The Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 11 filled Wisconsin Street with beautiful machines. These classic cars look like they belong in the same era as The Market building.
There was some uncertainty about moving the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show from its traditional location on Coast Guard Point to Wisconsin Street, right in downtown Grand Marais. However, by the looks of the people strolling Wisconsin to enjoy the automotive art it was a good move. Of course, having Cook County Girl Scouts on hand with food and music by Paul Pederson and then Mysterious Ways, added to the event.
There were 78 beautiful cars this year, all of them worthy of a prize. But the best of class cars are listed above.
2011 Chamber of Commerce Car Show Winners
Mayor Bear Carlson Choice:
Yvon Quirion of Thunder Bay, 1964 Ford Galaxie
Commissioner Jim Johnson Choice:
Brian Pellizzari of Thunder Bay, 1971 Dodge Charger R/T
People’s Choice Award:
Robert Johnson of Two Harbors, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
Photographer Bruce Johnson Choice:
Don Zatti of Thunder Bay, 1939 Plymouth Coupe
Mayor Bear Carlson picked this 1964 Ford Galaxie as the “Mayor’s Choice” car show winner. The beautiful red “Elvis” car belongs to Yvon Quirion of Thunder Bay.
Best of Class
| Class | A, Vehicles through 1950 | ||
| 1St | Andy Cech of Thunder Bay, 1950 Cadillac Coupe | Deville | |
| 2nd | Wally Srutis of Thunder Bay, 1950 Buick Super | ||
| Class | B, Cars 1951-1964 | ||
| 1st | Jerry Loh of Tofte, 1958 Chevrolet Impala 2 dr | hardtop | |
| 2nd | Bob Pratt of Grand Marais, 1964 Chevrolet | Impala 2 dr hardtop | |
| Class | C, Cars 1965-1974 | ||
| 1st | Rick Fox of Duluth, 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle 55 | ||
| 2nd | Esten Nelson of Grand Marais, 1967 Pontiac | LeMans | |
| Class | D, Cars 1975-1989 | ||
| 1st | Robert Johnson of Two Harbors, 1979 Pontiac | Trans Am | |
| 2nd | Garrett O’Reilly of Thunder Bay, 1988 Chrysler | Fifth Ave | |
| Class | E, Trucks | ||
| 1st | Daniel Nelson of Tofte, 1979 Ford F-100 | ||
| 2nd | Don Olson of Grand Marais, 1929 International 1 | ton 6 speed | |
| special | |||
| Class | F, Hot Rods/Customs/Street Rods | ||
| 1st | Don Zatti of Thunder Bay, 1939 Plymouth | Coupe | |
| 2nd | Max Hinkle of Grand Marais, 1928 Ford Sedan | ||
| Class | G, Convertibles | ||
| 1st | Butch Schulte of Grand Marais, 1967 Olds | Cutlass Convertible | |
| 2nd | Don Modin of Dorian Ont., 1969 Chevrolet | Impala Convertible | |
| Class | H, Sports Cars (2 Seats) | ||
| 1st | Phil Anderson of Hovland, 1934 MG PA | ||
| 2nd | Bob Maw of Thunder Bay, 1988 Pontiac Fiero | ||
| Class | I, Muscle Cars 1965-1974 | ||
| 1st | Ray ‘Punky’ Pederson of Grand Marais, 1971 | Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| 2nd | Rick Backstrom of Grand Marais, 1968 Dodge | Superbee | |
| Class | J, Foreign through 1989 | ||
| 1st | Michelle Schutte of Grand Marais, 1971 | Volkswagen Beetle | |
| 2nd | Lawrence & Trudy Frowen of Thunder Bay, 1953 | MG TD | |
| Class | K, Motorcycles | ||
| 1st | Nate Carlson of Grand Marais, 1968 Rokon | Trailbreaker | |
| 2nd | Proof of Grand Marais, 1974-74 & 75 Kawasaki | ||
| Class | l, 1991 & Newer | ||
| 1st | Al Evenson of Grand Marais, 2002 Honda S2000 | ||
| 2nd | Clyde Ryden of Grand Marais, 2000 Lincoln | Cartier | |
Nate Carlson of Grand Marais had plenty of company throughout the Classic Car show as people stopped by to talk to him about his car show entry—a 1968 Rokon Trailbreaker.
Cook County Commissioner Jim Johnson’s “Commissioner’s Choice” award went to Brian Pellizzari of Thunder Bay with his immaculate 1971 Dodge Charger R/T.
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