A visitor to the Holy Smokers Car Show admires Jim and Marilyn Smith's 1961 Corvette on May 3.
Lampe Park was packed on Saturday with classic cars and visitors as car show season shifted into high gear with Big Mama’s Show and Shine.
With around 200 vehicles at Lampe Park in Gardnerville, the event is entering its 25th year.
Just before the turn of the century, a group of ladies contacted Esther “Big Mama” Hildebrand about raising money for Meals on Wheels, related Andrea Rajeski.
“They wanted her to wear the costume that she made last year and be the ‘Big Mama.’” Rajeski said. “It was from Halloween. She made a real racy costume with high-heel boots and fishnet stockings and a little short skirt with bloomers underneath.”
Organizer Russ White said that since the show was on the day before Mother’s Day, they should call it Big Mama’s.
“The first show was at the park next to the senior center on Meadow Lane and had 37 cars,” Rajeski said.
The number of classic cars involved climbed to 220 in 2024 and it raised $5,200 for the program.
Last weekend, the Holy Smokers Car Show and Barbecue drew 62 vehicles to Trinity Lutheran Church despite the sketchy forecast.
But one car show does not a season make. Sign-ups are open for Kids and Cars scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 31 at Jacks Valley Elementary School.
Registration is $30 with all profits going to support the school’s teachers and specialists.
Those interested can contact Whitney Bullion at whitney_bullion@yahoo.com or 775-781-7176.
The 20th annual Rappin’ to Minden is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 at Minden Park, sponsored by Northern Nevada chapter of Inliners International Car Club. Call Margie Azzaro at 775-846-4665 or Dennis Bargman at 775-782-7074 for more information.
Mike Schiller said he’s planning for the Main Street Car Show & Shine event 3-11:30 p.m. Aug. 15 in Minden.