Merrill’s End Of Summer Show
By John Gunnell
The Merrill Evening Lions Club’s Labor Day Car Show in Merrill, Wis. annually features several hundred cars, trucks and tractors. A large assortment of pre World War II cars typically show up at Merrill, along with some outstanding postwar classics.
The one-day event has featured antique autos from the Ron and Kay Nicklaus River Valley Bank Collection such as a 1930 Lincoln four-door touring car, a 1930 Chevrolet with steel disc wheels, a 1930 Model A Ford phaeton, 1927 and 1935 Buicks, a 1927 Whippet convertible coupe, a 1930 Model A Ford coupe, a 1926 Packard four-door sedan, a 1930 Durant sedan and an air-cooled Franklin from the late-1920s.
Standout cars from past years included Tim Natarus 1963 Thunderbird pulling a replica of a 1930s Mullins trailer, Gary and Donna Dietrich’s “Eleanor” style 1967 Mustang fastback, Bob Dalski’s 1951 Kaiser Dragon, Roy Bast’s 1941 Plymouth P-10 coupe and Dave and Sue Lupella’s 1938 Ford. An interesting past entry was a 1948 De Soto covered with surface rust that stood in contrast to the car’s chrome trim, which all looked new.
You don’t see a 1976 Pontiac Astre GT with practically every factory option you could get on one car at a show, but Jeff and Lori Duronso brought theirs to Merrill. They are members of the Pontiac Oakland Club International (www.poci.org). The car was an unrestored Survivor® from Arkansas that has 31,000 original miles.
The Merrill event offers free parking and free spectator admission in addition to all the interesting cars and trucks at the show. The last time we attended, there was food left over and it was given out for free at the end of the show. Free “Superman” ice cream was given out, too. What else could you ask for?
Before traveling to an event check with promoters for latest COVID guidelines
CAR SHOWS and EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2022-Fall 2022
Sept. 3, 2022. Pardeeville, Wis. 18th Annual Community Car & Truck Show. Chandler Park. 8 am-4 pm. A large show featuring all makes and models and years. Food, music and a great park setting. Website: www.pardeevillecarshow.com.
Sept. 3, 2022. Marinette, Wis. Moose Lodge Car Show. N5233 Nettleton Rd. 7 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-715-732-4677.
Sept. 4, 2022. Mishicot, Wis. Harpts Lake Car Show. 16306 Harpts Lake Rd. 8 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-544-8859 or 1-920-360-3369.
Sept. 4, 2022. Brussels, Wis. St. Francis / St. Mary Kermis Car Show. Town Park. 9 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-825-7555. Email: stfrancis@centurytel.net.
Sept. 4, 2022. Weyauwega, Wis. Main Street Downtown Car Show. 310 E. Main St. 3 pm-7:30 pm. Contact Weyauwega Area Chamber of Commerce. Ph: 1-920-209-4405.
Sept. 10, 2022. Chilton, Wis. Third annual Crafty Apple Car Show. Corner of Oak St. and Memorial Dr. Judged show. Three trophies per class. Dash plaques for first 100 vehicles. Twenty-four classes and 10 special awards. 8 am-3 pm. $10 per entry (pre-registration $8). Contact: Chilton Chamber of Commerce 1-920-418-1650.
Sept. 5, 2022. Merrill, Wis. Merrill Lions Club Labor Day Car Show. Merrill Festival Grounds. 2001 E. 2nd St. 8 am-4 pm. Come to check out the classic vehicles and enjoy food from local food stands: cheese curds and cheeseburgers, lemonade, French fries, and more. A wonderful return to an annual end-of-summer ritual before settling into the routines of the school. Contact: Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. Ph: 1-715-536-9474. Email: Info@merrillchamber.org.
Sept. 9-11, 2022. Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Corvette Adventures. 3-day Corvette driving event. Daily tours to Wisconsin attractions. Race track visits & more. Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Rd. Contact Ed Saari 1-309-539-9235; email ed@chulavistaresort.com.
Sept. 9-11, 2022. Manawa, Wis. Fall Vintage Trailer Fest. See historical RVs & vintage cars & trucks pulling them. Campers, travel trailers, campmobiles, VW buses and motorhomes. Bear Lake Campground, N4715 State Road 22-110. PH: 1-920-596-3940. Email: bearlakeresort@wolfnet.net. Website: www.bearlakecampground.com.
