THRONGS OF CAR ENTHUSIASTS converged in historic downtown Faribault last Friday evening for the first of four Car Cruise Nights of the season. All over southern Minnesota, car shows are resuming along Main Streets, in parking lots and grassy spaces as the weather warms and people want to be outdoors.
In Faribault, the crowd was the largest I’ve seen for the event, which has become a draw for anyone interested in antique, collectible, vintage and sports vehicles. Not just cars. Trucks, too. Vehicles stretched an impressive six blocks along Central Avenue.
But Car Cruise Night is about more than just vehicles. It’s also about community. The show brings all ages, from preschoolers to teens to seniors, into the downtown. I saw a lot of people I knew and chatted for awhile with each of them, catching up on lives. Eventually I got to looking at the cars and trucks, only to be distracted again by a familiar face. But that’s OK. I value connecting with others.
One interaction stands out for me. As I admired ornate gold-plated handles on a shiny white pick-up truck, a young Somali man (also appreciating the art) asked about the cost. I had no idea. Then the owner, who was Hispanic, stepped up and shared and the three of us talked. Different cultures connecting over gold-plated handles and emblems. Smiling. Engaging. It was a beautiful moment.
I noticed my new friend holding a lidded cup with a tea bag label draping over the edge. “Is that Somali tea?” I asked. “I love Somali tea.” He confirmed it was and directed me to a shop where I could purchase the tea, which is tea combined with milk and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom… I had the tea at a Somali event several weeks ago and love not only the taste, but also the scent. I didn’t buy tea at the car show, because I was shooting photos. A camera and liquids don’t mix. But at least now I know where I can source this delicious beverage in my community.
Plenty of people were enjoying food and drinks purchased from food trucks and sidewalk vendors along Central Avenue. Restaurants were also open.
Music, albeit much louder than I can tolerate, added to the vibe of Car Cruise Night. Bands are a new feature.
The entire event brought people together on a picture perfect May evening. I’ve lived here for 42 years and continue to appreciate Faribault’s downtown historic district of aged brick and limestone buildings, an ideal backdrop for a car show. It’s a lovely setting in which to view vehicles, to converse, to connect, to build community.
FYI: Upcoming Faribault Car Cruise Nights are set for 6 pm – 9 pm on Fridays, June 21, July 19 and August 16.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love the post and the photos!!
Glad you enjoyed my photo tour of Car Cruise Night in Faribault as well as my story.
I miss these kinds of shows. The only car show we have is at the Javits Center and it’s huge and $$$.
Oh, Keith, if only you were in Minnesota. Lots and lots and lots of car shows here. Free, too.
what a joyful community event. so wonderful how it brings people together to enjoy the cars, as well as each other’s company.
Cars and community, a great pairing.
Wasn’t able to attend, so enjoyed your photos and commentary, Audrey. Hope to enjoy future Car Cruise Nights.
Thank you, Paulette, I hope you can attend a Car Cruise Night also.
We love being able to go to car shows. It’s so fun to look at the vehicles from the past, as well as the fun hotrods of today. I have my own 23-year-old Mustang (it’s not the ‘cool’ kind seen at car shows, it’s a daily driver for this grandma ☺️), so I especially liked your Mustang photos. ❤️
I am partial to Mustangs. I don’t recall them being especially comfortable. But I have some youthful memories attached to Mustangs. I’d love to see yours. Maybe this summer when we’re at the Crosslake cabin???
That sounds like a wonderful idea. Please let me know when you’ll be in the area.
It would be fun to see you when we’re in the area for sure.
Love the cars/ I once own a MGA, then a Triumph Spitfire then a Fiat 124 Spyder – ignoring my 1959 Ford Escort, my 1957 Chrysler Imperial 2 door. I owned a Honda CX 500 (V-Twin) motorcycle. I can recount everything I ever bought. I have since added a Yamaha V-Star Twin 950 dresser. Locally I have found a pristine Pink Metropolitan. I also added a Mazda Miata – which I am beginning to think of as a girls car – all except for the shifting. I absolutely LOVE the car shows! History on wheels!
You’re right, Gunny. Car shows are history on wheels. I like that phrase. It sounds like you’ve experienced lots of history with a variety of vehicles.
One family story that exist to this day involves myself, a brother, both of us on motorcycles, meeting in Tucson AZ, driving up to Flagstaff Arizona, then west to Oceanside California through Julian, CA. Family members refer to this escapade as the Snowflake 500 and it occurred in December. Suffice to say, it is hard to explain to people why the icicles were horizontal versus vertical. Rain, Sleet and snow. There is another story involving people observing a phase of an amphibious landing, me and others in a Humvee armed with a 50 cal M2 Machine Gun, my career passing before my eyes, being driven straight up this 45 degree hill and stopping on a postage stamp sized parking spot with adults chocking on the dust we kicked up. We were dressed somewhat akin to the San People in the Star Wars movie and kids screaming with delight at the show we put on! This was at an observation (scenic) point located in a turnout point on I-5 headed South just south of San Clemente. All these memories are seared into my brain.
Gunny, you have lived an exciting and daring life. Thank you for sharing your adventures.