collector cars | Minnesota Prairie Roots

Connecting at Car Cruise Night in Faribault May 23, 2024

*(Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

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.

*Loved this restored tow truck. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

*Emblems are art in my eyes, including this one for a Mustang. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

*There’s art everywhere on a vehicle. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

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.

*Friendship, sweet friendship. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

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.

*This truck handle connected three cultures in conversation. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

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.

*Visiting on a street corner during the car show.* *Many Somali immigrants and refugees live in downtown Faribault and elsewhere in our community. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

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.

*Old aside new. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

*Wooden spokes on a 1930s Buick. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

*This sprint car drew lots of interest. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

Plenty of people were enjoying food and drinks purchased from food trucks and sidewalk vendors along Central Avenue. Restaurants were also open.

*This Ford convertible seemed to stretch into forever. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

Music, albeit much louder than I can tolerate, added to the vibe of Car Cruise Night. Bands are a new feature.

*Historic buildings backdrop the car show. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2024)*

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.

Comments (16)

Cruisin’ in red, Part II from Faribault Car Cruise Night June 24, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
Tags: car cruise, collector cars, color, Faribault, Faribault Car Cruise Night, Minnesota, photo essay, photography, red, red cars, vintage cars

A 1957 Chevrolet.

WHEN I PHOTOGRAPH car shows, I find myself drawn to red vehicles.

A hot rod.

For one, the color red pops in photos.

But, I’m also wondering if red cars are more common? Is that why, when I scroll through frames from the June 19 Faribault Car Cruise Night, that I notice lots of red vehicles in my photos.

Ford Fairlane.

Red cars.

Mid-60s Chevy pick-up truck.

Red trucks.

Even red Harley Davidson motorcycles. Bikes ended the parade.

Ford Mustang.

When I think of a red vehicle, I think of speed. And being a bit show-offy.

Mid 1960s Ford Mustang.

I think of youth. Although that’s not necessarily accurate. How many guys have purchased red cars during the stereotypical mid-life crisis? Maybe you don’t want to answer that question. Red, I suppose, looks good on anyone, no matter their age.

Camaro Super Sport.

Red seems an attention-grabbing hue. A good color choice for on-the-road visibility.

Whether a vehicle is fire-engine red or a shade muting more to maroon, the undertones will always catch my eye. There’s just something about red…

1962 Chevrolet.

TELL ME: Have you ever owned, or do you own, a red vehicle or shade thereof? What’s your color preference in a vehicle? And why?

Comments (12)

Cruisin’ into summer during COVID-19, Part I June 23, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
Tags: car cruise, collector cars, COVID-19, Faribault, Faribault Car Cruise Night, Minnesota, photo essay, photography, summer, vintage cars

Heading east on Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street past the courthouse and Fareway Foods, Car Cruise Night participants arrive in the downtown Faribault business district Friday evening, June 19.

IN A SUMMER THAT FEELS anything but normal due to COVID-19, I welcome distractions. And a sense of semi-normalcy.

A 1957 Chevrolet.

For awhile Friday evening, during Faribault Car Cruise Night, I could pretend that we are not in the midst of a global pandemic. The event has been revamped this summer from vehicles parked along Central Avenue to an actual cruise. The June 19 evening cruise started at the Faribault Middle School, leading drivers out of town and around area lakes before heading back to Faribault and finishing on the south end of Central Avenue.

I swung my camera lens east and west to take in the cruise coming and going, including this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.

Watching the parade from the back of a pick-up truck parked in a business parking lot.

My friends Curt and Leann in their 1959 Ford Galaxie.

In deciding where to sit, Randy and I intentionally looked for a spot that would keep us clear of crowds. And we found that in front of the Rice County Government Center. The uncrowded setting also allowed me to roam onto the courthouse lawn to take photos.

Pre-cruise, I photographed this traffic westbound along busy Fourth Street.

