Rally planned for July 11

By Greg Seubert

Iola Car Show & Swap Meet organizers have put the brakes on this year’s 48th annual event.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have the unfortunate duty of announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Iola Car Show & Swap Meet,” Joe Opperman, the show’s executive director announced in the show’s website and Facebook pages. “After careful deliberation and with the best information available at this time, the board of directors and the Iola Car Show team have made this decision feeling it is the only responsible option.”

The show, scheduled to run July 9-11 in Iola, is the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The monumental task of producing this world-class event is heavily dependent on the thousands of volunteers who aid in this effort,” Opperman said. “We simply cannot produce the show without the ability to ensure the safety, confidence and comfort of all involved and everyone’s safety is our top priority. It is also impossible to predict what measures and mandates may be relaxed or removed by the time of the show.”

More than 100 organizations depend on the show for funding, according to Opperman.

“We fully recognize that the loss of this event will put many of the 130 organizations who depend on our show for financial support – and Iola Old Car Show Inc. itself – in a very difficult financial position,” he said. “Furthermore, we are very aware that many of our swap vendors, who are a cornerstone of the event, have had much of their season of commerce fully disrupted, if not destroyed. It is for that reason that we have now shifted gears from preparing for the 48th annual Iola Car Show event into preparation for alternative festivities.”

They include the first-ever Rally for Iola, scheduled for Saturday, July, 11.

“Planning for the rally is under development and will include a drive through the show grounds and street cruise,” Opperman said. “Not only is this the scheduled Saturday of the show, it’s also National Collector Car Appreciation Day. This event will allow everyone the opportunity to safely celebrate and enjoy key elements of the historic show while providing essential support to help preserve the organization through these difficult times.”

Opperman said while the show itself is canceled, organizers decided to postpone its swap meet and flea market.

“We hope as the summer progresses, we will be able to select dates that allow our swap vendors and shoppers the opportunity to gather and do business later this summer or fall,” he said. “Those dates will be selected as more information becomes available.”

The show office will send notices to preregistered exhibitors and campers regarding options for carry-overs to 2021, refunds and donations, Opperman said.

“The beauty and magic of the Iola Car Show is not something provided by one group or segment, but rather by the assembly of many parts,” he said. “We have second, third and fourth generations of swappers, show car exhibitors, campers and volunteers. Together, we are a powerful engine. I am confident that despite these unprecedented challenges, we will overcome this together.”