September Cars and Caves

As the car show season unwinds, the Chanhassen AutoPlex is firing up. Cars and Caves and the Chanhassen fire department are teaming up to heat things up for a season finale show on Saturday, September 29 from 8a.m. to noon.

“We expect banner numbers of show cars and motor enthusiasts for the final show of a fun, successful season,” says show committee chair Tony Mertes.The Chanhassen Fire Department crew will be on site with Sparky the Dalmatian to give tours of their fire engines and offer hands-on fire safety demonstrations.

“There will be plenty of photo opportunities and ways the public can drop a buck in their boots to say thank you and boost their fundraising efforts, says Mertes.”

The show is free of charge for cars and spectators—a unique aspect its organizers have kept in tact for two years and plan to continue. The organizers? The AutoPlex’s very own garage owners who want to share their unique community with others—to support a cause.

Bret Bailey, The AutoPlex’s association president says, ”The charity aspect of our show is important to us. We could easily make money if we choose, but would rather give it back to the community.”

This season, 100 percent of $16,000 raised through on-site donations has supported area non-profits including Ronald McDonald House Charities, RIValz Twin Cities, Shriner’s Hospital Twin Cities, Cody’s Heroes and Happy Tails.

Bailey says he’s pleased with the quality size of the show, the family-friendly feel and the increased participation of fellow garage owners willing to share their automobila.

Their jaw dropping garage condos, known as “caves,” house some of the most unusual collections in the state. From the Batmobile and mini cork car to a 55 Chevy. There’s no shortage of cool-on-wheels that can drive anyone’s interest.