Photo from Bob Keays (Facebook).
A Saint John man had no idea that parking his 1973 Volkswagen Beetle outside a west side business several years ago would create a holiday tradition.
Bob Keays purchased the Beetle 10 years ago while on his way to St. Stephen for a business meeting.
“At the time, I had a 2012 Beetle, which was the same colour, and because it was the same colour, I bought the 1973 Beetle,” said Keays.
Keays had planned to drive the car in the west Saint John Christmas parade until he had to referee a hockey game that day.
However, after a phone call to Lancaster Barber Shop owner Blaine Harris, who helped organize the parade, the turquoise Beetle turned into a social media star.
“I said, ‘look I’m so sorry I can’t be in the parade, however, I’m just going to park the car in front of your shop and leave it for the day,’ and that’s how it kind of became the ambassador for the city,” said Keays.
“People love the photo with the barbershop, and people stopped by to take photos with it.”
The Beetle is even helping the region’s tourism industry as it was featured in an Envision Saint John video where local musicians Tomato/Tomato drive it across the city.
There’s so much to discover in Saint John and the Towns by the Bay! Where have you enjoyed exploring this summer? What's still on your #SJTownBytheBay bucket list?🌅 pic.twitter.com/cth8gIpvRi
— Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency (@EnvisionGSJ) August 25, 2021
“We just went to different landmarks when they were filming to promote the area … it was an amazing two fun days, and Tomato/Tomato are just great musicians,” mentioned Keays.
Every November, the Volkswagen Beetle returns to the barbershop so people can admire and take photos with it.
It will appear with a Christmas tree on the top of the roof.
“I usually put the tree on for special occasions … and I will be putting the tree back on the car on Saturday.”
The turquoise Beetle will be in front of Lancaster Barber Shop on Saturday, Nov. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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