Car Show in Pocatello Fundraises for Senior Activity Center

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Senior Activity Center hosted their annual Oldies Rod and Custom Car Show on June 13, bringing out 85 cars and hundreds of community members. Organizers said the car show is one of two major fundraisers the organization hosts, bringing in extra money for programs and services offered by the local non-profit.

"The money allows us to do some of the extra things and fill in the gaps where our funding doesn't meet," said Tara Contreras, Executive Director of the Senior Activity Center. "This has been incredible, it just speaks to the amazing car community that we have that they all showed up."

Contreras said the car show has grown significantly since last year. With last year's show bringing in 40 cars to vote on and admire, this year's event had 85 entries. She said the car owners traveled from Idaho Falls, American Falls, Blackfoot, Preston, Malad and even some from Utah.

Many local businesses helped to sponsor the car show, with other locals donating over $5000 in raffle prizes. Previously, the event was held at the Center Street underpass grass area, but with the current construction, the organizers had to find a new location. Leaders at Outer Limits Fun Zone became involved and offered their large parking lot for the event.

Contreras said they already have plans for a bigger and better car show next year. During her first year leading the event, the director said she was "blown away."

"I've been going and visiting with people at Poky Cars and Coffee, trying to get embedded with the local car community and talking to them about the Senior Activity Center and our cause," she said. "They don't know who we are or what we do or the people we serve, so we've really tried to promote the event and get great partners."

Through word of mouth and promotion work, the Senior Activity Center hosted a record-breaking car show with an astounding turnout. Many cars also drove through the parking lot unregistered, eager to join the show with their vehicles. Prizes and awards were given to the winners of different competitions, including the participant's choice award. The winner of participant's choice gets the honor of being printed on the following years' T-shirts.

The Senior Activity Center will host their golf tournament fundraiser in September.

"I would like to thank all of our car community, the participants, Stacy with Outer Limits, Gate City Insurance's Josh Randall who matched donation, and all of our volunteers," Contreras said. "Thank you so much."