Fire department pulls plug on its annual car show

The annual car show at Grady Park usually held in September will not take place this year due to concerns with the coronavirus, the Saukville Fire Department has announced.

“The  Saukville Fire Department decided cancellation was the only responsible decision to ensure the safety of our community,” the department stated in a social media post last week.

“This was a very difficult decision and we hope everyone understands. We hope to see everyone in 2021.”

The free event is a major fundraiser for the department and features custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and snowmobiles and includes the sale of food and beverages and live music.

Lou Paape, one of the organizers of the event, said the show was canceled due to coronavirus concerns and because local businesses that traditionally fund the car show were not being asked to support it.

“We didn’t feel right about asking for donations because everybody was already hurting” from the coronavirus shutdown in April and May, she said.

In addition, some vendors and collectors expressed reservations about attending, Paape noted.

Last year’s show drew more than 300 vehicles, Paape said. She said no other fundraisers are planned this year to make up for the revenue lost by the car show’s cancelation.

“We’re planning to have next year’s show,” she said.

In Saukville, Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades and Independence Day fireworks were canceled this year, as well as the Live at the Triangle concert series.

Village officials have said they hope to have an expanded celebration during Labor Day weekend.

“We continue to be in a holding pattern with the idea of Labor Day festivities,” Village President Barb Dickmann said. “As we get closer and understand what is happening regarding Covid and gatherings, we will be able to make safe and hopefully fun decisions regarding this proposed event.”

One event that benefits the fire department that will still take place this summer, but with some modifications, is the annual Summer Thunder Poker Run, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15.

Organizer Phil Vincevineous said the motorcycle ride will begin as usual at Suburban Motors in Thiensville but instead of making several stops, riders will go to Green Lake and then reconvene at Between the Greens bar and restaurant near highways 33 and I in the Town of Saukville.

Past Poker Runs have ended in the village at Veterans Park.

For more information on the Summer Thunder Poker Run, visit summerthunderpokerrun.com.