Chamber to stage 46th annual car, truck show Saturday in downtown Eagle River

Gearheads, classic car enthusiasts, and Saturday cruisers should get ready for this Saturday’s 46th annual Eagle River Car and Truck Show, hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce.

The show rolls into downtown Eagle River Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vehicles expected to line the streets for a day of horsepower and fun.

Eagle River’s Car and Truck show has grown into one of the Northwoods’ premier late-summer traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to admire everything from pre-1950 classics to modern custom builds.

Whether it’s a meticulously restored hot rod, a rugged vintage pickup, or a modern showpiece, owners of unique and interesting vehicles are invited to register and put their pride and joy on display for the crowd.
“This is one of downtown Eagle River’s biggest days of the year,” said Dawn Giese, event coordinator for the chamber. “Owners get to show off vehicles they’ve poured years of work into, visitors get a free afternoon of great cars, food, and music, and our downtown businesses get a fantastic crowd. It’s a win for everyone.”

Vehicle owners can begin registering and parking their cars and trucks starting at 7 a.m. at the corner of Division and First streets, where chamber staff will check them in and direct them to their spot.

The show opens to the public at 9 a.m. and runs, rain or shine, until 3 p.m. Judging gets underway at 11 a.m., so vehicles registered by that time will be eligible for awards; later arrivals are still welcome to display but will be judged out of the running. The day wraps up with an awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Wall and First streets.

Beyond the vehicles, the show features live music, food and beverages, and a 50/50 raffle throughout the day. Visitors are also invited to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award, and can make an afternoon of it with a stroll through downtown Eagle River’s shops and restaurants.

Registration is $20 per vehicle, and advance registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee a spot, since the show is capped at 225 entries. Day-of registration will also be accepted on a space-available basis from 7 to 9 a.m. To register in advance, visit eagleriver.org and select “Car and Truck Show” under the Downtown Events section.

Each entry is judged in one of 14 categories: Pre-1950, 50s, 60s Original, 60s Modified, 70s Original, 70s Modified, 80s, 90s, 2000-2012, 2013 to Present, Custom Hot Rod, Truck Original, Truck Modified, and Vintage Unrestored Pre-1990. Trophies will be awarded for first and second place in every category, and every registered vehicle is automatically eligible for the two top honors of the day, Best of Show and the People’s Choice Award. Best of Show is selected by the judges, while the People’s Choice Award goes to whichever vehicle earns the most votes from the public.

For more information on this and other happenings, visit eagleriver.org or contact Geise at 715-479-6400 or events@eagleriver.org.