Race on Over to The 10th Annual Potter Car Bowl

Summer just got a little hotter, and it's all happening right in Potter. The 10th annual Car Bowl celebration will kick off the end of June for Cheyenne County. Beginning Friday the 28th, the weekend long event is sure to itch your car and bowling fever.

The event originally sparked as an idea for families to come together outside to not only enjoy the Summer sun, but to savor a moment while not worrying about the cost. “We started the Car Bowl to peak interest in our historical melodramas, but to also inspire families to enjoy their time with no financial burdens,” Drew Enevoldsen one of the founders of the annual event had to say, “We wanted to focus on the family aspect of the event and doing something together while also supporting our community. Other events and even just a meal out can be so expensive, that's why this weekend is so important to us; it invites people to surround themselves with fun while not breaking the bank.”

The event has always been a popular one; reaching new heights in demand, Car Bowl now offers more than just cars and duckpin bowling – its original intention. The weekend spectacle has now expanded to a BBQ and chili cook off, craft show, fireworks show, beer and wine garden, exotic animal show and a stacked lineup of local music and entertainment, all to experience and enjoy for the price of free. “We have been so happy with the turn out the past decade, Car Bowl has exploded in every way,” Enevoldsen mentions.

Car Bowl serves as a family event in every regard. This year as a way of giving back, profits will benefit PlainsWest CASA, a non profit organization advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court system. “A community event for the betterment of civic and charitable organizations,” reads Potter Car Bowl's mission statement. Officially presented by the Potter Lion's Club, the weekend will consist of a multitude of free activities aimed toward all ages.

As a special feature, this year's event will be emceed by Heather Storm; producer, travel writer, influencer, television personality and host for “Garage Squad” on Motor Trend Network. Storm will be on site both Friday and Saturday to talk vintage vehicles and to give away and sign posters. Capturing audiences with her tales of adventure and adrenaline, she's been featured on “Jay Leno's Garage,” “Street Tuner Challenge”. Traveling all the way from Costa Rica for Potter's Car Bowl, she is one face you do not want to miss. Storm will be available for “hello's” and “meet and greets” from 7:00-8:00 pm Friday, June 28th at Rev-Up in the Park, and 10:00 am–12:00 pm Saturday, June 29th, at Chuckaboo Station.

Another new addition to the festivities, Critter Close-Ups based out of Herman, Nebraska invites you to “experience the wild side”. They will be offering three different showings of “Exotic Animal Education,” all free to the public, Saturday June 29th at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm under the McConnell Auction Tent. From monkeys to parrots, red kangaroos to blonde raccoons and sugar gliders and pythons in between, the unique opportunity to witness nonnative animals and to learn about where they come from serves as a highlight for Saturday’s attendees.

A tentative schedule of events is as follows:

Friday, June 28th

5 pm - Bounce House opens; Beer Garden & Wine Tasting starts; BBQ Contestant set-up;

6:45 pm – Heather Storm meet-and-greet at Rev-Up in the Park (goes until 8pm);

8:00 pm – Mud Country Goes Punk at the Pavilion in R.R. Park (perform until 10pm); Special performances from Potter Cheer Team and Sidney Danz Team at Mud Country; BBQ Contestant meeting; NiteGlow Competition ($15 entry fee)

Saturday, June 29th

8:00 am – Car Show gates open; Car Registration at Chuckaboo Station (until 11:00 am);

9:00 am – Shane Brown and The Get Down at the Potter State Bank Lot (performing until 12:00 Noon);

Bounce Houses and Craft Fair opens; Potter Museum opens for tours;

10:00 am – Heather Storm meet and greet at Chuckaboo Station (goes until 12:00 pm); Critter Close-Ups at the McConnell Auction Tent; 8-Track Flashback at Highline Tent (performing until 1:00pm); Duckpin Bowling Tournament, Kid’s Train Rides begin; Hot Line Demonstration by Highwest Energy;

BBQ and Brews at R.R. Park gates open

10:30 am – All Food Trucks open

11:00 am – BBQ contest Chili and Beans

12:00 pm – Critter Close-Ups at the McConnell Auction Tent

BBQ contest Chicken

12:30 pm – BBQ contest Short Ribs

1:00 pm – Stahla Ford Band at Chuckaboo Station (performing until 3:00 pm)

BBQ contest Brisket

2:00 pm – Juke Joint Cruisers at Pavilion in R.R. Park (performing until 6:00 pm)

Beer and Wine Tasting with FREE entry at R.R. Park

Live Auction at R.R. Park

3:30 pm – Awards at R.R. Park

If seeking information regarding Potter’s Car Bowl, you may visit their website: http://www.lincolnhighwaycruisers.com or by calling them directly at 308-207-5908

To contact someone regarding the BBQ contest you may call Ed at: 970-580-0563

If interested in more information regarding Heather Storm you may visit her website: heatherstorm.com

Author Bio

Kelsey Arrington, Staff Reporter

Cheyenne County native, local business owner.