By John Gunnell
Car enthusiasts starved for car show excitement after a long, cold winter really enjoy the Clintonville Car Show. The north central Wisconsin city is the “Birthplace of Four Wheel Drive” and home of FWD-Seagrave Museum. Naturally, there are lots of car hobbyists in the area and the Friday evening show is very popular with them.
A several-blocks-long section of the downtown streets is cleared for a time so the show cars and trucks can be displayed. Local eateries, taverns and merchants welcome the swarm of customers in the business district and car enthusiasts love getting their first peek at other hobbyist’s over-the-winter projects that are being shown for the first time.
Being a “truck town” (the high school football team is “The Truckers”), Clintonville attracts a lot of nice trucks and Jeeps. One seen in the past was a beautiful two-tone 1972 Ford F250 Ranger XLT Camper Special. For the Jeep fans, a bronze-colored 1981 Jeep CJ-8 with the Scrambler package, a hardtop and a roll bar made a hit at a past show. At a typical Clintonville Cruise you’ll see a mixture of collector cars from Model A Ford coupes and closed-cab pickups to a bright red-and-white 1956 Ford Crown Victoria to a two-tone red ’33 Buick Series 60 hot rod sedan. This show always provides a good opportunity to meet with friends and see some nice collector vehicles.
Before traveling to an event check with promoters for latest COVID guidelines
CAR SHOWS and EVENTS MAY 2023 and LATER
May-September. Janesville, Wis. Museum exhibit about GM vehicles built at the Chevrolet/GMC Janesville Assembly Plant. Rock County Historical Museum and Campus, 440 N. Jackson St. Call RCHS at 1-608-756-4509 or visit www.rchs.us.
May 5-6, 2023. Wautoma, Wis. Yoder Auction. Sale location:N2494 Yoder Lane.Consignment auction. Begins noon Friday for signs; Begins 9 am Saturday for memorabilia and cars. Full details or bid online at www.yodersold.com. Or call W. Yoder Auction, LLC at (office) 1-920-787-5549 or (cell) 1-920-295-2644.
May 6, 2023. Freedom, Wis. Freedom High School Car Show. N4021 Highway E. 9 am-2 pm. Email: jabitz@freedomschools.k12.wi.us or jayabitz@yahoo.com.
May 6, 2023. American Antiques Car Show. 2545 W. Mason St. 10 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-498-0111.
May 7, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Northwest Technical College Car Show. 2740 West Mason St. 8 am-4 pm. Ph: 1-920-498-5444.
May 7, 2023. St. Paul, Minn. 36th Annual Gopher State Chapter Buick Club of America Spring Extravaganza Car Show and Swap Meet. Minnesota State Fairgrounds (Machinery Hill and Northeast Parking Lot). 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-615-770-8096. Website: www.gopherstatebuick.org.
May 13, 2023. Appleton, Wis. Fox Valley Technical College Car Show. 1825 North Bluemound. 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-735-5600.
May 18-19, 2023. Wisconsin Dells, Wis. St. Jude Corvette Drive. Chula Vista resort. Charity road tour event. Barb and Ed Saari. PH: 1-309-530-9235. EM: edsandbarb@gmail.com. Web: www.CorvetteAdventures.com.
May 19, 2023. Shawano, Wis. Shawano High School Car Show. 220 County Road B. 9 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-715-526-2175.
May 19, 2023. Clintonville, Wis. Spring Cruise n Car Show. Downtown Clintonville on Main St. 5 pm-9 pm. Contact: Clintonville Chamber of Commerce, 1 South Main St. Ph: 1-715-823-4606.
May 19-20, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. Sportscar Vintage Racing Assoc. (SVRA) Vintage Festival Weekend. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
May 20-21, 2023. Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 37th Annual Automotion Car Show. Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, 1881 Dells Pkwy. (Sat.) 7 am-5 pm; (Sun.) 7 am-3 pm. Free admission. Wisconsin Dells Visitors and Convention Bureau. Ph: 1-800-223-3557. Website: www.wisdells.com.
May 20, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Corvettes & Coffee/Festa Italiano/Club Mash Up. For info contact:The Automobile Gallery, 400 South Adams Street. Ph: 1-920-437-9024. Website: www.theautomobilegallery.org.
May 20, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. VFW Winiecki Post Car Show. Josten Park, 2280 Town Hall Road. 9 am-3 pm.
