KANKAKEE, Ill. — More than a dozen school bus aficionadoes who met through the forums at SCHOOL BUS FLEET’s Website got a chance to meet in person at an Aug. 12 event hosted at the headquarters of Midwest Transit Equipment Inc., a school bus dealer for IC Corp., Collins Bus and Mid Bus.

Called the “SBF Forum Reunion,” the event was the brainchild of Midwest Transit’s John Keigher, Barry Huebner and Jim Bridgewater. The reunion allowed forum members to say hello, swap stories and showcase their customized buses while taking a gander at the array of used and new buses housed on Midwest Transit Equipment’s premises. Visitors came from nine states and Canada.

Bob Williamson traveled from Kingston, Mass., to attend the event, which he praised with high accolades. “Midwest Transit truly went out of its way to provide a top-notch event,” he said. “I enjoyed touring the dealership and checking out their extensive inventory of quality new and used buses. Midwest Transit was very accommodating to all. I hope a similar event will be planned in the future.” As a bonus, Williamson said, the folks at Midwest Transit repaired the electric door problem on his 2004 school bus at no charge.

A unique highlight of the event was that attendees were permitted to drive the used buses in Midwest’s fleet.

In addition, an informative instructional seminar providing tips of the trade was held at a local hotel. Prizes and food were supplied.