Chrome in the Dome: more than just an auto show

Idaho State University’s 13th annual Chrome in the Dome car show will be held at Holt Arena on March 15 and 16.

This year, more than 200 vehicles, including three worked on by ISU students, are expected inside the dome.

The university attempts to add something new to the show each year. This time it’s a pickup truck from a former student and employee who recently passed away.

“His family donated the truck back to the students to finish the job, and then we’ll put it up for sale and use that money for scholarships for other students,” instructor Russell Butler said.

Butler anticipates the truck could haul in about $20,000.

The university will also be displaying a 1959 Ford and a 1916 Ford Model T.

Though more than 100 years old, the Model T is still fully functional, after years of restoration from ISU students and staff.

“It’ll hand start and drive,” Butler said. “It drives very well, it’s different to drive than any other car I’ve ever driven before.”

So different that Butler said he had to drive it in the Holt Arena parking lot for three days before he was willing to take it on the street.

The Model T is also being displayed as a way to honor another member of the program who recently passed, that had spent a great deal of time helping to restore it.

Chrome in the Dome began as a student fundraiser and has blossomed into one of the largest auto shows in the state.

“We’re pretty proud of that,” Butler said.

ISU will only be bringing three cars to Holt. The nearly 200 other vehicles will be brought in by individual owners.

“Without the car owners, the show couldn’t be a success,” Butler said. “We’ve got a gentleman coming from Minnesota to show a car, we get people from all the surrounding states. That’s the exciting part.”

But cars and bikes aside, Bulter said that one of the most popular parts of the show is the hand made trophies that the students create.

There are approximately 26 categories for which people can earn a trophy made out of car parts.

According to instructor Brock Gunter, there are no real guidelines for what the student’s trophy has to look like or include.

“We say, hey, just build whatever,” Gunter said.

The trophies are something the owners look forward to but they also draw people to the event.

“I know a lot of people will come to the show just to have a chance to win a trophy,” he said. “It’s fun to come and see the cool cars but, you know, this might be just as cool to come and see the trophies.”