A beautiful day for Classics by the Lake

During the morning and afternoon hours of a gorgeous September Saturday, Sturges Park became a gathering place for chrome, horsepower, and nostalgia as the 18th annual Classics by the Lake car show returned to downtown Buffalo on Sept. 12.

Set along the shores of Buffalo Lake, the annual fall event brought an impressive collection of classic and vintage automotives to the park. The rows of vehicles offered something for nearly every automotive enthusiast, from polished convertibles whose paint jobs seemed to sharpen underneath clear skies and bright sunlight, to powerful muscle cars with hoods propped open and engines flexing their might.  

While the cars provided plenty to look at, the people surrounding them were just as much a part of the event. Vehicle owners gathered beside their prized automobiles, visiting with one another and sharing stories about restorations, memorable road trips, and the years of work and dedication that went into preserving these rolling pieces of history.

The lakeside setting added to the aesthetic appeal of the event. Buffalo Lake provided a scenic backdrop as spectators wandered through the rows of gleaming automobiles, taking in the craftsmanship and details of vehicles from generations past. 

Sponsored by Morrie’s Buffalo Ford, Classics by the Lake was free for both spectators and participating vehicle owners. As of 10:30 a.m., event volunteers shared that around 250 vehicles had registered, with more expected throughout the day. 

Car owners voted on their favorites, with the awards ceremony taking place at 2:00 p.m. Trophies were presented to the top 35 vehicles, along with special awards for Best Original Survivor, Best Street Rod, and Best in Show.

For another year, Classics by the Lake proved to be about more than automobiles. It was a celebration of craftsmanship, nostalgic memories, and community - along with another chance to enjoy a beautiful fall day beside the lake.