Hosted on a near-perfect summer day, the event attracted auto enthusiasts of all ages to admire a wide range of vehicles, from vintage classics to modern imports, all carefully detailed and proudly displayed by their owners.

Ryan Mills of Sleepy Eye was one of those proud participants. He brought his sleek 2006 Audi to the show and said it’s more than just a car, it’s a passion project.

“I like to clean it and show it off,” Mills said. “I love cars and the time people put into them. You wouldn’t believe how much work and money goes into these.”

He said the event gives car owners the rare opportunity to be recognized for their craftsmanship and dedication.

A 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo Pace car, owned by Jim Klein of Kasota.

“Everyone here respects the effort you put in. It’s cool to be part of that,” he said.

Tom Erickson of Northfield said the show brings back a lot of memories.

“I’ve been here before. It’s kind of a homecoming for me because I bought this car in New Ulm,” Erickson said. “I’ve been all over with the car and have built a few myself. This show always has a good turnout. I love that people get to see what you’ve built and cared for.”

That same sense of tradition brought Sharon Deiken from Spring Lake Park, who brought her late husband’s car to the show.

“He always wanted to be at the auto show,” Deiken said. “Bringing the car back to New Ulm means a lot and it’s a chance to meet up with old friends.”

A 1959 F100, owned by Kyle Sullivan of Montogmery, MN.

Many attendees said it’s not just the vehicles that make Autofest special, it’s the people.

“This is a gentle place to be,” said Scott Weyer of Prior Lake, who has attended the Autofest for the past three years. “Plenty of room to park, and people here are really respectful of your car. It’s a very good show.”

Local resident Craig Ople brought his 1940 Chevy and enjoyed having an event close to home.

“I didn’t even have to go into third gear to get here,” Ople joked. “The weather’s been perfect, and there’s so much variety. What’s even better is seeing so many people you know. It’s a community thing.”

He also offered advice for anyone interested in restoring or collecting cars.

Daryl Ulrich of New Ulm brought his 1955 Ford Crown Victoria to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm on Sunday.

“You start young and grow old with these vintage cars,” he said.

With sunshine overhead, rows of polished vehicles, and stories shared between friends old and new, this year’s Autofest once again proved why it’s become a beloved New Ulm tradition where the passion for cars drives lifelong connections.

JA 1929 Ford owned by John and Darleen Seifer of Sleepy Eye.

Andra Beitrich of Nicolett brought her 2006 Dodge Charger to the 23rd annual Autofest, Sunday.

The eye catching 2023 Corvette, owned by Sid and Jan DeLeo, drew attention at Sunday’s Autofest.

Carol Ulrich of New Ulm brought her 1956 Ford Parklane to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm on Sunday.

Denney Johnson of New Ulm brought his 1961 Studebaker Hawk to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm on Sunday.

Adam Wilmes of St. Peter brought his 1952 Ford to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm on Sunday.

Sleepy Eye resident Rich Wenner brought his 1977 Pontiac Trans Am to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds, Sunday.

Brad Luidig of Madelia brought his 1946 Ford to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm on Sunday.

Garett Meyer of New Ulm brought his 1930 Ford Model A to the 23rd annual Autofest at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm on Sunday.