By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
A marquee event each year as summer comes to an end, the Outlaw Car Show makes its return to the Castle Country on Saturday, Aug. 30, for its 39th show. A car show where the cars are the stars, the Outlaw Car Show was recently inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame – the only car show from Utah to receive the honor.
Founder Mike James joined the KOAL newsroom to preview the event and discuss what drives him to continue hosting the show year after year.
“You’ll see cars that you don’t see at the car shows down here. I bring in a lot of cars from the Wasatch Front and Colorado. We may even have some Idaho cars this year,” said James of the show. “We don’t have anything else going on like the Arts Festival does or International Days. We have the car show and a little swap meet going.”
Previewing some of the vehicles that will be present at the event, James shared,” There’s cars that you’ve never seen. Like my one friend, he has a 33 Packard, and it won the best Packard in America award at the Concourse d’Elegance show … I think we got a couple of demolition derby cars coming up this year that are going to be in the demolition derby next week.”
The event also has a wide variety of trophies that entrants can win, with the pieces being made locally in Helper. “We make the moonshine jugs and they’re made right in Helper. And this year, we have different-colored ones. We’ve got some green ones, some bronze ones and some blue ones that he just showed up at my shop yesterday.”
Additionally, a charity benefit auction will be held, with engraved fridges up for grabs by the public. “We’re going to turn the money over from one of them to a girl here in the county who got in a bad accident last year. And then she had to have surgery again this year. And she’s going to be off work for over two to three months. So, I’ve just decided on the money for one of the fridges; we’re going to turn it over to her because anybody could be in that situation at any time. And if you can help somebody, help them.”
In conjunction with the car show, a swap meet is taking place, allowing attendees to walk away with vintage signs and more. “We have car parts, signs. I have another friend who’s in the antique business; he brings some signs you’ll never see anywhere. He has 120 vintage coal mine signs from carbon in Emery County.”
Speaking on his induction into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame, James described the emotions he felt as he received the notice he’d been selected. “I couldn’t believe it. I got a message and I had to read it three or four times. And we are the only car show in Utah that’s ever been inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame. And it’s just a real honor because you’ve got some real famous car builders and people that are inducted in there, photographers, you know, and I never had any idea this would happen.”
James also spoke on what inspires him to keep hosting the event year after year,” Just something for the community to do. It doesn’t cost anything to bring your family out and just to see the smile on the little kid’s face when they see the cars.”
Closing out our conversation, James shared,” If you want to get up there, you can call me at 435-820-8320 if you have any questions. We’re still accepting vendors for our swap meet flea market, and we’re also still accepting food vendors. If anybody wants to come out and make a little extra money. It’s just a fun time. Bring the kids out and let them see.”
The 39th annual Outlaw Car Show will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Scofield Town Park.