May 20, 2023. Hillsboro, Wis. Crossmember Car Club Wisconsin Hot Rod Hundred. Hillsboro Drag-Away. Ph: 1-920-222-2615. Email: 322nell@gmail.com. Website: www.hotrodhundred.com.
May 21, 2023. Cudahy, Wis. Wisconsin Early Mustangers 41st Annual All Ford Car Show-Celebrating 75 Years of F Series Trucks. Venus Ford, 2727 Layton Ave. 8am-3pm rain or shine. Ph: 1-414-331-4946. Email: Don@DJShultz.net. Website: www.wemustangers.com.
May 27, 2023. Humbird, Wis. North Branch Rod & Gun Club 4th Annual Car Show. 9 am-3 pm. 1-715-299-1527.
May 28, 2023. Oconto Falls, Wis. Oconto Falls Show & Shine Car and Truck Show. Memorial Field. 9 am-3 pm. Ph: (Mike) 1-920-604-0848.
June 2, 2023, Bear Creek, Wis. Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department Car Show. 109 Prospect St. Ph: 1-715-752-4507.
June 2-4, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. MotoAmerica Superbikes & Vintage MotoFest. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
June 4, 2023. 52nd Annual Trip Around the Lake. The Fond De Vettes, LTD Corvette Club will gather any and all Corvettes for this annual trip. Location: The former Forest Mall parking lot, 835 W Johnson St., Fond du Lac, Wis. Registration: 7 am-8:45 am with the first group leaving at 9 am. Free, but food donations will be accepted at registration for the local food pantry. Party: Ride concludes at Holiday Automotive with food, beverages and music. For information email: info@fonddevettes.com.
June 4, 2023. Union Grove, Wis. Lions Club’s 43rd Annual Car, Van & Motorcycle Show. Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave. 10:30 am-3:30 pm. Ph: Tom Spiering 1-262-492-1160.
June 3, 2023. Brussels, Wis. Second Annual Car and Motor Show. Town Park. 1366 Junction Rd. 9 am-3 pm. Sponsored by BUG Fire Dept. Ph: 1-920-825-1465. Website: www.bugfiredepartment.com
June 4, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Watches Whiskey Wheels Cruise-In. 2071 Central Dr. 11 am-3 pm. Website: www.diamondsandgoldgb.com
June 7, 2023. Union Grove, Wis. Six Week Drags. Great Lakes DragAway. Ph: 1-262-302-2138.
June 8-10, 2023. Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Corvette Adventures Road Tour. Includes the popular No. 8 Lambeau Field Stadium tour and three days of touring to other fun destinations and scenic roads. Thursday night Meet N’ Greet at the beach and Hot Laps at the Dells Raceway Park. Barb and Ed Saari. PH: 1-309-530-9235. EM: edsandbarb@gmail.com. Web: www.CorvetteAdventures.com.
June 10, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Dairyland Chapter Buick Club of America Regional Car Show. Tundra Lodge. Ph: 1-920-336-5984. Email Erv Hutjens at erv.hutjens@gmail.com
June 10, 2023. Kaukauna, Wis. Ghost Rods Vintage Drags, Car Show and Swap Meet. 9 am-5pm. Wisconsin International Raceway at W1460 County Road KK. Ph: 1-920-766-5577.
June 11, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. AllouezFest Car Show. Green Isle Park. 10 am-3 pm. Email: allouezoptimistclub@gmail.com.
June 11, 2023. Seymour, Wis. (Outagamie County). Brunch on the Farm Car Show. Vande Hei Dairy Farm, N8370 County Rd. Y. Tickets online through Venmo.
June 15-18, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. Sonsio Grand Prix Presented by AMR. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
June 17, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. The Automobile Gallery Car Show. 400 South Adams Street. 8 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-437-9024. Website: www.theautomobilegallery.org.
June 18, 2023. Janesville, Wis. Rock County Historical Society Second Annual Vintage Car Show. Including General Motors vehicles built at the Chevrolet/GMC Janesville Assembly Plant. 2 p.m. RCHS Museum and Campus, 440 N. Jackson St. For information call Rock County Historical Society at 1-608-756-4509 or visit www.rchs.us. Or contact Terri Holznecht. Ph: 1-608-338-9263. EM: tdholz@charter.net.
June 18, 2023. Sussex, Wis. 42nd Annual British Car Field Day. Sussex Village Park. 10 am-2 pm. Ph: (John) 1-262-521-1072 or (Bernie) 1-414-687-8447. Email: BritishCarFieldDay@gmail.com. Website: www.britishcarfieldday.org.
