Back to The Fifties & Redwing Phantoms
MinnesotaFriday, June 19, 2015
Photos by: Scott Ross
Two great shows highlighted the outdoor show season in Minnesota in June....both of them held over Fathers’ Day Weekend, and both have become traditions in the towns where they’re held.
First up was the Back To The ‘50s Weekend at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds just north of St. Paul, the annual extravaganza produced by the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA). This year marked the 42nd annual show, which has grown from an American Graffiti-inspired gathering in a Montgomery Ward’s parking lot to the fairgrounds-filling fandango that’s become one of Minnesota’s biggest tourism events, if not the biggest.
Cars and trucks from 1964 and earlier are welcome at Back To The ‘50s, and 11,955--an increase over last year--were registered and either cruised the 300-acre fairgrounds, or showed their stuff along the shade-lined streets and boulevards.
Perfect weather on Friday and Saturday of Back To The ‘50s Weekend led to huge spectator crowds both days. Not just on Saturday, when the spectators are out en masse, but also on Friday, when more than a few people decided to take the day off and take in the color, the chrome (or lack thereof on the rat rods and suede customs that were on hand) and the energy the event generates in those who attend.
Just about all of the restaurants and food booths on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds were open during Back To The ‘50s, so show-goers and participants alike had plenty of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snackin’-while-cruisin’ options. Also, “Machinery Hill” on the Fairgrounds--the traditional site where farm equipment, cars, trucks and other machines of interest to State Fair-goers--hosted booths and displays from companies like Meguiar’s, Mothers, Dennis Carpenter, Coker Tire, Ron Francis, Inland Empire Driveline, QA1, Chevrolet Performance, CARS, Inc. and Ford Racing.
There was plenty of music--from live bands playing in the Fairgrounds’ bandshell along with Wings Kalahan on the Fairgrounds’ PA system; a special show-within-the-show by the Ignitors (the under-25 MSRA members who are building incredible cars and trucks); an information booth run by MSRA’s Legislative Committee where you could find out about efforts at the state and Federal level to keep the car hobby alive, along with getting info on titling your project car from the Minnesota DMV; a Ladies Showcase that filled one of the big exhibit buildings with cool crafts and fun stuff; a model-car contest; a Kids’ Zone on Saturday; bus trips to the Mall of America (for those who wanted to power shop there while their husbands/fathers/granddads power shopped on Machinery Hill); and lots and lots and lots more!
What’s more, the Back To The ‘50s Weekend is an all-volunteer show--every aspect of it is organized and run my MSRA’s membership.
Interested in attending next year’s event--as a participant or a spectator? Reserve 2016s 25th weekend (June ******) for next year’s Back To The ‘50s Weekend, and get more information when you log on to www.msra.com.
Then, on Sunday, it was show time just south of the Twin Cities in Red Wing, as the Phantoms Motor and Model Club presented their 18th annual Fathers’ Day show in that historic river town’s downtown. Under its trademark hanging flower baskets a showfield blossomed and bloomed over four city blocks, with everything from restored and well-preserved pre-1942 classics, vintage trucks and tractors, chrome-bumpered cruisers, muscle cars and modern-day performers were on hand. Show participants were able to get around the construction on Main Street (U.S. Highway 61) that led to the show, and perfect weather brought out the spectators to get a close look. There was also a “make and take,” where young show-goers could build the latest cool Revell Snap-Kit, plenty of music, good food from Harnisch’s Bakery& Coffee Shop--all adding to the scene in downtown Red Wing.
The Phantoms’ website (www.phantomsmotorclub.com) has plenty of information about their annual Fathers’ Day show, plus lots of interesting photos and links that are worth checking out.
Click on any photo for slideshow