Iola Car Show slated for July 11-13
By Holly Neumann
“Calling all Car Clubs” is the theme of the 47th annual Iola Car Show.
It will take place Thursday, July 11 through Saturday, July 13, at 130 Jenson Drive, Iola.
This year’s theme allows for classics, as well as new Corvettes, Mustangs, Challengers and more.
“It created an opportunity to include something a little different than normal,” said team member Carter Snyder. “Many clubs are filled with members who love to honor the classics, but also enjoy driving their modern counterparts.”
Phone app
He said they like adding pieces to the show that allow more people to enjoy it.
Among the additions to the show is a new phone app that will give people shopping the swap meet interactive mapping.
It will allow them to find what they are looking for and keep track of their shopping.
“This is not something you can expect at most shows,” said Snyder. “People come to the show for many different reasons, and the phone app will help them make the most of their time. It also includes scheduling of celebrity appearances, events, etc., and will also allow us to send push notifications as exciting things happen organically during the show.”
It is way to improve the overall experience for buyers, sellers and attendees.
“The Iola Car Show team is very happy with the results and functionality that the app provides,” he said.
There will also be several must-see areas at the car show this year.
“All of the activity in the new convention center space will get a lot of attention,” said Snyder. “The swap meet is always a huge attraction, and the sponsors bring something new to experience each year.”
Otto’s Bar has been relocated to the convention center.
“This popular spot has received an extraordinary uplift with the move and now features a beer garden,” said Snyder. “Look for the iconic ‘Otto’s Bar’ sign to join the fun.”
Other additions in the convention center space include a health and wellness area and a model trains area.
A new flea market area, located at the northeast end of the show grounds near the concert venue, will feature vendors that do not fit the normal auto/memorabilia related requirements.
Entertainment
Live music is included with admission to the car show.
Boomboxx will entertain from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, followed by Johnny Wad from 8-10:30 p.m.
On Saturday, July 13, The Third Wheels will play from 2–4:30 p.m., The Del Rays from 5–7:30 p.m. and Tony Rocker from 8-10 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in Super Saturday giveaways, with prizes ranging from Iola Car Show gear to a red Jeep from Rawhide.
“You can text ‘IOLA’ to 65047 and you will be entered into this year’s giveaway,” said Snyder. “Selected sponsors team up to give away a ton of awesome prizes, and a simple text can get you entered for all of them.”
The Iola Car Show has something for everyone.
“The people are what makes the Iola Car Show special compared to others,” said Snyder. “It takes a community to host an event our size, and the people of Iola and surrounding cities have always made the car show feel special. From the gates to food stands, our community members do a great job each and every year to bring a vibrancy to our event.”
When the weekend is done, Snyder hopes visitors walk away from the grounds feeling they are part of a yearlong family that is Iola.
“While the event may only last three days, the memories and friends last a lifetime,” he said.
The cost to attend the Iola Car Show is $15 for one day and $28 for all three days.
Those who buy their ticket online get free preferred parking.
The gates open at 6 a.m. each day.