June 18, 2023. Kewaunee, Wis. Waterfront Bar Car Show. 215 North Main St. 7 am-3-pm. Ph: 1-920-388-0505. Website: www.waterfrontbarandgrill.org.
June 18, 2023. Wautoma, Wis. Masonic Father’s Day Car Show. Bird Creek Park 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-295-9435.
June 23-25, 2023. Hartford, Wis. Kissel Meet 2023. Wisconsin Automotive Museum, 147 N. Rural St. Kissel vehicle owners, family and friends are cordially invited to celebrate the vehicles, people and history of the Kissel Motor Car Co. Kissel Meet 2023 will feature a driving tour and a display of vehicles. For information visit the Kissel Kar Club Website (www.kisselkar.net). Contact Lynn Kissel, editor. Email: editor@kisselkkar.net. Ph: 1-925-667-7087. Or contact: Wisconsin Automotive Museum: Dawn Bondhus, executive director. Ph: 1-262-673-7999. Email: info@wisconsinautomuseum.com). Or visit the Wisconsin Automotive Museum Website at www.wisconsinautomuseum.com,
June 23-25, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. WeatherTech Chicgo Region SCCA June Sprints. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
June 25, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Nativity Parish Picnic & Car Show. 2270 South Oneida. 10 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-499-5156.
June 23-24, 2023. Two Rivers, Wis. Cool City Friday Cruise (4 pm-6 pm) & Cool City Saturday Downtown Car Show (7 am-3-pm). 712 Washington St. Website: www.tworiversmainstreet.com.
June 23-25, 2023. St. Paul, Minn. Minnesota Street Rod Assoc. Back to the ‘50s. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Visit: www.msra.com or www.msrabacktothe50s.com.
June 24, 2023. Pound, Wis. City of Pound Car Show. Highway CP (Main Street. 8 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-737-9794. Email: poundcarshow@gmail.com.
June 24, 2023. Caladonia, Minn. Yoder Auction. Sale location:203 S. History Lane. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday previews. Sale begins at 9 am CST on June 24. Full details or bid online at www.yodersold.com. Or call W. Yoder Auction, LLC at (office) 1-920-787-5549 or (cell) 1-920-295-2644.
June 25, 2023. Chilton, Wis. Calumet County VFW Car Show. Hobart Park. 9 am-3 pm. Ph: Dan DeTroye 1-920-286-1942.
June 25, 2023. Waupun, Wis. Waupun Fest Car Show. Harris Mill Park. 8 am-4 pm. Ph: 1-920-324-2213.
June 27-29, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. NASCAR Xfinity Series. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
July 1, 2023. Newton, Wis. Stars & Stripes Cycle & Car Show. 6103 Newton Rd. 8 am-4 pm.
July 4, 2023. Antigo, Wis. Tony’s Hot Rod Shop Car Show, Parade and Fireworks. W10532 County Road Y. Noon-10 pm. Ph: 1-715-627-0261. Website: www.tonyshotrodshopwi.com.
July 6-8, 2023. Iola, Wis. Iola Old Car Show. Iola Car Show Complex, 700 E. State St. Iola, Wis. PH: 1-715-445-4000. WEB: www.iolaoldcarshow.com.
July 6-8, 2023. Iola, Wis. Wisconsin Society of Automotive Historians Meeting. Iola Old Car Show grounds, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI. Meet writers and historians and help register 2023 Iola theme cars. Join WSAH, too. Contact: President: Ken Nimocks (KNIMOCKS@netnet.net). Websites: (Wisconsin) www.wiscosin-auto-historians.org.
July 7-9, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. Trans Am Speed Tour. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
July 9, 2023. Ashwaubenon Bowling Lanes Pins & Rims Car Show. 2929 Allied St., Green Bay, WI. 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-336-0400.
July 13-16, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman. Vintage Racing Weekend. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
July 15, 2023. Suamico, Wis. Purple Rumble Car Show. Chambers Hill Bar & Grill, 12350 Velp Ave. Car show registration: 9 am– 1 am. $10 donation. Ph: 1-920-434-1008. Website: www.chambershillbargrillwebstarts.com.
July 15, 2023. Bellevue, Wis. Desert Vets Car Show. Community Church. 1742 Servant Way. 9 am-4 pm. Ph: 1-920-330-0404. Email: info@dvow.org
July 15, 2023. Marinette, Wis. PorterfieldFest Car Show. At The Green’s Green Acres, N4247 River Drive. (Six miles west of Marinette). 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-715-789-2130.
