Early cars and Americana in Cross Plains, Wis.

Hill and Valley Antique Auto and Americana Show at

Baer Park in Cross Plains, WI

Here's an event that my friend, Don Chandler, helps organize in southern Wisconsin. Not only does the show feature many early automobiles, it's a celebration of Americana of an earlier time. For early car lovers, this year's event will feature such brass-era beauties as a 1909 International and a 1911 Ford Model T.

An Invitation to the 26th annual

Sept. 19, 2009

We now embark upon the second quarter century of this truly different family-oriented event. Our guests describe the event as peaceful, safe, homey and just extraordinary. We believe that you, too, will experience a great day. We believe this show to be unique above all other car-related shows in that it is actually a celebration of America’s heritage and history represented through our historic displays and demonstrations of crafts and skills that include blacksmithing, wheel making, quilt making, spinning, lace making, sauerkraut making and woodcarving.

An important part of the show is our Hill and Valley Tour. The tour is about 22 miles (or 1 hour) in length through the many hills and valleys in Cross Plains, Wis. Tour participants leave the park in two segments, each going different directions. Midway through the tour, they meet and pass, which is reminiscent of days long gone by. At 1 p.m. there will be car games for Model T and A Ford owners.

It is believed that there are generally more prewar vehicles at this show than any other in the state that we are aware of, so if you are an owner of a very old vehicle you will be right at home. Although Model T Fords are showcased, we wish to emphasize that all collectable vehicles 20 years old and older are most welcome.

This is not just about vehicles. There will be food, live and recorded music, and an arts and crafts show. Our musical entertainment, namely “The Good Times” have been invited back and have agreed to return again.

The traditional pancake breakfast will be served from 6:45 to 10:30 am. Later in the day, “corn-on–the-cob” will be served near the “antique steam engine display”.

This event is free to the public. Registration for those bringing a car for display is $8. We encourage you to come out and spend what we hope will be a most pleasant day with us.