Sept 10, 2022. Omro, Wis. 38th Annual All Pontiac, Oakland, GMC Car Show. Scott Park. 515 E. Main St. 10 am-2 pm. Register: 8 am-noon. $10/car. 20 popular vote trophies and Longest Distance. Voting ends 1pm; awards 2 pm. Free spectator admission. Food, beverage and music. Badger State Chapter Pontiac Oakland Club International. Contact: Dick Boneske 1-920-450-1040 (Bocoogto@gmail,com); Derrick Hottenstine 1-920-284-6938 (varsityglfr2@gmail.com; Todd Zimmerman 1-920-889-0895 (tazimmy@aol.com).
Sept. 10, 2022. De Per, Wis. Patrick’s Vintage Mall Show. 1358 Mid-Valley Dr. 8-2. Call Patrick Verstegen @ Patrick’s Vintage Auto (Seymour). Email: p.finksavage@gmail.com. Web: www.patricksvintageautomotive.com. Ph: 920-831-0366.
Sept. 10, 2022. Mineral Point, Wis. Mineral Point Car Show. Soldiers Memorial Park. The Annual Mineral Point Car Show is back at Soldiers Memorial Park on Shake Rag St. 8 am-4 pm. Open to all types of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Judging begins at noon, and awards around 4pm. Food and beverages. This year we will be charging a $5 fee for spectators and $15 to register a vehicle. A portion of the profits will be used for the Mineral Point Trade School Scholarship that was created last year. Email: mpcarshow@gmail.com. https://www.facebook.com/mineralpointcarshow.
Sept. 10, 2022. Crivitz, Wis. Gateway Bar’n’Grill Car Show. Highway 141.Supporting Veterans, 10 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-715-854-7943.
Sept. 10, 2022. Chilton, Wis. Crafty Apple Car Show. Oak St @ Memorial Dr. 8 am-3 pm. Chilton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 122, Chilton, WI 53014. Ph: 1-920-418-1650.
Sept. 10, 2022. Little Suamico, Wis. St. John’s Church Car Show. 1253 Highway J. 7 am-3pm. 1-920-826-7785.
Sept. 10-11, 2022. Beaver Dam, Wis. Dodge County Swap. Dodge County Fairgrounds, Hwy 33 E. $5 admission. $30 car corral. $40 vendor. Gates open 8 am. Car show Sunday 9 am–2 pm. Car & driver free, plus door prizes. Ph: 1-920-210-1216. Email: dodgecountyclassics@gmail.com. Website: www.dodgecountyclassics.com.
Sept. 11, 2022. Suamico, Wis. Shoots Bar’n’Grill Car Show. 3375 Side St. 10 am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-434-6480.
Sept. 11, 2022. Shawano Lake County Park Car Show. 5785 Lake Dr. 8 am-2 pm. Shawano Customs and Classics Car Club, LLC. Contact: Tina Aderman, W6580 Old Lake Lane,Shawano, WI 54166.
Sept. 11, 2022. Green Bay, Wis. Meyer Auto Body ‘Car-Show-Off.’ 1750 Sal St. 10-am-3 pm. Ph: 1-920-465-9676.
Sept. 14-18, 2022. Elkhart Lake, Wis. Ariens Art on Wheels Vintage Festival featuring Vintage Sports Car Drivers of America (VSCDA). Road America, N7390, State Rd. 67, Plymouth. Ph: 1-800-365-7223. Website: www.roadamertica.com.
Sept. 17, 2022. Cross Plains, Wis. Hill & Valley Antique Auto/Americana Show. Baer Park. Antique cars, trucks, tractors. Americana demos. Arts & Crafts. Pancake breakfast. Free admission & corn. Kid’s activities. 22-mile tour over beautiful hills & valleys. $10 car registration. John Riley. Ph: 1-608-770-5646. EM: john@sullivandesignbuild.com.
Sept. 17, 2022. Racine, Wis. Elmwood Park 5th Annual Car Show. Highway 11 9 am-2 pm. All vehicles welcome. Goodie bags for the first 50 registrants. Live Deejay. Door prizes and raffles. Ph: 1-262-554-4900 or email DIRTYGOFFE1@gmail.com.