July 16, 2023. Appleton, Wis. Appleton Old Car Show & Swap Meet. Pierce Park. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PH: 1-920-779-6341. WEB: www.appletonoldcarshow.com.
July 16, 2023. Green Bay, WI. St. Bernard Parish Car Show. 2040 Hillside Lane. 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-468-4811.
July 22. Appleton, Wis. Sixth Annual All Oldsmobile Car Show. American Legion Post 38, 3220 West College Ave. Contact: Dave Kozlowski. Ph: 1-920-277-1475. Email: olds442koz@hotmail.com.
July 22, 2023. Pestigo, Wis. Zion Churb Car Show. 221 South Ellis Ave. 9 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-715-582-3680.
July 29, 2023. Lena, Wis. Rusty Nutz Car Show. Ray’s Boneyard Bar, Highway 141 at Sunny Brook Road. 9 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-715-582-3680.
July 30, 2023. Brillion, WI. Green Bay Classics Car Show. W1215 Center Rd. 8 am-2 pm. Email: Jordan@ClassicsGB.com. Website: www.greenbayclassics.com.
July 30, 2023. Fond du Lac, Wis. Cars on the Island Car Show. Lakeside Park. 8 am-3pm.
Aug. 2-6, 2023. Crystal Lake, Ill. DeLorean Convention & DeLorean Midwest Open House. 990 Lutter Dr. Ph: 1-815-459-6439. Email: rich@delorean2.com.zz
Aug. 3-6, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. IMSA SportsCar Weekend. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
Aug. 5, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Gandrud Auto Car Show. 919 Auto Plaza Drive, No. 3792. 8 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-468-5800.
Aug. 11-12, Waupun, Wis. Waupun Truck-n-Show. Honoring truckers.Come and see hundreds of beautifully detailed trucks and big rigs from all over the United States and Canada! Ph: 1-920-324-9985. Email: waupuntruckshow@gmail.com
Aug. 17, 2023. Menaha, Wis. 12th Annual The Twisted Pistons Cruise-In. Reed Square Downtown. 3 pm-7 pm. Twisted Pistons, PO Box 153, Menasha, WI
Aug. 18-20, 2023. Elkhart Lake, Wis. GT World Challenge. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
Aug. 26, 2023. Wautoma, Wis. Yoder Auction. Sale location:N2494 Yoder Lane.Consignment auction. Begins noon Friday for signs; Begins 9 am for memorabilia and 11 am for cars. Full details or bid online at www.yodersold.com. Or call W. Yoder Auction, LLC at (office) 1-920-787-5549 or (cell) 1-920-295-2644.
Aug. 27, 2023. Milwaukee, Wis. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race. At the Milwaukee Mile. 640 s. 84th St. (West Allis). Ph: 1-414-266-7000.
Aug. 27, 2023. De Pere, Wis. Shriners Brown County Fairgrounds Car Show. The Shriners Car Show is a charity event to keep local Shriners in the business of helping children with life-changing illnesses or injuries survive and thrive. 8 am-2 pm. Contact: Mike Belanger at 1-920-883-9554. Website: www.facebook.com/Shrinerscarshow1.
Aug. 27, 2023. Green Bay, Wis. Pomp’s Tire Car, Truck & Cycle Show. 1129 Main St. 9 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-431-7694.
Aug. 27, 2023. Milwaukee, Wis. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Race. At the Milwaukee Mile. 640 S. 84th St., West Allis, Wis. Ph: 1-414-266-7000.
Sept. 8-10, 2023. Wisconsin Dells. Corvette Adventures. Cloverleaf road tours from the Chula Vista resort. Barb and Ed Saari. PH: 1-309-530-9235. EM: edsandbarb@gmail.com. Web: www.CorvetteAdventures.com.
Sept. 9, 2023. Omro, Wis. 39th Annual Badger State Chapter Pontiac-Oakland Club International All Pontiac-Oakland-GMC Car Show. Scott Park, 515 E. Main St. Registration: 8 am-noon. Car show: 10 am-2 pm. Call Dick Boneske at 1-920-450-1040 (BoCooGTO@cgmail.com); Derrick Nottenstine at 1-920-284-6958 (VarsityGLFR@gmail.com) or Todd Zimmermann at 1-920-889-0895 (TAZimmy@aol.com.
