MUSCATINE, Iowa–Nothing draws a crowd like a car show, especially one supporting good causes. Since 2019, Hy-Vee has held a car show to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Muscatine and Special Olympics of Muscatine, which draws numerous unique cars and car lovers of all ages. This year the Hy-Vee Car Show will roll into town on Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hy-Vee (2400 Second Avenue in Muscatine).
An enduringly popular event, more than 80 vehicles have entered each year, and Hy-Vee District Store Director Matt Schweizer looks forward to seeing even more vehicles types on display, in addition to the custom cars, hot rods muscle cars, motorcycles, rat rods and trucks that already compete. “This show continues to grow every year,” Schweizer noted: “This year, we have added Jeeps as another class of vehicle for the show. We are encouraging anyone with a Jeep to show it off in addition to all the classic and muscle cars that typically attend.” Winners in each class will receive trophies, as will winners of the People’s and Littles’ Choice Awards.
If someone wants to enter a car in the show, registration costs only $20. Between these registration and other fundraising activities, the 2022 car show brought in $2,000 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Muscatine and Special Olympics of Muscatine. Organizers hope to raise at least that much money again and to continue raising awareness about what Big Brothers Big Sisters and Special Olympics do and how people can participate in them or volunteer to support them further.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters uses event funding to support our matches through community activities to provide an experience and a meal,” detailed Lindsey Phillips, program director for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Muscatine County. “Monthly outings and exposure in the community are key to increasing engagement, sense of future, and building relationships while learning.” She continued: “Special Olympians participate in local and state-level sporting events. Any money raised assures that all athletes get to participate without the barrier of costs.”
Graphic courtesy of Muscatine Hy-Vee.
In addition to taking in all the cars, attendees will enjoy multiple other activities. Hy-Vee will have grilled items and cold beverages for sale. Tony Tone will emcee the event, providing great music all morning long. The Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office will stop out, and people can help cover the cruiser by purchasing a special sticky note and placing it on a Sheriff’s Office car.
In the weeks before the car show, people can support both organizations by purchasing raffle tickets for a 36-inch Blackstone griddle. Though the drawing will occur at the event, entrants can win even if they do not attend. Tickets cost $5 apiece or $20 for five.
An enjoyable event for all, Phillips welcomes everyone to stop out and support local Muscatine organizations at the upcoming Hy-Vee Car Show. “Car shows have a good feel,” she shared: “It’s a positive energy, and everyone there is passionate about cars and supporting a good cause. I always enjoy this event and the community it brings.”
