Vroom, Vroom: Big Car Show in Iola

Classic cars. What they lack in safety features, they make up for with chrome, full-sized spare tires, and cigarette lighters. And next weekend is your chance to see hundreds of them at the Iola Car Show. It’s the 53rd installment of the event — one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

Harken back to a simpler time when you could actually perform some repairs by yourself. There are 2,500 show cars on display, 400 car corral spaces with vehicles for sale, and 4,000 swap spaces if you’re looking for parts.

It’s almost like getting lost in a massive Piggly Wiggly parking lot where all the shoppers drove cool restored cars from the past rather than SUVs and pickup trucks.

In addition to vehicles, there will be food, beverages, special guests, and music. Yes, that includes a doo-wop act. It is a classic car show after all.

For those who are really committed to the classic car lifestyle, there is a huge campground with 1,600 campsites.

The show runs from July 10th through the 12th. Children under 12 get in free. You can learn more details and buy single-day tickets and three-day passes at the event’s website.

One last thing: if you go, be sure to remember where you parked.