Staff photo by Fritz Busch A number of New Ulm Autofest participants line up their classic cars and trucks near at the Hauenstein Brewery Wednesday. Pictured from left, New Ulmites Sid and Jan LeLeo, Alan Solberg, Helen and Ray Janni, Tony Miller, Bob Fisch, Lloyd Dorn, Mark Stueber, and Tom Ulrich. Shows including cars, trucks, motorcycles, vendors and crafts, a swap meet, model car contest, drawings, food and refreshments take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brown County Fairgrounds Sunday, June 29.

NEW ULM — U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, Roy Janni always has admired SS 396 Chevelles. While in Vietnam he recalls saving much of his Army pay to buy one.

“There were Ford and Chrysler sales representatives but no General Motors representative where I was stationed in Vietnam, so my brother Ron ordered one for me from Fering Chevrolet in Sleepy Eye,” said Janni.

After arriving back in the U.S. after his wartime service, Janni drove the car during his final 18 months in the Army and to work and school in Mankato before the car was heavily damaged in a rear-end collision with a semi truck in Mankato. He had the car repaired since the vehicle frame was not bent.

Janni put the car in storage in 1977 with 89,000 miles on it, some rust behind the front wheels and rear quarter panels.

In 1992, he decided to have the car repaired including stripping the frame of all parts, sandblasting it and having primer applied to it.

The car remained in that condition until Janni decided to rebuild it to like new condition a few years later.

He and his wife Helen now take the car to shows, parades and local roll-ins.And on Sunday, Janni will drive his silver 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 to the 23rd annual New Ulm Autofest.

“The car attracts more attention than we ever thought it would,” said Janni.

And so will the sounds of hundreds of shimmering classic and muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles that will fill the Brown County Fairgrounds Sunday.

Admission, vehicle registration, shows and contests are free for everyone.

Autofest Committee member Paul Maday said the show will be much like it has been in recent years including a disc jockey playing “oldies but goodies” (50s, 60s and 70s music). Food and beverages will be available.

The show is not judged. Participants are welcome to enter their vehicle whether it’s a family “driver” or detailed, custom vehicle.

Drivers are asked to enter the event using the New Ulm Civic Center parking lot entrance and entering the fairgrounds just northeast of the Civic Center.

No dogs, alcohol or bicycles will be allowed at the show.

For more information, visit New Ulm Autofest on Facebook.