2017 Spring Fling brings new energy to the Museum of Bus Transportation

By Dave Millhouser

More than 500 bus fans ranging from families with toddlers to grizzled industry veterans descended on Hershey, PA, June 2nd and 3^rd for the Museum of Bus Transportation’s “Spring Fling.”

With final numbers still being tallied, it’s clear that the attendance and participation far exceeded previous editions. Nearly 50 visiting buses, ranging from brand new demonstrators to antiques and motorhomes supplemented the museum’s fleet of 36 vehicles.

More than 100 people attended the Friday night reception. David Schmidt, the Museum’s new Board Chairman, thanked the enthusiastic group for coming, and gave Stan Holter the opportunity to showcase September’s upcoming Vintage Bus Rally in Evansville IN.

On Saturday, ranging from a 1908 Martz Lines White to modern MCI, Temsa, Van Hool, and Volvo demonstrator coaches, 109 years of industry innovation was on display. In addition there was a “Tug” donated by ABC Companies and a pickup truck provided by Lewis Bus Lines/Bus Sales.

Coaches were parked inside the facility, as well as all around the museum’s campus and at the George M. Sage Memorial Annex. More than 40 vendor tables at the flea market offered a wide assortment of bus memorabilia.

A GM “Buffalo” from Friends of NJ Transit Heritage won People’s Choice trophy, while Frank Gonzalez’s Star-Dust Tours took the long distance trophy, with a pristine MC5C that came all the way from California.

The fling ended with it’s first ever bus parade. The coaches circled the museum and were staged to provide photo and video opportunities for fans.

Warren Sheps, a retired industry executive, referred to the convoy of antique buses that came from New Jersey as a “traveling time warp,” a term even more appropriate for the parade.

Board Chairman David Schmidt, pointed out that, “Some of the growth is attributable to the museum’s rejuvenated website (www.busmuseum.org) and an energetic social media presence, but the real credit goes a huge effort by dedicated volunteers. The museum’s new leadership team is immensely proud and grateful for all their hard work.”

MCI and CoachUSA donated both people and equipment, to help to get the Annex ready.

Mark Szyperski, Marketing Chairman said, “I like to think of Spring Fling as a homecoming for everyone who loves the bus industry. Fling is a chance for them to be surrounded by the history and people who make it special. We think it was a resounding success, and we were delighted by the hundreds of folks who hung around to the end… apparently having so much fun that they were reluctant to leave.”

As in previous years, Wolf’s Bus Line provided shuttle service between the museum and the annex… but with a twist. Virtually every bus was filled, and they added extra runs to accommodate the larger crowd.

Terrapin Blue’s Ryan Kelly donated video, drone and photographic services.

Planning is already under way for next years fling, scheduled for June 1st and 2nd, 2018.