Pan Towners 51st Annual Car Show & Swap Meet Sunday August 16th

If you love classic cars, trucks, muscle cars, and anything with a little personality under the hood, you’ll want to make plans for Sunday in Sauk Rapids.

The Pantowners Car Show and Swap Meet returns to the Benton County Fairgrounds this Sunday.

PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY

On Sunday, August 16th, the Pan Towners 51st Annual Car Show & Swap Meet will bring hundreds of vehicles, vendors, food, and plenty to see and do to the Benton County Fairgrounds.

The event runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1410 3rd Avenue South in Sauk Rapids. This year’s show is also taking time to honor military members and veterans, both past and present.

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THIS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS

One of the highlights this year will be the display of military equipment from the Minnesota Army National Guard. There will also be Freedom Flight balloon rides, weather permitting, giving visitors a chance to see the area from a completely different perspective.

And of course, the cars are the stars of the show.

TROPHIES FOR THE TOP 107 SHOW CARS

Trophies will be awarded to the Top 107 Show Cars, with indoor displays, a used car corral and swap vendors giving people plenty of opportunities to look, shop and maybe even find something they didn’t know they needed.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Maybe your family needs a little extra something to do while you're adoring the cars you've always dreamed about. There will be indoor arts and crafts and food vendors, so you can easily spend several hours at the fairgrounds.

RELATED STORIES: 50TH Annual Pantowners Car Show

VALVE COVER RACING

If you have never seen valve cover racing, this could be the year to check it out.

The competition involves homemade racing cars built around an actual rocker cover from a car or truck engine. The cars cannot have engines or any other type of propulsion. They have to have four wheels, stay within specific size and weight limits, and race down a two-lane track.

The racers release their cars when the light turns green, and yes, jumping the light can cost you the round!

There are even rules about keeping the cars clean. If your valve cover racer drips, you lose.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FUN RUN SATURDAY NIGHT!

The fun actually begins Saturday night, August 15th, with a Fun Run at 6 p.m. Then Sunday morning, there will be a service at 10 a.m. during the car show.

YOUNG CAR ENTHUSIASTS

Young car enthusiasts have something to look forward to as well. The show includes a Model Car Contest, giving another generation of automotive fans a chance to show off their creativity.

For those between the ages of 16 and 22, the show also offers a chance to win $500, along with a one-year free membership to the Pantowners and the opportunity to have their vehicle displayed at this year’s show.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Admission for spectators is $8 for adults, and kids 15 and under get in free with a paid adult. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all gates.

If you want to enter a vehicle in the show, the pre-entry fee is $10. Entry at the gate is $15.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED

There are a few rules to remember before heading to the fairgrounds. No pets, no bikes, no motorized vehicles, no guns, and no skateboards or rollerblades are allowed.

Whether you come because you have a passion for old cars, want to check out the military equipment, are looking for parts at the swap meet, or simply want something fun to do with the family, the Pantowners Car Show offers plenty to see.