The event celebrated automobiles as well as German culture

ATASCADERO — Car lovers and owners of classic cars joined together in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) parking lot for their Oktoberfest-themed car show. The car show was free and opened to the public at 9 a.m. and went until 3 p.m., with an Oktoberfest bratwurst lunch from noon until 2 p.m. 

“The car show sold out. And from the weather to turn out could not have been better,” stated Jr. Vice-Commander of VFW John Brush.

On top of all the fun and classic cars on display, one could eat bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad, all made by VFW to their heart’s content.

“All the cooks that cooked the bratwurst and all that, they’re doing that all-volunteer,” added Brush.

The Oktoberfest-themed car show also hosted a beer stein-holding contest with beer steins donated by Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

“The cars are, a lot of them, most of them are from the local area. A couple of big things [for this show] are the trophies are custom-made trophies by APS Automotive in Atascadero,” said Brush of the donated trophies. “There’s 10 trophies. Half the trophies were actually ‘first choice’ awards by sponsors.”

This round, the first choice sponsors were Georgina Garcia May Photography, APS Automotive, Central Coast Mercury Club, Central Coast MOPARS, and Jiffy Lube of Atascadero. Trophies were also handed out for Grand Champion, Grand Marshal’s Award, Mechanics Choice, Officers Award, and People’s Choice Award. 

“Most of them [the cars] are classic cars. It’s an open show, meaning there’s no classifications,” said Brush. “We did have four newer cars; they are the [Dodge] Challengers by the MOPAR Club [of Paso Robles].”

Though the VFW car show was small, with around 25 cars participating and a handful of collector motorcycles, it was also mighty, with lots of fun vehicles for everyone attending to check out, including Rob May’s 1967 Mercury Cougar. May was a noted attendee who is a part of the Central California Mercury Club and a contributing editor from Motorhead Magazine.

“The interest in car shows in this town is huge. Absolutely huge,” stated Brush.

You could also purchase VFW car show shirts with original artwork at the intimate car show. The shirts and bratwurst lunch sold out, and the proceeds from registration fees and donations will go back into the community.