The German Car Fest celebrated its 16th anniversary June 12th at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Shakopee with 81 cars in attendance.  Despite threatening skies, we had a great group of cars and owners together, at least for the early part of the day.  The weather forecast was for the rain to hold off until 2:00 pm or so.  The predictions were optimistic by a few hours, and the pavilion was put to good use in the early afternoon to tally the votes and award the winners.

The entry breakdown by brand was:  36 Mercedes Benz, 17 BMW’s, 13 Porsches, 9 Volkswagens, 2 Audis, and one car each representing Borgward, Lloyd, and Opel (the first Opel ever at the German Car Fest).
We wish to thank the many volunteers that helped with set up, registration, awards, PA system, parking, etc.  Also, we want to thank the vendors that came out, even though the weather was looking somewhat ominous.

Participants were entertained by the Bavarian Musikmeister 30 piece band between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM.  They always make the German Car Fest feel very celebratory.

Marty Ziegler, owner of Deutschland Meats in Lindstrom, Minnesota, once again provided a big choice in food for this year’s event.  Brats, pork sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.  We always look forward to his participation in the German Car Fest.

FirstGear DIY Garage in Eden Prairie brought a couple of competition-prepped BMWs to the show, along with info about their garage operation, which features tools, lifts, space, and most importantly, heat, for the do-it-yourselfers out there.

Jim Miller, from Twin City Tire, was on hand with a display of performance and winter tires.

Tom Walgren of Higgins Insurance Agency was there representing Haggerty Insurance, specialists for collector and vintage car insurance.
Michael Jekot was on hand with a display of stunning automotive fine art.

Phil Sutherland of the United Hospital Foundation showed a new Mercedes Benz GLK350 that will be given away at  the service to Humanity Gala at the St. Paul RiverCentre on September 25, 2010.  Raffle tickets are being sold for $100 each or 3 for $250, with proceeds to benefit the United Hospital Foundation programs.  You can call 651-241-8022 for tickets or more information.

Finally, special thanks to Paul and Chris Bergquist for organizing this show for the 16th time!

The next German Car Fest will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Shakopee, Minnesota.
By Greg Thompson
Photos by Louis Wendling & Dave Tobin
(more photos below)