Even if you’ve simply lived next to someone who’s owned a Corvette for some time, you’ll likely have heard of an event called Corvette Funfest. That’s the name of a certain party that the folks at Mid America Motorworks throws once a year for all enthusiasts as a thank you for their support over the years.

Known for their high-quality entertainment, informative seminars and simply drawing in Corvettes from all over the nation, Corvette Funfest has been solidly scribbled onto the calendars of enthusiasts for decades. Enthusiasts drive for hours to take part in the festivities that are held on the Mid America Motorworks’ campus in Effingham, Illinois every September.

The event is the brainchild of Mid America’s “Chief Cheerleader” Mike Yager, and anyone that has attended a Funfest would have to agree that Mike knows how to throw a party! Each year, Corvette Funfest has grown in size and attendance alongside the business that allows it to happen. Mike’s impact on the Corvette hobby has been profound and wide-reaching, but it wasn’t always that way.

Starting out as a tool and die maker, Mike had a ’67 Sting Ray and a desire to start selling Corvette-branded accessories to feed the voracious appetites of loyal Corvette enthusiasts. He started out with a $500 loan in 1974 and began selling goods at various Corvette events and swap meets throughout the country. From there, and in about two-year’s time, Mike’s venture became a full-time job.

His enthusiasm and business savvy has carried him and his team of associates through multiple decades of growth, from selling goods out of the trunk of his car and a two-page catalog, to a world-wide network of customers and a vast catalog offering. His company was one of the main sponsors of the Corvette Challenge during the C4 era, and he has restored several historic cars, some of which are housed within his personal museum within the Mid America Motorworks campus.

This After Party is my way of saying Thank You for your support and for making this Induction a dream come true. – Mike Yager

This year, Mike was recognized for his contributions to the Corvette hobby by being inducted into the National Corvette Museum’s Hall of Fame, the highest honor it can bestow upon an individual. In return, the man who “knows how to throw a party” has invited all Corvette enthusiasts to join in on the celebration with him.

Funfest has grown to include live performances at each event and Mike has been known to join in with his friends and family.

“Being inducted into the 2018 Hall of Fame is not something I take lightly; this is the greatest achievement of my professional life,” said Mike Yager. “The Induction is only possible because of the support I have received from the Corvette community since the beginning of Mid America Motorworks, 45 years ago. This After Party is my way of saying Thank You for your support and for making this Induction a dream come true. The After Party will be open and free for all Corvette Enthusiasts to attend.”

The evening will kick off with the Induction Ceremony at Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, KY on Friday, August 31, 2018. Following the Induction Ceremony, at 9:00pm the After Party will commence in a separate banquet room at the Sloan Convention Center. Live music, food and a host bar of beer and wine will be available during the After Party, as well as a premium cash bar. The After Party will be free and open to all guests; guests are not required to attend the Induction Ceremony.

To RSVP to the Mike Yager Hall of Fame After Party, please visit the Mid America Motorworks Corvette Facebook page and mark yourself as “Going” on the event’s page.