The Wild Rose Classic Car Show has become one of the most well-respected car shows in Wisconsin and one of the most highly-anticipated events in Waushara County.  Car show organizers were thrilled that they were able to have over 250 registered vehicles at last year’s show.

The car show’s organizing committee under the leadership of Al Jenks of A. J.’s Auto Body in Wild Rose is finalizing last minute details for this year’s show.

The fifteenth annual Wild Rose Classic Car Show will be held at Roseville on Highway 22 south of the Village of Wild Rose on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a cruise of classic cars on Friday, Sept. 16, starting at the Wild Rose Elementary School parking lot at 6 p.m.   The cruise will wind its way through scenic Waushara County back roads with a pass through the Springwater Volunteer Covered Bridge before returning to Wild Rose.  Look for more details about the cruise route in next week’s Argus so that you can join in or pick a good spot to watch the fun.

When the collector cars return to Wild Rose after the cruise on Friday night, many of them will be on display on Main Street for everyone to see.  The restaurants, bars and other businesses in downtown Wild Rose will welcome everyone back to town where food, drinks and shopping can be enjoyed and car stories can be shared with friends.  There will be a free street dance with live music by Around Town, a central-Wisconsin variety band that plays a mix of music including oldies from the 50s and 60s along with country and classic rock.

The featured vehicle for this year’s show will lead the cruise on Friday night -- a red and black 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe owned by Jim Howell of Wild Rose.  Jim bought this beauty from Nebraska about two years ago and has spent many happy hours since its purchase making it the sparkling classic that you will see on display during the cruise on Friday night and at the show on Saturday.

Registration for the show on Saturday will be from 8 a.m. to noon.  There will be classes for all vehicles of all years with dash plaques provided to the first 250 entries.  A portion of the registration fee for each vehicle entering the show grounds will be put into a raffle for which all entered vehicles will be eligible.  There is no charge for spectators.

The participants at the classic car show will do the vehicle judging, and trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m.  First and second place trophies will be awarded in each of 26 classes as well as the highly-coveted Best of Show trophy.

There will be various activities throughout the show, and music will be provided throughout the show by Sizzlin’ Sonny’s Rockin’ Roadshow.  Sonny will provide more than music for the show as he organizes games and will provide other surprises that will surely be a hit with everyone.  Sonny’s musical tribute to the United States Armed Forces and to our veterans will take your breath away.  That tribute usually takes place at about noon.

The Chippy Express, a nostalgic miniature train presented by Evergreen Campsites and Resort, will be on hand to provide unique transportation around the show grounds.

The Wild Rose Kiwanis and the Wild Rose Fire Department and Auxiliary will be selling food and refreshments during the show.  A breakfast by the Kiwanis will be served in the Wild Rose Lions Club building adjacent to and within easy walking distance of the show grounds and will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Lunch will be offered by the Wild Rose Fire Department and will be available from 10 a.m. until the end of the show.  The Fire Department will have the traditional selections you would expect at a car show with brats, hot dogs, burgers and all the trimmings.

At Roseville Mini Golf and Gift Shop, Nancy Martin will have an array of delicacies available for purchase including turnovers and other pastries.  You may want to get them early because they are sure to disappear quickly.

  There will be tents in place that will give spectators and exhibitors a shady and comfortable spot to relax during the show.  Roseville, in addition to offering ice cream and unique gift items for sale, also has a miniature golf course for those who may want a little diversion.  There will also be a fall festival flea market, craft show and other vendors on the car show grounds.

Funding for the Wild Rose Classic Car Show comes partly from the registration fees received on the day of the show but also from area businesses and individuals who have donated funds and other items to sponsor the show.

The car show began in 2008 when several local classic car enthusiasts wanted to display their automobiles close to home in a friendly small-town atmosphere, and Al Jenks has been the leader of the group from its very beginning.  The car show organizing committee and the entire Wild Rose community are proud of the success of the show.

As time passed, the car show group became firmly committed to giving back to the community that so generously supports the car show.  The car show has provided financial support to local food pantries, local police and fire departments, Waushara County Crimestoppers, and the American Red Cross just to name a few.  Assistance has also been provided to the Village of Wild Rose with various landscaping projects in Village parks, and sponsorship was provided assisting with the placement of the military helicopter that is on display near the car show grounds.

This year’s pink summer floral arrangements lining Main Street in Wild Rose were donated by the car show and planted by members of the car show organizing committee.  Some of these floral arrangements are tended to personally throughout the summer by Al Jenks, leader of the car show organizing committee, and others are cared for by Wild Rose Village maintenance personnel.

While driving through Wild Rose on cruise night or on the day of the show, you will notice the displays adorning Main Street which many businesses and civic organizations have created to make Main Street in Wild Rose a very pretty place in September.  Lots of thought, planning and preparation go into the work, and everyone benefits from that effort.

The Wild Rose Classic Car Show is on Facebook and more information about the show and cruise is available on the Village of Wild Rose website.  Lodging information is available at www.wausharatourism.com.

W7781 State Rd. 21 & 73 Wautoma, WI 54982

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