Classics Cruise into Buffalo

The threat of rain didn’t hinder Wright County car enthusiasts on Saturday, September 7, as owners, collectors, spectators, and competitors made their way to Buffalo’s very own Sturges Park overlooking Buffalo Lake.

An annual event hosted by Morrie’s Ford in Buffalo, “Classics by the Lake” has long been one of the city’s most well-attended, and anticipated, events. The car show is not only a great place for community members and enthusiasts to come together and enjoy great machines, it is also a place where owners come to compete and show off their hard work and investments.

The event awarded 75 trophies to outstanding vehicles throughout the day, finishing off festivities with some of the “big” awards: Best in Show, the Vengeance Detailing trophy, and the coveted Crystal trophy, the Braatzy Award.

Mark Johanneck, who emceed the award ceremony, thanked participants for driving their vehicles out to the park and participating in the atmosphere. “Over 300 participants parked with us this year, and for that we are so proud, and grateful.”

Chopper, the “World’s Nuttiest DJ,” provided music and activities for kid and adults alike, with limbo contests and hula-hoop challenges. Also, a variety of vendors joined the action at Sturges Park.

While this event is annual, it was a first-time go around for some of the owners, including Tim Gale, of Ramsey, with his 1936 Pontiac. For some, it’s a staple event in their yearly schedule, like Kay Itzin and her multiple-award winning 1960s Mustang, which just-so-happens to be an exact replica of the vehicle highlighted in “Hawaii 5-0.”

For others, it’s a time to reminisce of a time gone by, like Lois and Dennis Erickson, of Buffalo, who proudly showed off their 1950 Studebaker, a memoir of their lasting marriage and reminder of the first day they met.

However much fun it may have been, rain became a concern for event hosts. The award ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., was moved up to 1 p.m. due to weather concerns. Top awards went to:  Best in Show, Vaughn and Kelly Veit, 1933 Ford; Vengeance detailing trophy, Jim Ostenson, 1963 Corvette; and Braatzy crystal vase, 1966 Mustang GTO 350 Hertz.

The car show will return to Buffalo next year.Classics by the Lake 2020 is slated for September 12.

Be sure to tune up before then!