One of Southwest Michigan’s favorite summer rituals is ‘the car show.’ There have been several over the years that have endured for decades, although the pandemic took its toll on a few. At the end of June, Maiden Lane Park in St. Joseph Township will play host to a car show that’s growing by leaps and bounds, only three years into its existence.
The Berrien County Firefights Association & Sheriff’s Department ‘Benefit Car Show’ on Saturday, June 29 will bring together favorite features from many car shows, all wrapped up and targeted at families. Best of all— it’s FREE to attend! Show hours are 9am- 2pm.
There will, of course, be dozens of antique and restored cars, with an accent on those 60s and 70s ‘Muscle Cars’ that seem to appeal across the generations. There will be some older than that, as well as newer specialty vehicles. $10 entry fee to display a vehicle. Inquiries to jmclellan75@comcast.net
With the sponsorship from law enforcement and first responders, there will be a special section of Police and Fire vehicles on display, both historical rigs and examples of today’s working vehicles. Inquiries to gerrykabelman@mail.com
A special section of ‘nitro fueled cars’, including those ‘dragsters’ from the 60s will be on display. And at 12 o’clock—high noon—they’ll fire them up at what’s expected to be a half hour focal moment of the show.
Earlier, there’ll be a Swap Meet, with FREE spaces available to sellers of car related merchandise, auto parts, accessories and collectables. Inquiries to Robert49085@gmail.com
Gates will open at 7am for setup and 9am for attendees. Breakfast tacos will be available at 8am from the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge. And there’ll be food vendors on site all day. DJ Hunter Wright from WIRX/Rock 107 will provide the car show background sound track.
One of the show’s organizers, John McLellan told us The Benefit Show raised nearly $12,000 in 2023 from registrations and donations. They expect to blow by that number this year and split the proceeds between the Firefighters Association and the Sheriff’s Department. McLellan said the show has picked up where several shows left off prior to the pandemic, including the highly popular Lane Automotive show, held in Watervliet for many years.
Organizers give special thanks to St. Joseph Township for support of the show and use of Maiden Lane Park, at the corner of Washington Avenue & Maiden Lane, just South of I-94. It’s the park where you’ve likely seen youth baseball and soccer games going on for decades as you passed by on the highway!
Again… it all happens Saturday, June 29, 9am-2pm and benefits the Firefighters Association and the Sheriff’s Department, with funds mostly dedicated to training and equipment upgrades.
If you love cars… you’ll love this show!
