Pandemic alternative becomes annual event

By Holly Neumann

Registration is now open for the third annual Rally for Iola, which is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Iola Car Show grounds in Iola.

“The Rally for Iola was born in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Iola Car Show during the pandemic,” said Ali Johnson, the show’s marketing specialist. “We wanted to give people an avenue to celebrate the automotive hobby in a safe way and the Rally did just that.”

Because of the fun and relaxed atmosphere it creates, the Rally is now an annual event.

“The Rally is a fun event because there is a much more relaxed atmosphere than the show,” Johnson said. “We’re taking a Saturday cruise, checking out the flea market, grabbing some delicious food and enjoy some beverages while listening to tunes. This is a much slower-paced day that truly allows you to sit back and enjoy the simplicities of the car show.”

This year’s cruise will take participants to Bear Creek, New London, Waupaca, Scandinavia and back to Iola for a flea market, food and music.

The route is 62 miles long and will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Visit www.scan2scan.com/show/rally-for-iola-2022#!/ to register for the event as a vendor or cruise participant.

Vendors have the option of indoor and outdoor spaces for $40 each. Indoor spaces will be 10-feet-by-10-feet in the show’s special exhibit room, while outdoor spaces are 10×30. Preregistration will close on Sunday, Sept. 11.

Preregistration for cars is allowed until Tuesday, Sept. 16, and costs $5 in advance or $10 at the gate.

All vehicles are welcome and there is no cut-off year.

Gates will open at 7 a.m. the day of the event, with the ride starting at 10 a.m. and music at 11 a.m.