We waited for nearly an hour from the 6 pm start time to see the first car rolling toward us on Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street. But it was a lovely summer evening to sit outdoors, so we didn’t mind the wait. I did worry, though, about shooting into the sun while photographing the parade of vehicles. And that did prove to be somewhat problematic.

Waving from a Chervrolet Corvette.

A group of bikers closed out the cruise line.

No matter, I got plenty of photos—images which show a sense of community, of fun, of joy. This cruise felt different. Lots of smiles. Hand waving. Showing off by a few drivers.

A 1955 Chevrolet.

A Ford Falcon.

Many seemed grateful simply to be out on a beautiful Minnesota summer evening.

So enjoyed this bagpipe player and his addition to Faribault Car Cruise Night.

He started playing next to the Rice County Veterans’ Memorial.

Then moved nearer the courthouse.

Adding to the festivities was the music of a lone bagpiper stationed on the courthouse lawn. He stood for awhile next to the Rice County Veterans’ Memorial in a show of respect. I noticed many an appreciative driver and passenger looking his way. The live music definitely added a new dimension to the cruise and I hope will continue.

Mostly, I felt an overwhelming sense of being part of something that was more than a parade of collector, vintage and other vehicles. I felt a sense of togetherness while not together. I felt a spirit of community.

In a summer when nearly every event that brings people together has been canceled, we had this, this escape. For a short time on a Friday evening in June in Faribault.

Please check back for two more posts from the June 18 Faribault Car Cruise Night.

Comments (24)

Faribault Car Cruise season closes with impressive finale August 30, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
Tags: car cruise-in, cars, collector cars, Downtown Faribault Car Cruise Night, Faribault, Faribault Main Street, Minnesota, photo essay

This cute little 1959 Metropolitan drew lots of attention as did its companion one several blocs away.

This cute little 1959 Metropolitan drew lots of attention as did its companion one several blocks away.

I COULD FEEL THE ENERGY, the vibe, the excitement on Friday evening in historic downtown Faribault.

This little guy was enthralled with the University of Minnesota’s solar car.

I could see the enthusiasm, the sense of community, the togetherness.

Another view of the U’s solar car.

And I heard the positive comments—the praise for Faribault Downtown Car Cruise Night and the number of collector vehicles and people the event drew. Even I couldn’t believe the scene before me as my husband and I arrived downtown an hour after the cruise started.

The crowd and vehicles stretched for blocks along Faribault’s Central Avenue for Car Cruise Night.

Rather than filling the typical 1 ½ to 2 city blocks, vehicles lined four blocks of Central Avenue from Fourth Street to the Buckham Center. And the crowd of car enthusiasts far outnumbered any I’ve ever seen at these monthly cruise nights. That says a lot for the organizer—Faribault Main Street—and others who are embracing this ever-growing gathering.

One of the most unusual vehicles included this one. There's hole in the hood that allows the motor part to extend through the hood and for the vehicle to be driven.

This unusual vehicle drew lots of interest. There’s hole in the hood that allows the inner workings to extend through the hood and for the vehicle to be driven.

While I initially planned to leave my camera at home, because I’ve photographed Cruise Night many times already, I knew I would regret doing so. It was the right decision to sling my Canon 20-D across my shoulder and document whatever caught my eye. That included many many vehicles I have not seen at past Car Cruise Nights. Here’s some of what I saw:

Another favorite of mine: a 1955 Chevy Nomad two-door wagon, left.

Collectible car owners crossed the border from Iowa to participate in the Friday Car Cruise Night. Here’s a beautiful 1955 Buick.

Another Iowa car: a 1977 Olds Cutlass Supreme

My appreciation for vehicles, like this Ford Torino, extends to the details. Love this artsy front end.

This Chrysler LeBaron doesn't seen all that old to me. That tells me something. I like the plain canvas backdrop of building #117, which has always been a mystery to me.

This Chrysler LeBaron doesn’t seen all that old to me. What does that tell you about my age? I appreciate the plain canvas backdrop of building #117, which has always been a mystery to me.

