If you are even remotely interested in classic or vintage cars, you know that the big annual love fest for old cars will happen this weekend.
From modest beginnings in the parking lots of area burger joints, the event has grown to encompass the entire Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Now called Back to the 50s, the 35th annual version occurs next weekend, June 20 through 22. The giant event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
And just how big has this event gotten? Organizers of the event, the Minnesota Street Rod Association, report that the gathering will be attended by more than 60,000 spectators and will have more than 11,000 vehicles on display. Those vehicles include street rods, customs, classics and restored vehicles, all dating from 1964 and earlier.
Organizers say that the event is considered the second largest of its kind in the world, second only to the National Street Rod Association's Street Rod National event.
Kris Palmer, Weekend Garage columnist for Star Tribune's Cars section and author of the book "Dream Garages," will be blogging from the event during the weekend. He'll report on event activities, steer readers to especially cool cars and interact with the classic-car community. Also online will be photo galleries of selected vehicles.
Visit Palmer's blog, called MotorMouth, at Startribune.com/cars. So, if you can only attend briefly or if you can't attend the event at all, check out Palmer and his MotorMouth blog.
Admission price for Back to the 50s for adults is $12. Children 12 and under are free with each paid adult. In addition, $2 advance discount tickets are available at all participating O'Reilly Auto Parts stores. O'Reilly serves as the event's major corporate sponsor.
The weekend is filled with a stunning array of cars and fun family activities such as:
O'Reilly Auto Parts Manufacturers' Midway
Ladies Showcase Building
Cruise-N-Arts Crafts Fair with hundreds of crafters
Automotive exhibits (beside the cars, of course)
Gigantic Swap Meet beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday
Tenth Annual DANA MECUM Hot Rod Auction on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.
Food vendors serving lots of tasty treats
Free outdoor concerts on Friday and Saturday nights
Church service at 11 a.m. on Sunday
Beyond the vintage cars and planned activities, nearly 300 commercial vendors will also be on the grounds, selling a variety of auto-related products and more.
Motormouth: Oil type not an issue
