Sponsored by Autofest and the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Car and Bike Roll-In features vehicles owned by community members. 

“Everybody just shows up,” Autofest club President Lee Knauf said.  “We like getting out in the community and showing people the cars and listening to the people because everyone has a story.”

He said everyone has a story that beings, ‘oh I used to have this kind of car, I grew up with this kind of car.’

“It’s fun.” Knauf said.

Cars line downtown Minnesota Street for the Roll-in event. Photo by Dylan Jackson

The sight of vintage cars parked downtown was enough to draw attention from people unaware that the event was even happening. Attendee Milo Fox was one of these people. 

“We originally came out here to get a couple errands done, however, we noticed there was a pretty nice car show going on,” Fox said. 

Fox, along with Aspen Linton and Kells Skalsky, felt that the event was just what the community needed.

“There’s been a massive tear in the car community as of late but it’s definitely regained its veracity in being all inclusive,” Fox said. 

“[It’s] car therapy. We need it,” Skalsky said, “especially some of these I haven’t seen in years.” 

Easton Helget smiling with his favorite car at the event, a black Mustang.  Photo by Dylan Jackson

The group said the “Green Ford LTD panel vent” and the “Thunderbird” were standouts. 

For others, the event was a nice way to spend the day. 

“I had nothing to do and I like cars, especially older cars. I like all the Cadillacs because the Cadillac was my first car, a 2003 Cadillac DeVille,” attendee Logan Hadsell said. 

Grandma and grandson Mary Tauer and Easton Helget had a similar idea. 

“We went last year and we loved it so we thought we’d do it again,” Tauer said. Helget’s favorite car was a black Mustang. 

Travis Hermal posed with his 1969 Chevelle.  Photo by Dylan Jackson

Those who brought their own cars for the event found enjoyment from sharing their love of cars with like-minded individuals.

Brian Martens, who brought his 1970 Plymouth Cuda, enjoyed the downtown atmosphere.

“It’s just fun to see the old cars, visit with the people, have a beverage, and get something good to eat,” Martens said.

Travis Hermal felt similar, saying he came out because of the “nice weather and a day off.” Hermal brought his 1969 Chevelle, which he had purchased in high school. 

Like with Hermal, vehicle origin stories were a common topic of conversation at the roll-in. 

Autofest member Larry Hoffman explained the long journey that led to his 1973 Dodge Challenger being present at Saturday’s roll-in. 

“I’ve had this thing for 37 years,” Hoffman said. “The day I bought it I tore it apart and just two years ago I finally drove it for the first time. I hung on to it and gathered parts.”

Norm Kopp, who had one of the oldest cars present, shared Hoffman’s pride in the process of getting his vehicle to where it is today. 

When asked about the process of building his all stock running gear 1932 Chevy Racer, Kopp said that problem solving is the most fun part. 

“You just never know and you have to be inventive in many cases,” he said.

The annual New Ulm Autofest Show will be held 9 am to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 28 at the Brown County Fairgrounds.