Yes, Doris got the bug to get up to Pumpkin Patch and see what's what at this major Door County festival. In fact, she found herself decorated with all kinds of nasty pumpkin bugs on the first day of Egg Harbor's Annual Pumpkin Patch Festival. She spent the two-day extravaganza at the Dovetail Gallery on the north end of the village.

Doris was hosted by Dovetail owners Kathleen Mand Beck and husband Tom Mand. Kathy is a renowned egg artist and Tom creates copper garden sprinklers designed by Kathy. The gallery also features art in various media from a diverse group of highly talented artists and artisans. Doris kind of looks like an egg of sorts, so she fit right in and felt right at home for the two-day stint. The best part of the weekend was all the visitors that stopped to see Doris and then visited the gallery. Doris was flattered that so many folks took pictures of her and even wanted their picture taken with Doris. How cool is that?

The display of which Doris was the central element called to mind the nostalgia that classic Volkswagens bring to people of many generations, as well as the human spirit of "getting the bug" to do something, perhaps something special. And going to Pumpkin Fest, like so many participants do each year, is certainly special. At the same time, Doris worked the double meaning of bug, i.e. both VWs and insects. Interestingly enough, in 1961, guys and gals like Doris where officially called VW Sedans. The moniker "Beetle" and "Bug" came as the car became endeared to its U.S. market as perhaps ugly and beautiful at the same time. Later, the Volkswagen company adopted the name "Beetle" for its charming little car. No matter, Doris is a simple California girl who is discovering Door County and you betcha, a girl just wants to have fun!

Visit the Dovetail Gallery at 7901 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor or online at www.dovetailgallery.com. You'll be very glad you did. And please tell Kathy or Tom that Doris sent you!