For the second month in a row, New Ulm hosted a Car & Bike Roll-in and as with last month it brought dozens of unique vehicles to downtown. Minnesota Street from 3rd North to 1st South was lined with vehicles of every make and model. The street was closed to through traffic, allowing hundreds of pedestrians to stroll between the vehicles.

One of the vehicles to draw the most attention was a 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood owned by Matt Flaig of Gibbon. Flaig’s Cadillac was fully loaded with hydraulics, allowing the vehicle to bounce on its suspension. It operated on eight batteries and three pumps. Before leaving the Roll-in, Flaig demonstrated how he could drive the vehicle on three wheels.

Asked what inspired him to install the hydraulics, Flaig said ,”It keeps me out of trouble.”

The work required to maintain the vehicle is extensive. After a single night of driving, something will break and require fixing.

A 1976 El Dorado Cadillac convertible owned by Jerry and Char Danneheim was parked across from the American Legion during Friday nights Roll-in.

“I go through tires almost every week,” he said.

But the repairs are all part of the fun. Flaig said he intends to drive the Cadillac as long as possible. He will get it to a million miles if possible.

Most of the vehicle attending the Roll-in were locally owned. Jerry and Char Danneheim lived a block off Minnesota Street, but drove their 1976 El Dorado Cadillac convertible.

The Danneims were excited to show off the vehicle, but were also happy to see people downtown.

Since the downtown Minnesota Street was blocked off from through traffic during the roll-in, bar patrons were free to carry drinks out into the street as long as it remained in the event area.

There were also several food vendors operating along the street, giving the Roll-in a festival feel.

“This almost reminds me of Polka Days,” Jerry Danneheim said. “There are people walking downtown and engaging in the community.”

The third and final Roll-in of the summer will be held 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 16.

Matt Flaig in his 1996 Fleetwood.