Come Cruzin’ the North Shore: Campouts, Car Shows, and a Century Celebration

At one time or another, most of us have pictured our dream car. We have opinions about the make and model of the year we believe the automaker got it just right. For me, as a teen, it was a 1974 Chevy Nova. I test-drove the same bright yellow muscle car with black racing stripes more than once, enough for the vin­tage dealer to ask if I had older brothers. Pffft. Who needs an older brother to recognize that a Nova is pretty sweet?

I couldn’t afford that car, but it was fun to dream. Instead, I “set­tled” for a 1971 Buick Skylark. It was sky blue, had four doors, a hard top, and was a boat on wheels that was too much fun to drive. When she finally broke down and I had to sell her, I was adamant that she went to a good home.

These days, I dream of having that Skylark back. I’d treat her better now. No fast-food wrappers in the back seat, no ignoring the oil light. The way you treat an old friend when you’ve finally grown up.

I wonder if any Skylarks will be on display at the Minnesota Street Rod Association Fall Campout and North Shore Classics Car Show in Two Harbors. I’ll be looking. And maybe someone else will be stand­ing beside their dream car, remem­bering the one that got away.

There’s more than a good chance. Last year, the event brought in more than 350 classic cars. Chrome-drenched Chevys, rumbling Fords, and rare gems that turned heads all the way down the North Shore spent the weekend riding around town and on display at Sonju Mo­tors on scenic Highway 61.

This year, organizers expect even more. The weekend coincides with Sonju Motors’ 100th anniversa­ry, and as part of the celebration, the dealership is donating $2,500 in prize money for Saturday’s car show.

With scenic cruises, garage tours, a swap meet, food trucks, and live music in the bandshell, not to men­tion a bonfire at Burlington Bay, the Minnesota Street Rod Associa­tion Fall Campout and North Shore Classics Car Show is shaping up to be a full-throttle event.

“This car club has really come together,” said Kay Libby, who’s helping organize the weekend through the North Shore Classics Car Club. “They’ve spent a lot of time planning and really trying to make this a wonderful event.”

While the cars are the main attrac­tion, the weekend offers far more. Registered participants can join scenic cruises through Silver Bay, Waldo Valley, and Knife River, tour local breweries and heritage sites, and even peek inside private garages where restoration projects and vintage collections come to life.

“We’re really trying to feature all the attrac­tions and highlights of the North Shore,” Libby said.

She added that there is a fourth ride for those who choose to partici­pate. They can head over to Hugo’s Bar to take part in the Classic Car Show from 1 – 4 PM. The event in Brimson will also feature a Tractor Parade to Indian Lake Campground and back.

The Come Cruzin’ the North Shore Car Show will take place on September 6 from 8 AM to 1 PM. There is a $20 entry fee per car, with proceeds going towards the North Shore Classics Scholarship Fund. Best in Show will take home the top $1,000 prize. If anyone is driving a particular type of Buick, you’ll automatically get my vote!

For additional information, reach out to Bill Rabold at (218) 830- 0127, visit the North Shore Classics Facebook page, or go to msra.com for the Minnesota Street Rod Asso­ciation.