In the heart of Wyoming, a beloved community event is set to make its return this summer. The “Cars, Cigars, & Guitars – Under the Stars” charity car show, organized by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), will once again grace the city of Cheyenne. This significant gathering aims to support various local charities through an engaging and entertaining afternoon. Last year, the event managed to raise over $50,000, which was distributed among several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Cheyenne. The success of the event has been attributed to the generous contributions from sponsors and the enthusiastic participation of the community.
Event Details and Community Impact
In the enchanting ambiance of late summer, on Saturday, August 18th, from 3 to 8 p.m., the Cheyenne Frontier Days Exhibition Hall will host the sixth annual “Cars, Cigars, & Guitars – Under the Stars” charity car show. This volunteer-driven initiative, spearheaded by Cheyenne AHEPA Cowboy Chapter 211, celebrates automotive culture while fostering community improvement. Participants can look forward to an afternoon filled with classic cars, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere under the starlit sky. The funds raised will be allocated to multiple local charities, including the Cheyenne Depot Museum, Rise Foundation, Unaccompanied Students Initiatives, and Lions Disability Transport Service, among others. Charities interested in participating must submit their applications by February 19th via the event’s official website.
From a reader's perspective, this event exemplifies the power of community spirit and collective effort in making a tangible difference. It highlights how passion for automobiles can be channeled into meaningful contributions that benefit society. The continued success of such initiatives underscores the importance of supporting local causes and the positive impact they have on the community. Events like these not only provide entertainment but also serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uplift one another.
An illustrious automotive spectacle, now in its eleventh year, is set to captivate visitors at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills. Taking place on Saturday, February 15th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Concours in the Hills showcases an impressive lineup of vehicles ranging from classic cars and motorcycles to helicopters and military transports. This unique event aims to support Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders as well as the Cardiothoracic Surgery Support Fund.
The founder of this remarkable gathering, Peter Volny, has transformed his love for automobiles into a significant charitable endeavor. A survivor of childhood cancer, Volny leveraged his background in advertising within the auto industry to initiate Concours in the Hills in 2014. Initially featuring 220 cars and attracting 3,000 attendees, the show has since expanded exponentially, boasting over 1,200 vehicles and drawing approximately 50,000 visitors in 2024. Although management transitioned to Phoenix Children’s in 2022, under the leadership of PCH50, the event continues to thrive and grow.
This extraordinary occasion not only highlights various categories such as domestic, imported, race, limited-edition exotic, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles but also includes both civilian and military helicopters. Esteemed car clubs and dealers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, and Corvette will showcase their prized possessions, with some individual vehicles valued at over $10 million. The cumulative value of all displayed vehicles is estimated to reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Admission remains free for spectators, making it accessible to all who wish to experience this grand celebration of motorsports and philanthropy.
Beyond being a visual feast, Concours in the Hills exemplifies the spirit of community and generosity. It brings together enthusiasts from across the globe, fostering a shared commitment to supporting children’s healthcare initiatives. Through this event, the organizers aim to inspire continued dedication and growth, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the compassion and passion embodied by this annual gathering.
The annual Winter Rod & Speed Show made its eagerly awaited comeback on January 17, transforming the Albany Expo Center into a hub of automotive enthusiasts. This indoor exhibition not only showcased an array of remarkable vehicles but also served a noble cause. All proceeds from the $10 entry fee were directed toward supporting the local food bank and community initiatives in Albany.
Among the highlights was a tribute Batmobile inspired by the 1966 Ford Futura concept, which captivated visitors with its iconic design. The centerpiece of the show was Bob Shaw's "Bad 32" Ford Coupe, drawing admiration for its unique craftsmanship. Saturday’s event featured a model competition and numerous vendors offering a variety of merchandise, including toys, clothing, and automotive accessories. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees marveled at the meticulously restored classic cars and cutting-edge racing machines.
A dazzling array of vehicles filled the exhibition space, ranging from rare models like the DeSoto Fluid Drive sedan to high-speed top fuel dragsters. The DeSoto Fluid Drive, an early precursor to modern automatic transmissions, exemplified mid-20th century engineering ingenuity. Meanwhile, the top fuel dragsters, designed for speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour, underscored the pinnacle of automotive performance. Despite the diversity, American heritage vehicles such as '40s sedans and '70s muscle cars remained crowd favorites. Owners proudly displayed their polished masterpieces, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow car aficionados.
The Winter Rod & Speed Show exemplifies the spirit of community and passion for automotive history. It not only celebrates the artistry and innovation of car culture but also contributes positively to society through charitable efforts. For those eager to experience more car shows, upcoming events like the Willamette Valley Smoke House Car Meet and Roseburg Cars and Coffee offer additional opportunities to immerse oneself in this vibrant world of motors and memories.