By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – Classic cars, trucks and other vehicles will take over Lower Joe Sheldon Park Sunday, September 13, for the fifth annual Humboldt Show & Shine.
The event, presented by the Humboldt County Fair and Mojo Productions, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free for both spectators and those entering vehicles.
Organizer Ross Newton says the event has steadily grown since its beginning.
“We had 137 registered and there’s some that didn’t register, so we had a pretty good show last year. I think last year the year before we had like 115 or something like that. So it really came up.”
Newton says the show will include a wide variety of vehicles. Cars and trucks will generally be parked as they arrive, while motorcycles and other specialty vehicles will have designated areas.
The show will feature approximately 15 award categories, including favorite Ford car, favorite Ford truck, discontinued vehicles, rat rods, restomods and favorite European car.
Instead of traditional trophies, winners will receive banners that can be displayed in a garage or other space.
“We have like 15 that we’re giving away this year and a trophy can sit on a shelf and those are cool, don’t get me wrong, but you have a banner if you win, which you can hang that in your garage.”
The event is open to more than just serious collectors. Newton says the goal is simply to give people a chance to enjoy the vehicles and talk with other enthusiasts.
“We just love just seeing all the cars get there and just be able to walk around, see everything. That’s the fun for us.”
The Show & Shine will also include activities and vendors for families. A bounce house will be available for children, while food and drink options will include Smokin’ Joe’s Barbecue, Hy-Vee, Lucky Wife Wine Slushies and a lemonade trailer.
Mojo Productions will provide music and emcee duties from the stage.
There is no admission fee for spectators and no entry fee to display a vehicle. Participants can register when they arrive and receive a dash plaque and information for their vehicle.
Newton says the event is intentionally designed to be relaxed and accessible.
“We’re trying to make this just as easy going, just make it a fun day for everybody. Just trying to make it inexpensive and just fun.”
The event also offers an opportunity for younger generations to learn about older vehicles and the work that goes into maintaining them.
“I encourage, you know, younger generations to come out and take a look at it because I mean it just because they’re old doesn’t mean that they’re out.”