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For Roughly the past 15 years, the Pipestone Cruizers Car Show has been a staple of the Water Tower Festival.
“It’s great to see all the classy cars,” said Cruizers member Ron Belcher, whose event brings much enjoyment to vehicle enthusiasts across the board.
The show is open to traditional cars, trucks, imports, motorcycles, tractors, rat rods and even golf carts.
A rat rod, according to Wikipedia, is a style of custom car with a “deliberate, unfinished appearance built to be driven.” This category is often seen as a budget-friendly way to customize a vehicle.
“You never know what you’re going to get,” said Cruizers car show organizer Shawn Johnson. “Every year is different. Hopefully we will have some tractors, rat rods and golf carts.”
Brad and Kris Carson of Pipestone showed off this 1920 Ford Model T during the 2024 Pipestone Cruizers Car Show in downtown. (Star file photo by Eric Viccaro)
Johnson reported roughly $2,500 will be awarded to the registrants, and even about $3,500 in prizes thanks to “our wonderful sponsors.”
The car show features 55 local sponsors, including 25 on the “gold level.” Pipestone Publishing Co. is one of many “silver level” sponsors.
In turn, the Cruizers have been quite charitable in giving back to the region.
This past year alone, the organization donated a strider bicycle to the Lake Benton school district for its adaptive physical education class.
Lake Benton School principal Jeff Hansen receives a donation from Pipestone Cruizers’ Shawn Johnson. (Contributed photo from the Lake Benton school district)
Other donations were given to the forthcoming Pipestone Veterans Memorial in Moore Park, to the Pipestone County Medical Center and Family Clinic’s book program, Pipestone County 4-H Shooting Sports and to the Pipestone County Museum.
Last year’s show featured 140 entries, and Johnson said this year’s event could possibly see a similar figure.
During the 2024 event, Jeff Moen’s 1961 Chevrolet Impala earned distinction as “The Best in Show.” Moen, once a resident in the region, lives in Virginia.
Jeff Moen was the Best in Show during the 2024 Pipestone Cruizers event, showing off a 1961 Chevrolet Impala. (Star file photo by Eric Viccaro)
Two years ago, a 1970 Ford Torino shown by Steve and Jane Tiedeman of Woodstock earned “Best in Show.”
“To be able to put on a car show like this is a good feeling,” Johnson explained.
The Cruizers event is part of a short car show season in Pipestone County, which includes a similar event during Ruthton’s Independence Day celebration and Dahl Motors showcase upcoming Aug. 9 at the dealership.
A large crowd showed up to see all the dazzling vehicles at the 2024 Pipestone Cruizers car show. (Star file photo by Eric Viccaro)
INFORMATION
What: Pipestone Cruizers Car Show
When: Saturday, June 28
What time?: Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The awards ceremony starts at 2 p.m.
Where: West side of the Pipestone County Courthouse (2nd Ave. SW, registrants are asked to enter from the south.)
Cost: $15 per vehicle entry fee, with all proceeds donated to charity
Divisions: Cars, trucks, imports, motorcycles, tractor, rat rods and golf carts
Additional information: There will be children’s and adult giveaways. Children’s giveaways will include a power wheels car. One adult giveaway will be a gas grill. In all, about $3,500 in prizes will be distributed.
Special giveaways: The first 100 entreants will receive a dash plaque. Tool sets from local businesses will be given to all the class winners.
To enter: Call Shawn Johnson at 1-507-820-1399.