Sept. 9, 2023. Crivitz, Wis. Gateway Bar Veterans Car and Bike Show. 706 N. Highway 141. 8 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-715-854-7943.
Sept. 12-16. Manitowoc, Wis. 59th Annual Studebaker Driver’s Club International Meet. Manitowoc County Fairgrounds. Hosted by Wisconsin Region. Website: www.sdcmeet.com. Contact: Cornerstone Registration Ltd., PO Box 1715, Maple Grove, MN 55311-6715. Email: reg@cornerstonereg.com. Vendor contact: Dick Pollen 1-920-973-6081. Email: the pollens@gmail.com
Sept. 15-17, 2023. Ariens Art on Wheels Vintage Weekend. Vintage Sports Car Driver Assoc. vintage sports car racing. Road America, N7390 Highway 67, Plymouth, Wis. 8.00 am-5 pm. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamerica.com.
Sept. 16, 2023. Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Harvest Fest Car Show. Martin Park, 207 South Third Ave. (Downtown area.) 8 am-4 pm. Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center. Ph: 1-920-743-6246.
Sept. 16, 2023. Oconto Fly-In Car Show. 2983 Airport Rd. 9 am-4 pm. Info: 1-920-373-6948 or 1-920-834-3154.
Sept. 17, 2023. Marion, Wis. St. Mary’s Church Car Show. Highway 45. 8 am-2:30 pm. Ph: 1-715-754-2028 or 1-715-754-5083 or 1-715-250-0702.
Sept. 22-24, 2023. Jefferson, Wis. 46th Annual Fall Jefferson Auto Swap Meet and Car Show (Featuring Chevrolets). Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 503 N. Jackson St. Madison Classics PH: 1-608-244-8416. WEB: www.madisonclassics.com.
Sept. 22-24, 2023. Wisconsin Dells. Muscle Car Adventures. Cloverleaf road tours from the Chula Vista resort. Barb and Ed Saari. PH: 1-309-530-9235. EM: edsandbarb@gmail.com. Web: www.CorvetteAdventures.com.
Sept. 22-24, 2023. Jefferson, Wis. Madison Classics Fall Jefferson Car Show & Swap Meet. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 503 N. Jackson St. Madison Classics PH: 1-608-244-8416. WEB: www.madisonclassics.com.
Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2023. Wisconsin Dells. Pontiac Adventures. Cloverleaf road tours from the Chula Vista resort7176. Barb and Ed Saari. PH: 1-309-530-9235. EM: edsandbarb@gmail.com. Web: www.CorvetteAdventures.com.
Sept. 27-Oct,. 1, Carlisle, Penna. Fall Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market, Car Corral and Auction. Carlisle Fairgrounds. Ph: 1-717-243-7855.
Oct. 2-Oct. 6, 2023. 68th Annual Hershey, Penna. Hershey Swap Meet and Car Show. Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Eastern Fall Meet. Hershey Park Drive. Free admission. Ph: 1-717-566-7720.
Oct. 7, 2023. Bowler, Wis. Cars & Handlebars. NorthStar Casino, W12180 County Road A. 9 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-715-787-3110.
Oct. 7, 2023. Banana Peeler Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 186 Car Show. 3927 Lily Lake Road. 10 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-863-3722.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2023. Las Vegas, Nev. SEMA Show. Las Vegas Convention Center. Ph: 1-909-610-2030. WEB: www.semashow.com.
Dec. 7-9, 2023. Indianapolis, Ind. Performance and Racing Industry Show (PRI). Indianapolis Convention Center. PH: 1-949-499-5413. EM: mail@performanceracing.com. WEB: www.performanceracing.com.
Weekly Car-Show-Off Gatherings (From May 1 thru Oct 1, unless otherwise noted)
[Sundays] Lakewood Shell’s Cars ‘n Coffee, Hwy 32 Lakewood, Wis. 9:30 am-11 am. Ph: 1-715-276-3686.
[Wednesdays] Duck Creek A&W, Velp Ave. in Howard, Wis. 4 pm-dark. Ph: 1-920-406-8212.
[Saturdays] Jack Stands Racin’ Car Club 2023 Car Cruise In, 3256 Church St., Stevens Point, Wis. Info: Tim at 1-715-347-0904 or Sheri at 1-715-630-6665. Email: SheriIM@Charter.net.
Monthly Car Show-Off Gatherings
[Third Saturdays] Cars & Coffee @ Classic Mechanics 520 E. Northland, Appleton, Wis. 8 am- 11 am. Ph: 1-920-486-1771.