vintage campers, VW buses, retro conversion vans, or anything nostalgic and unique.
How It Works
Apply for your preferred day
Choose Saturday or Sunday. Only 10 vans per day will be selected.
Show up + get parked
You’ll have a designated display spot inside the festival grounds.
Attendees vote
Festival guests vote for their favorite van during the day.
Winner announced same day
Votes close mid-afternoon and we announce the winner shortly after.
Schedule
Saturday Vans
Load-in: 8:00–9:30 AM
Festival opens: 10:00 AM
Voting ends: 2:00 PM
Winner announced: around 3:00 PM
Sunday Vans
Load-in: 8:00–9:30 AM
Festival opens: 10:00 AM
Voting ends: 2:00 PM
Winner announced: around 3:00 PM
People’s Choice Winner Gets
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Trophy
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Sponsor swag bag (under $500 total value)
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Festival t-shirt
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Free van showcase spot for 2027
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Bragging rights
Entry Fee (If Selected)
There will be a small entry fee if you’re selected. This helps cover setup, signage, staffing, and the reserved display area.
Entry fee: $50 per van / per day
If you’re accepted, we’ll email you a private payment link with details. You’ll have 7 days to submit payment to hold your spot. If payment isn’t received within that window, we may offer the space to someone on the waitlist.
Typically includes:
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Reserved display space
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Participation in People’s Choice voting
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Optional driver admission
What You Get
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Reserved van display space
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Simple info sign with your van details
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Option to include your Instagram handle
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Social media feature from us
What We’re Looking For
We’re welcoming all vintage and retro vans. That includes:
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VW buses and campers
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Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and GMC vintage vans
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Conversion vans from the 70s–90s
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Retro campers and work vans
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Anything classic, nostalgic, or unique
If it’s got personality and vintage character, we want to see it.
Apply to Be Included
We’ll pick 10 vans per day. Please upload clear photos — that helps a lot.
FAQ's
Is this a competition or just a showcase?
This is primarily a vintage van showcase with one simple People’s Choice award each day. There are no judges or complicated scoring. Festival attendees will vote for their favorite van.
What does the winner get?
Each day’s People’s Choice winner will receive a trophy, a sponsor swag bag with a total value under $500, a festival t-shirt, a complimentary van showcase spot for the 2027 festival, and of course bragging rights. The winner will be announced around 3:00 PM each day.
How will attendees vote?
Attendees will vote by scanning a QR code displayed near the vans and throughout the festival. They can scan it with their phone, select their favorite van, and submit their vote quickly. No app is required. Voting will typically run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the winner announced around 3:00 PM. We will handle all voting setup.
When do I load in?
Load-in will generally be between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM. Exact instructions will be emailed to selected participants before the event so you have time to park and get settled before the festival opens.
Do I have to stay all day?
Yes. Vans should remain parked until after the winner announcement, which is usually around 3:00 PM. If an emergency comes up, please speak with festival staff before leaving.
When can I leave?
Breakdown typically begins shortly after the winner announcement, usually between about 3:15 PM and 4:00 PM depending on crowd flow and safety conditions. Final exit instructions will be provided at the event.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. If you are selected, there will be a small entry fee ($50) to help cover logistics, staffing, signage, and the reserved display space. You will receive a private payment link by email along with payment instructions. Payment must be completed within 7 days to secure your spot.
Is the entry fee refundable?
Entry fees are generally non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizers.
What vans are welcome?
All vintage vans are welcome. This includes VW buses, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and GMC vans, conversion vans from the 1970s through 1990s, camper vans, retro work vans, or anything with vintage character.
Can I sell items from my van?
This showcase is primarily for display. If you would like to sell items, please mention that in your application because you may need a separate vendor space.
Do I need insurance?
If your van is drivable, it should have normal vehicle insurance. Participants are responsible for their own vehicles, property, and belongings during the event.
What happens if it rains?
The festival runs rain or shine.
Will there be security?
Festival staff and security will be present, but this is a public event environment. You are responsible for your vehicle, contents, and personal belongings.
Will photos or videos be taken?
Yes. Photos and videos may be taken during the event and used for festival marketing, social media, or future promotion unless you specifically request otherwise in writing before the event.
How are vans selected?
We curate the lineup to create a good mix of styles, eras, and looks. Not all applicants will be selected.
When will I know if I’m selected?
Selected applicants will receive an email with acceptance details, payment instructions, load-in information, and event updates. Applications are reviewed in batches, so please allow some time.
What happens after I’m accepted?
Once accepted, you will receive an email with a private payment link, arrival instructions, display details, and event reminders. Payment within 7 days confirms your spot.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can reply to your confirmation email or contact us directly at vintageinthevalleyteam@gmail.com