The sun was blazing down, but the cars were even hotter at the 25th annual High Plains Auto Club Rock-n-Roll Father’s Day Classic car show on Saturday. The event took place at Five Rocks Amphitheater following a lively parade through downtown Gering. Despite its current status as a Father’s Day weekend tradition in the Panhandle, High Plains Auto Club President Curt Schuller revealed that the show’s beginnings were quite modest.
Schuller shared, “There were 6 guys 25 years ago, car enthusiasts, who came together and decided to organize a small car show. For about 20 years now, it has been held here at Five Rocks. The City of Gering has been incredibly supportive in allowing us to host our show at this venue.” This year’s show reached its maximum capacity with 325 registered cars, representing 11 different states. The field at Five Rocks was packed with vehicles, serving as a fitting tribute to 25 years of automotive camaraderie.
Schuller expressed his excitement, stating, “This is one of the largest shows we’ve ever had. We really emphasized our 25th anniversary. It’s remarkable that a club can stay united for that long and make this event happen.” In addition to showcasing classic cars, the event featured a Pin-Up & Jr. Greaser Contest hosted by the Rockabilly Misfits, highlighting the fashion and style of a bygone American era. Later in the day, all car owners revved their engines together in celebration of their shared passion for automobiles.
Despite some cars remaining covered due to a light drizzle on Friday night, the show’s festivities went smoothly. Hosting the event on Father’s Day weekend creates an annual bonding experience for families, drawing them back year after year. Families like the Wallaces, consisting of Dad Rick Wallace and his sons Frost and Bridger, have been attending the show for a decade. They cherish the memories made during this father-son tradition.
Rick Wallace shared, “This is something we do every year as a father/son activity. We enjoy the crowd, interacting with people here, and admiring the cars. It’s a great way to see what’s new and reconnect with old friends.” The family’s shared love for cars inspired Frost and Bridger to purchase a 1966 Mustang that they plan to restore with their dad. The boys expressed both excitement and a hint of nervousness about embarking on this project.
In addition to the annual car show, the High Plains Auto Club organizes Cruise Nights throughout the year and awards scholarships to students pursuing careers in trades like electrical, mechanical, and diesel tech. Schuller extended an invitation to all car enthusiasts to learn more and join the club at highplainsautoclub.com.
The event not only celebrates classic cars but also fosters a sense of community and family bonding, making it a cherished tradition for many in the region. The High Plains Auto Club’s dedication to preserving automotive history and supporting aspiring tradespeople further solidifies its role in the community. As the sun set on another successful Father’s Day Classic car show, attendees left with memories of roaring engines, gleaming chrome, and shared experiences that will last a lifetime.