Sept. 17, 2022. Oconto, Wis. Oconto Elks Fly-In Car Show. 2983 Airport Rd. 9 am-4 pm. 2022 Airplanes, helicopters, tractors, cars & food court. Remote-control planes. Flyovers, World War II encampment & memorabilia. Vendors and many things to do. Great food. Airplane & helicopter for small fee. Phone: 1-920-834-9660.
Sept. 17, 2022. Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Old Bolts Harvest Fest Car Show. 3rd Ave downton. 8 am-3 pm. Email: oldboltscarclub@gmail.com.
Sept. 17, 2022. Wild Rose, Wis. Wild Rose Car Show. 1151 Main St. Wild Rose at Hwy 22 South. Starts: 8 am. Ph: 1-920-622-4183.
Sept. 17, 2022. Francis Creek, Wis. Bolle’s Car Show. Bolle’s French Creek Inn. 123 S Packer Dr. Starts: 8 am. Ph: 1-920-682-1421.
Sept. 17, 2022. Iola, Wis. Rally for Iola. Iola Car show grounds 700 E. State St. Gates open at 7 a.m. Cruise starts at 10 am. Ph: 1-715-445-4000.
Sept. 18, 2022. Marion, Wis. St. Mary’s Church Not Just Another Car Show. Highway 45. 8 am-2:30 pm. Classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors. Free spectator entry. Car registration $5. Information: 715-754-2028, 715-754-5083 or 715-250-0702.
Sept. 18, 2022. Pulaski, Wis. Tri-County Optimist Car Show. Mountain Bay Plaza. 10 am-3 pm. TCO sponsors community activities & this car show. Call: 1-920-562-6194.
Sept. 16-18, 2022. Detroit, Mich. Concours of America. Detroit Institute of the Arts. Ph: 1-248-643-8645. Website: www.concourssusa.org.
Sept. 18, 2022. Beloit, Wis. 46th Annual Beloit Autorama Car Show & Swap Meet. For more information, visit www.beloitautorama.com
Sept. 23, 2020. Appleton, Wis. Octoberfest License to Cruise Run. Downtown on College Ave. 6 pm-10 pm. Over 100,000 people walk College Ave. and enjoy the 400+ classic cars, live music and great food from local vendors. This year’s feature car is Pontiac. They will be in front of City Center Plaza. Enjoy music starting at 6 PM in Houdini Plaza from FBI and The Untouchable Horns. Contact: Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, Ph: 1-920-734-7101. Email: Info@foxcitieschamber.com.
Sept. 23-25, 2022. Jefferson, Wis. 45th Annual Fall Jefferson Car Show & Swap Meet. Jefferson County Fair Park. (Fri.) 10 am-4 pm, (Sat.) 6 am-4 pm, (Sun.) 6 am-3 pm. Admission $10. Featuring four-wheel-drive trucks and Jeeps. Swap meet, Cars for sale Corral and 3 big days. Ph: 1-608-244-8416. Website: www.madisonclassics.com.
Sept. 23-25, 2022. Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Muscle Car Adventures. 3-day driving event. Tours to Wisconsin attractions. Race track visits & more. Chula Vista, 2501 River Rd. Contact: Stefano Bimbi 1-630-372-1222/Ed Saari 1-309-530-9235. Email ed@chulavistaresort.com.
Sept. 24, 2022. Peshtigo, Wis. Historical Days Car Show. Badger Park, 341 N. Emery Ave. 10 am-4 pm. There are a variety of trophies to be given out. Every year the show has grown in size. Swap spaces available. Ph: Steve at 1-715-938-0528.
Sept. 24, 2022. Kenosha, Wis. Caffeine & Chrome. 9 am-12 pm. Free. Contact: Gateway Classic Cars at www.gatewayclassiccars.com.
Sept. 24, 2022. Kewaunee, Wis. Zoobilee Car Show. County Rd F. 8 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-388-0444. Email: info@bruemmerparkzoo.com
Sept. 25, 2022. Denmark, Wis. Our Saviors Church Car Show. 435 Wisconsin Ave. 9 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-863-2230.
Sept. 25, 2022. Green Lake, Wis. Green Lake Classic Car Show, Mill St. 8 am-3 pm. vent Organizer: Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: 1-920-294-3231 or email allison@visitgreenlake.com or call Bob Levonowicz at 1-920-420-7723.
