Rev Up Your Engines: A Guide to Trenton's Exciting Summer and Fall Car Shows

Who doesn’t like looking at vintage cars and trucks that take us back to the good old days? Or how about getting a closer look at that classic convertible or its modern version that you’ve been dreaming about?

Trenton has been a popular destination for car/truck/motorcycle enthusiasts over the past several years, as three shows are held over a five-month period during the summer and fall months. Owners get the chance to show off their “babies” to an adoring public, who in turn get the chance to see these beauties at no charge.

Let’s take a look at what’s coming up in the next few months.

Wheels & Wine Car Show – Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Black Silo Winery in Trenton (4030 E. 10^th St.)

The Wheels and Wine Car Show has been a fixture of the area car show scene for seven years and helps raise funds for local and area non-profit organizations. This year’s designated recipient is the Bright Futures Trenton program, which works to ensure the success of all students in Grundy County schools through its partnerships with the community.

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Stevens Excavating and Plumbing (Danny and Lindsay Stevens) is the chief organizer of this event, which gets strong support from the community through business and organization sponsorships that in turn help provide the prizes awarded in the 26 judging classes as well as the five specialty trophies that are awarded. Those attending will get a say in who will walk away with the show’s top prizes as participant judging takes place during a two-hour period (11 am to 1 pm) after the gates open at 10:30 am.

For those wanting to enter a car, registration opens at 8 am, with the first 100 entries receiving a t-shirt and dash plaque. There is a $20 per class entry fee, with owners being able to enter more than one class. Winners will be announced at 2 pm, with first- and second-place winners named in each class as well as the special winners of Charity Choice, Best Interior, Best Motor, Best Paint and, of course, Best of Show.

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In addition to viewing the many entries anticipated at the show, attendees have the chance to browse numerous vendors who will have their wares for sale. Purses, scented candles, flowers, t-shirts and sweet treats are just some of the items that will be available for purchase. For those looking to have a late breakfast or lunch, stop by the food truck area for some delicious food and drinks.

There is also plenty of parking available at the winery, giving attendees a short walk to the show.

For more information about the show, contact Car Entry Chairman Danny Stevens, 660-635-1631 or email at lnporter@hotmail.com or info@blacksilowinery.com. You can also check out the show’s Facebook page, Wheels and Wine Car Show.

Trenton Alumni Weekend Car & Cycle Show – Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Eastside Park

A newcomer to Trenton’s car show schedule is the Trenton Alumni Weekend Car & Cycle Show, which is held in connection with the Labor Day weekend Trenton High School Alumni celebration. Cole Soptic is coordinator of this two-year-old event, which is held at Eastside Park, and benefits the scholarship within the community. Local businesses and organizations also provide support to the show, with their funding used to recognize the show’s winning vehicles.

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Registration begins at 9 am and continues through noon, during which time the public is also invited to come by and view the entries. Pre-registration can be done prior to Aug. 1 for $15 a class, with the fee increasing to $20 after that day. Judging will take place in 23 classes, ranging from Antique Cars and Motorcycles to Street Rods and Pedal Cars, along with the recognition of the Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Engine Detail, Best Interior and the Ralph Cutsinger Memorial Award.

Awards will be presented around 2:30 pm.

In addition to viewing the entries, the public will be able to hear some “golden oldies” playing throughout the area and there will be food on the grounds along with door prizes and a raffle.

For more information, persons can contact Cole Soptic at 660-654-2509 or email trentonkrazykruzers@gmail.com.

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Trenton Elks Lodge No. 801 Missouri Day Car Show – Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 at the Trenton Elks Lodge in downtown Trenton

The local Elks Lodge has been the sponsor of this car show for over 20 years, a show that has always been a part of the community’s annual Missouri Day Festival. Classic, vintage and new vehicles line the street next to the lodge, which is located in the unique area of downtown known by locals as “Five Points.” While 2024 plans have yet to be announced, past shows have usually begun early in the day with registration of entries, with public viewing taking place during the late morning to early afternoon. Lodge members will also have food available during the show, which in the past has included chili, hamburgers and brats.

Check the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website, www.visittrentonmo.com, for information closer to the time of the show.

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Car Cruises – June Through October at The People’s Co-Op/Mr. Tire at 1736 E. Ninth Street in Trenton

Local classic car enthusiasts enjoy getting their vehicles out to show off to the public during monthly car shows, that begin in June and continue through October, weather permitting. Cars, trucks and motorcycles meet at the People’s Co-Op/Mr. Tire parking lot at 6 pm (except for the Aug. 30 cruise), where they visit and display their vehicles before taking a cruise around Trenton. The cruise usually encompasses a route that includes the local nursing homes, allowing some of the older folks in the community a chance to see and remember some of the vehicles from their past. In past years, the cruise has also included live music, with the musicians usually announced closer to the time of the event.

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This year’s cruises are planned for June 29, July 27 and Sept. 28, all from 6 to 8 pm; Aug. 30, 6 to 11 pm; and Oct. 26, 6 to 7 pm. At the Oct. 26 cruise, a Halloween “trunk or treat” event is also planned for the youth of the community, weather permitting.

All cruises are open to the public. For more information, persons can check out the website, www.trentonkrazykruzers.com.

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Written and submitted by Diane Lowrey for the Trenton Convention and Visitors Bureau.