The City of Pasadena, CA is home to the Rose Parade, a New Year’s Day celebration of flowers and pageantry more than a century old. The City of Roses is also home to a parade of classic automobiles celebrating the heritage of the Volkswagen car company. This procession is a weekly occurrence, organized by the Stadt Der Rosen Volkswagen Klub (SDR), founded in the city six years ago. Stadt Der Rosen (German for City of Roses) was established on the first Friday of July in 2009 by VW enthusiasts Elias M., Jeffery F. and James E. at The Original Tommy’s Burger, 170 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106. In sticking with that tradition, the club meets there every Friday night at 7 p.m., where they kick off their cruise of Old Town Pasadena. In addition to their weekly cruise, the members get together for their Tech-Day, which is the brainchild of members Finn, Corey and Larry, where one or two times a month they dedicate a full day to repairing or fixing up members VW’s. They are very fortunate to have a member who’s business, even though it’s not a car shop, has a huge space and is equipped with all the tools they could possibly need to accomplish their tasks. Any classic car owner, VW or not, can appreciate what a benefit this is!

SDR’s 24 members enjoy spending time with their friends in other Volkswagen clubs by attending cruises, all major VW events, and they have traveled to Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, San Diego, Sacramento and Solvang to represent their club and to spread their enthusiasm for the classic VW hobby. Stadt Der Rosen is also known in the community for hosting the biggest VW holiday charity fundraising event every December called the VW Christmas Jam, which benefits the Elizabeth House, whose mission for the last 20 years has been to provide shelter, hope and support to homeless pregnant women and their children. They invite all to participate and support their cause.

To keep up with the club and their happenings, please visit them on Facebook and Instagram, and stop by and say hello to them at the April 19, 2015 Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show, where they will be hanging out on the Main Aisle of the VW Car Corral as our Featured Car Club. Stadt Der Rosen Volkswagen Klub is always looking for new members who share their values and are willing to help the club reach its goals as a unit. They’re a busy club that will help keep you and your VW running.