September 27-Oct. 1, 2022. Carlisle, Pa. Fall Carlisle Event. Weds.-Sat. 7 am-6 pm; Sunday 7 am-12 pm. 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd. For information all 1-717-243-7855 or visit www.carlisleevents.com.
October 4-7, 2022. Hershey, Pa. Antique Automobile Club of American Eastern Fall National Meet. Hersheypark. AACA National Fall Meet on the grounds and parking lots surrounding Hersheypark and The Giant Center. One of the largest antique auto shows and flea markets in the U.S. Car Corral, Flea Market, Friday Car Show, Ladies Luncheon, High-Wheeler Contest, Race Car Condition Run, Judging School, AACA Juniors, Talent Show & Old-Time Movie Night. For AACA info visit http://www.aaca.org. To learn more about the Hershey Fall Meet, go to http://hershey.aaca.com/eastern-division-fall-meet.
Oct. 1, 2022. Bowler, Wis. Cars & Handlebars Car Show. NorthStar Casino. W2180 Cty Road A. Ph: 1-715-767-3110.
Oct. 1, 2022. Green Bay, Wis. Banana Peeler Hot Rod & Rat Rod Car Show. 3927 Lily Lake Rd. 10 am-2 pm. Hosted by Money Business Fun Club. Call: 1-920-863-3722.
Oct. 1, 2022. Wrightstown, Wis. Fall Fest Car Show. Mueller Park Boat Landing. 600 Washington St. 9 am-2 pm. Ph: 1-920-532-5567.
Oct. 8, 2022. Green Bay, Wis. First Ever Fall Fest Car Show. 200 Block of N. Broadway St. 11 am-3 pm. Sign up is free, but space is limited. First 50 vehicles on a first-come-first-serve basis. Great family event. Free games. Carriage rides, Trick or Treating. Petting zoo. Food and drink. Face painting. Please only submit registration once. If you need to make changes to the information you submitted, contact Betsy at betsy@onbroadway.org or call us at 1-920-569-3489.
Oct. 29, 2022. Milwaukee (Kenosha), Wis. Trunk or Treat–2022Caffeine & Chrome. 9 am-12 pm. Free. Contact: Gateway Classic Cars at www.gatewayclassiccars.com.
Nov. 19-20, 2022. Rosemont (Chicago), Ill. Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The ultimate gathering place for enthusiasts, young and old, with a passion for horsepower. Indoor event showcases the top muscle cars. Call 1-586-549-5291 or email Bob Ashton at bashton426@gmail.com or musclecarand corvettenationals@gmail.com. Website: www.mcacb.com.
Dec. 3, 2022. Milwaukee (Kenosha), Wis. Caffeine & Chrome Holiday Party. 9 am-12 pm. Free. Contact: Gateway Classic Cars at www.gatewayclassiccars.com.
Cruise Nights
Howard, Wis. Duck Creek A & W Cruise Nites. Velp Ave. Every Wednesday night. 4 pm-dark.
Burlington, Wis. Milgate General Store Cruise Nites. 151 Millgate Dr.All events start at 5 pm. May 20; June 10; June 24; July 8; July 22; Aug. 12; Aug. 26; Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. Call 1-262-332-7873 or visit www.millgatestore.com.
Slinger, Wis. Raceway Wednesday Night Car Show. Raceway Bar & Grill, 711 E. Washington. Starting May 4. 5 pm-9pm (weather permitting). 1-262-297-1700 or 1-262-388-3570.
Mt. Horeb, Wis. Cruise into Mt. Horeb 2022. Wednesdays June 1-Oct. 5. 5 pm-9pm. The Dog House Bar & Grill. 120 S. 1st St. Cruise the Trollway. Contact: Leo at 1-608-576-7360 or JD at 1-608-235-8699.
Oconto, Wis. Oldies with The Rev. First and thirdThursdays @ Shake-A-Burger. 107 Brazeau Ave. Starts 4 pm. Ph: 1-929-834-6200.
Oconto, Wis. Cruise with The Rev. Second and fourth Tuesdays. Leaves from former Koehn Auto on South Main St. Assorted destinations. Starts 4 pm.