Northern Nevada’s Largest One-Day Car Show Raises Thousands for Veterans

For more than 25 years, the Classic Chevys Plus Club of Reno, Nevada, has been proving the old adage about car lovers: When gearheads get together, good things happen.

Just ask military veterans in northern Nevada. The 100-member group has helped raise thousands of dollars for local veterans’ organizations thanks to its popular Summer Salute Car Show held Memorial Day Weekend at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. Summit Racing Equipment is a proud sponsor of the event.

This year’s Summer Salute will be Saturday, May 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, rain or shine. All makes, models, and years of vehicles are welcome. There is a $25 entry fee per vehicle, with proceeds going to support Veterans Guest House and Honor Flight Nevada.

The family-friendly show will feature food, crafts, music, goody bags, a raffle, and silent auction. Awards will be given in 26 classes covering just about anything on the road, including vintage and new trucks, modified vehicles, Camaros, Mustangs, Corvettes, rat rods, sports cars, imports, you name it. Attendance is free.

“The show has grown each year. Last year we donated $18,000 each to Veterans Guest House and Honor Flight Nevada,” says Bill King, Summer Salute sponsorship chairman. “We are proud to say that Summer Salute is the largest one-day car show in northern Nevada. We anticipate around 600 cars at this year’s event.”

King says that while the show is open to all rides, attendance is heavily weighted toward classics, though expect to see plenty of late model muscle cars and Corvettes of every generation as well.

While many trophies will be handed out at the end of the day, the real winners are the veterans who will benefit from the club’s philanthropic efforts. King says both charities were chosen because they directly support those who served in the Armed Forces, are local, and don’t receive government funding.

Veterans Guest House provides overnight accommodations for U.S. military veterans and their families while they are receiving treatment at a medical facility in the Reno-Sparks area. The nonprofit is funded completely through private donations.

Honor Flight Nevada makes it financially and logistically possible for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans in northern Nevada to travel to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials honoring their service. The nonprofit provides funding for transportation and trip expenses.

“This Summer Salute has been ongoing for the past five years. During that time the club has donated over $102,000 to these charities,” says Summer Salute Chairman Jim Hutcherson.

Besides sharing a giving spirit, the club is bound together by an interest in all types of vehicles. King explains that when the club was formed 25 years ago, it was originally only for owners of Tri-Five Chevys. Later all Chevy vehicles were allowed. Finally, “PLUS” was added to the club name and logo, signifying that membership was open to all makes and models.

“The cars that members own vary from classic Chevys to Ford Mustangs and virtually anything in between,” King says. “Some T-buckets, Model A’s, new Corvettes and Camaros. I personally own a ‘65 Mustang fastback and am building a ‘34 Ford coupe with a Chevy engine.”

In addition to the Summer Salute, the club holds spring and fall swap meets; gets together for poker runs, tours, and an annual Christmas party; and participates in Hot August Nights.

“If you want to have fun with your classic car and with people who own classic cars, then Classic Chevys Plus of Reno is the club to join,” says Hutcherson, owner of a 1950 Chevy pickup. “The best part for me is the friendship with the other members and genuine love for our vehicles.”

For more information on the Classic Chevys Plus Club of Reno and the Summer Salute Car Show, visit the club website at classicchevysplus.com.