Last week was A WEEK, in all caps, and my brain completely forgot that the North Shore Classics Car Club Fall Show had rolled into Two Harbors Saturday, September 6th. Luckily for me, after a stop at the Two Harbors Farmer’s Market, I noticed a few folks sporting Minnesota Street Rod Association jackets in the crisp, end-of-summer air. The reminder hit.
It felt like a moment in a movie: the camera zoomed in on the logo, then swept across the parking lot, where classic cars gleamed in the sunlight. My original mission, to pick up ingredients for borscht, because I am very much in the mood for comfort food, took a detour to Sonju Motors to see what other rides might be souped-up.
The show ran alongside the Minnesota Street Rod Association Fall Campout, and the venue was buzzing. The weekend also marked Sonju Motors’ 100th anniversary, celebrated with a generous $2,500 prize donation to the car show.
Walking the aisles, I was struck by the sheer variety of cars on display. Each one seemed to have its own personality, and many of their owners were characters in their own right. These cars weren’t just machines; they were family.
Some of the vehicles didn’t even seem all that old. Am I considered a classic now, too? Well, certainly not as classic as the bright red 1959 Chevrolet El Camino that took home “Sonju’s Choice.”
Other winners include:
BEST OF SHOW – TIE –
Bryan Noble 1962 Volvo
Dave Jacobson- 1948 Ford Truck
SONJU’S CHOICE-
James Leikvoll, Little Falls -1959 Chevrolet El Camino
TOP 10 WINNERS
Rick Impola, Duluth- 1969 Ford Mustang
Gary Krig, Grey Eagle-1939 Oldsmobile 70 Series Convertible
Kevin Helmin, Pillager-1937 Chevrolet Business Coupe
John & Diane Thorpe, Otsego-1957 Oldsmobile Holiday Coupe
Larry Jacobson, Two Harbors-1970 Chevrolet El Camino
Kurt Martinson, Sartell-1967 Chevrolet Camaro
Dan & Debbie Ament, Perham-1957 Oldsmobile 98
Rich Moore, Bloomington-1934 Buick Victoria
TIE-
Dan & Brenda Zeimet, Two Harbors-1960 Chevrolet C 60
Barry Lampi, Two Harbors-1970 Dodge Super Bee
FURTHEST MILES DRIVEN– (Pulling a Camper, no less!)-
Kevin & Donna Whiteford, Waseca-1954 Chevrolet Belair
For those who were curious about a follow-up to our Come Cruzin’ the North Shore: Campouts, Car Shows, and a Century Celebration feature from August 28, yes, I saw a Skylark. But it wasn’t the one that got away. This was a two-door convertible, a true beaut, and one that literally stopped me in my tracks.
A little chill lingered in the air, and I saw folks curled up in their cars, sipping coffee or chatting quietly. Hours later, as I finally sat down with my borscht, I felt grateful for the reminder to take a detour and to stop and smell the…diesel.
