Throughout the next few months, arenas and armories all over the region will be invaded with classic cars as the car show season swings into full gear. The first of such shows occurred in West Fargo last weekend as the Toppers Car Club hosted their annual spring event.
The origin of the car show is not easily ascertained. Some believe the first show was the Exposition Internationale de Velocipidie et de Locomotion Automobile in Paris, France in 1894. Other sources credit New York’s Madison Square Garden with hosting the first show in 1895. That show was held in conjunction with the first “horseless carriage” race, which was won by Charles Duryea who averaged 7.3 miles per hour over the course of the 54 mile race. Regardless of the origin of the car show, it is clear that it is an event that has seen prosperity and growth since those early days.
The Toppers Car Club of Fargo-Moorhead was formed in 1953 by Erlyn Carson. The goal of the organization was to give car lovers a place to meet and share their interests. Since then, the club has expanded their mission statement to include a desire to help organizations and charities within the community help meet their needs through the donation of time and money. Over 300 people have proudly worn the Toppers name, usually in the form of the club’s trademark black jacket with white top hat and white club insignia.
The club’s first car show was in 1957. Every year since has seen the show grow in both size and popularity. This year’s show boasted 117 car entries and was attended by hundreds of people of all sizes, ages, and genders. The most surprising thing about the show was the number of families that were present. Toppers prides themselves on catering to families, and the show truly offered something for everyone: a temporary tattoo station for the kids, vendors displaying everything from cooking materials to jewelry for those less than interested in the actual cars. There was music and food. It was an upbeat atmosphere that had a very inviting feel to it.
Rich Barnes has been associated with the Toppers Car Club for 24 years. Barnes has witnessed the evolution of the cars on display. “Cars began in the $40-50 thousand range,” he said, “and have moved to $300,000 and up.” He added that it isn’t unusual to see a car in the half-million dollar range at these shows. Barnes believes that car restoration and collecting has to be a family affair because of the time commitment involved. That is the reason Toppers is so interested in making their events family oriented. “We are all family people,” Barnes said. “We enjoy giving back to kids.”
Like many car clubs, Toppers is committed to the community on both a social and financial level. Members frequently volunteer their time and a portion of all money raised through shows and other events goes back to area organizations. In the past, Toppers has donated money to the Anne Carlson Center, the milk fund for area schools, the New Life Center, the West Fargo Fire Department, the YWCA Women’s Shelter, and the Newman Life Center.
The car club community is very tight knit, but that doesn’t stop groups from acknowledging and supporting each other. Also in attendance at the Toppers show was the North Dakota Street Rod Association (NDSRA). Although a separate entity from Toppers, the NDSRA shares many of the club’s goals, including: the promotion of safety in driving, the creation of good fellowship and sportsmanship among members, the promotion of various forms of Street Rodding, the encouragement of a better understanding of Street Rodding as a constructive hobby among members of the public, and the promotion of togetherness as a family. Like the Toppers Car Club, the NDSRA is very family oriented.
The Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) is alive and well for those living on the other side of the river. Originally created with twelve members, the MSRA now boasts a membership of over 13,000 members worldwide. Their “Back to the Fifties” weekend is considered the largest three day car show of its kind in the world. This year’s weekend is June 21 – 23 in St. Paul, MN.
Fred Romo is a long-time member of the MSRA displaying his 1940 Ford Sedan and 1948 Pontiac at car shows since 1963. From St. Paul, MN, Romo considers car restoration and collecting a life-long hobby. The passion with which Romo views his cars was evident as he talked about the advancements he has witnessed since his interest began. “The quality of cars has improved 100%,” he said, “they are built like jewels now.” Fred pointed to the shiny colorful cars and the variety of vendors as reasons car shows have become so family friendly. “These days, everyone can have fun at a car.”
Overall, the State of North Dakota lists 38 car clubs, while Minnesota recognizes almost triple that number. There is truly a club to meet the needs and desire of every car owner, collector, and restorer. More information about individual clubs and show can be obtained by visiting: www.ndsra.com, www.topperscarclub.com, www.msra.com,