Earlier in the day, Autofest members were present at German Park to join New Ulm’s Chamber of Commerce

Cars were set up in the Orchard Hills parking with root beer float refreshments, creating a nice atmosphere for the residents and Autofest members to converse about their shared love of cars.

Resident Diane Landgraff enjoyed Bob Fisch’s 2009 Challenger, saying it reminded her of a car her brother drove.

“I love cars, especially the orange one because it reminds me of my brother’s Pontiac GTO,” Landgraff said. 

Diane Landgraff admiring Chuck Weiland’s rat rod during the Orchard Hills classic car roll-in. Photo by Dylan Jackson

Landgraff reminisced, sharing stories of drives she went on with her brother.

“It was a really neat car,” she said.

The event gave resident Andrew Dalle the opportunity to share about cars he had growing up.

“I had a 1967 Ranchero, a 1968 Camero, pickups,” Dalle said. “I like cars in general.”

Although he couldn’t pick a favorite between his own cars, out of the ones present, Dalle liked Lyle Turbes’ 1968 Buick GS 400 Convertible the most. 

Autofest members Bob Fisch and Paul Maday showing off Chuck Weiland’s rat rod during Orchard Hill’s roll-in. Photo by Dylan Jackson

Turbes has had the car for 35 years, “It has been on many a cruises,” Turbes said. 

For Turbes, community engagement is one of the joys of being an Autofest member. 

“The people in these homes appreciate seeing these cars,” Turbes said. 

Orchard Hills is just one of the events Autofest does. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group did car tours in Springfield and Sleepy Eye to bring joy to the communities during the stressful time. 

For resident Larry Wilson, Autofest member Chuck Wieland’s rat rod reminded him of home.

“I moved up from South Dakota and they got a lot of rat rods there,” he said.

Wieland made the rat rod out of a 1947 Ford F100 he bought from a man six years ago. 

“I don’t have to wash and wax it,” Wieland said, “It’s just a fun little cruiser.”

Autofest is a nonprofit club that has been around for 26 years. Member Paul Maday helped organize the event with the help of Orchard Hills Activities Director Kari Apitz. 

“It’s nice for the residents, they get to come out and enjoy the cars,” Maday said. 

Apitz arranges a wide range of events for the residents to enjoy. 

“Father’s day is coming up and we thought it would be fun to do something for the guys and have a little car show for them,” Apitz said. 

Music events are popular for residents at Orchard Hills. The Misfit band performed the night before. 

“We do a lot of crafts and baking together, cards and games too,” Apitz said. 

Whether its cars, or crafts, community and conversation are the key to these events.