Classic car enthusiasts will once again gather in Park Falls as the Northwoods Classics Car Club hosts its annual car show during Flambeau-Rama. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in the front parking lot of Chequamegon High School, 400 Ninth St. N. Spectator admission is free.
The annual show has become a regional favorite, regularly drawing more than 100 vehicles representing hundreds of car clubs and individual owners from across northern Wisconsin and surrounding areas.
Organizer Gregg Griesel, a member of the Northwoods Classics Car Club since 1997, said the event has continued to grow over the years thanks to the dedication of club members and strong community support.
“Every year the show gets bigger,” Griesel said. “We typically have more than 100 registered vehicles. The first 80 participants receive commemorative dash plaques, and we present more than 65 trophies across 23 classes, along with Best of Show, People’s Choice and Longest Distance Traveled awards.”
One feature that distinguishes the Northwoods Classics Car Show from many other late-summer events is its wide variety of competition classes. Vehicles are grouped by era and style, including original and customized cars, street rods, muscle cars, trucks and vans, convertibles, sport cars, motorcycles, rat rods, tuners and other special-interest vehicles.
Griesel credits much of the event’s continued success to club members, who spend the year promoting the show while attending other car events throughout the region. Members also participate in two monthly classic car cruises, stopping at Northwoods resorts, taverns and supper clubs where they meet fellow automotive enthusiasts and invite them to Park Falls.
Visitors can also enjoy food provided by local organizations, including the Fifield Lions Club, which serves favorites such as brisket, grilled sweet corn, smoked brats and refreshments.
To make getting around easier, the Northwoods Classics Car Club sponsors a complimentary shuttle service through BART during the event.
Griesel also acknowledged the local businesses whose sponsorships help keep the show running year after year, along with the volunteers whose work behind the scenes and on event day makes the gathering possible.
Beyond showcasing classic vehicles, the event provides an economic boost to the area. Many participants and spectators stay for the entire Flambeau-Rama weekend, supporting local motels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses.
According to Griesel, one of the most common compliments the club receives is about the welcoming atmosphere that keeps participants and visitors coming back each year.