When a particularly noisy souped up car roared down Central Avenue, this boy covered his ears. I did the same after snapping this image.

That would be a Mercedes.

This 1956 Pontiac features a Continental kit which allows the spare tire to be attached to the back.

I always people-watch. I have no idea why this couple was lying on the sidewalk at the intersection of Central Avenue and Fourth Street.

One of the most unusual cars: a 1959 Ford Skyliner with a folding trunk.

One of the most unusual cars: a 1959 Ford Skyliner with a retractable roof, truly an engineering feat.

Hood ornaments always interest me for their artsy beauty.

Although I don’t find the Volkswagen a particularly comfortable car (I once rode in one all the way from Mankato to central Wisconsin and back), I appreciate their unique style and cuteness factor.

Look closely and you'll find plenty of humor at a car show.

Look closely and you’ll find plenty of humor at a car cruise.

That’s a chopped Model A, left.

As day faded into darkness, I photographed these Fords parked outside on the Faribault's oldest family-run businesses, Burkhartzmeyer Shoes.

As day faded into darkness, I photographed these Fords parked outside one of Faribault’s oldest family-run businesses, Burkhartzmeyer Shoes.

It was a perfect August summer evening in Faribault with the sky tinted red as the sun set, here looking toward the historic Buckham Memorial Library and the community center.

I love the hue of this unidentified vintage car.

Although certainly not old, this Dodge Challenger Hellcat drew lots of admirers as the headlights changed colors: red, green and purple.

FYI: The Faribo Drag Ons won the first-ever Car Club Showdown on Friday evening and received a gigantic homemade trophy. (I missed the presentation.)

Friday’s event closes the 2016 Car Cruise Night season in Faribault. The event resumes in the spring. And from all indications (I talked to a key organizer and got an inside track), next year promises even more new attractions to draw folks into downtown Faribault. And that is a good thing.

A special thanks to my automotive machinist/car enthusiast husband, Randy, for his help in identifying the vehicles featured in this post.

Comments (18)

For the love of photographing a car show August 31, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
Tags: car show, cars, collector cars, Faribault, Faribault Car Cruise Night, Minnesota, photo essay, photography, vintage cars

These two vintage cars staged side-by-side with the simple building back drop caught my eye.

These two vintage cars staged side-by-side with the building back drop caught my eye. I love the repetition of lines and shapes in vehicles and building. Plus the signage and USA plate add to the visual interest.

I’M NOT INTERESTED in car shows like my husband. He can spout off makes and models and years without hesitation. Rather my interest focuses on color, curves, reflections, light, art, words—the details.

I’ve discovered that vintage car owners possess a sense of humor, the reason I always examine the plates.

The difference in our approaches rises from our professions. He is an automotive machinist. I am a photographer and a wordsmith.

What’s under the hood interests Randy far more than me.

He can no more frame a great photo than I can do a valve job. We fail at each others’ work.

Our friend Larry with his restored Ford Econoline truck. Car shows are also about connecting with others, not just about showing off and viewing vehicles.

Still, we delight in attending car shows together. He sees what I miss. I see what he misses. We learn from each other. I wander with my Canon DSLR. He chats up cars with those who appreciate vintage vehicles for the same reasons he does. It works for us.

I love the shiny bumpers and the reflections therein.

About a year ago I nearly hit the jackpot with my car show meandering. I was contacted by a Chicago ad agency regarding an image I’d taken of a shiny bumper. The photo was among half a dozen in the running for a national ad campaign for a major car care product. I would have been paid a significant amount of money for use of the image. In the end, another photo was selected.

I set my camera on the street and tilted it up to take this shot. That’s my husband on the left, already moving onto the next vehicle.

That’s how it goes. I will keep shooting car show photos as I always have, for the joy and fun of sharing that which I discover through the lens of my camera, from my unique perspective.

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