Cars and Coffee unites the car community in Pocatello every Sunday

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Cars and Coffee is a weekly car show that has brought out hundreds of visitors every Sunday in Pocatello. Since its founding in 2019, the event provides a space for locals to share their 4-wheeled passion projects with others.

In the first years, the car show was at Wall to Wall in Pocatello, but outgrew that parking lot and moved across the street to the Key Bank. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Originally hosting only 20 cars, founder Carl Hocker said the event now draws more than 120 vehicles, including tractors and motorcycles. They also have The Picnic Basket food truck for snacks and drinks at each car show. Participants walk between the rows of vehicles to see the various makes and models, which Hocker said draws significant interest from the public, with people sometimes walking in from the sidewalk or stopping on their drive down Yellowstone.

Henry Pope is a car owner who built his own GTO and attends the gathering each week to interact with other enthusiasts. “Really good atmosphere, really good people, family oriented, great place to come, bring the kids out, look at cool old cars. The kids love it,” Pope said.

The environment encourages car lovers to unite and reunite, sometimes bringing together friends who haven't seen each other in a decade. Car owners often allow children to sit in their vehicles for photos and take pride in explaining their car's origins.

“We stick them in the driver's seat, get photographs of them in their cars and stuff like that,” Pope said. "It's just a great way to get out in the community and spend a few hours on your Sunday."

Many participants have observed a growing interest in “old iron” vehicles among the younger population in the Pocatello area. The group also uses their vehicles for community service, including hosting drive-bys for local children's birthday parties. Members stated they participate to give the community something to enjoy.

Hocker says the best part is seeing the spark in little kids' eyes when they see a cool car they've never seen before.

"I was once a 5 year old kid looking at a car going wow, that's what I want," he said. "Here we are 50 years later I got a Corvette. I mean, never give up your dream, kids."