EVENTS
GALLERY
Corvettes of MN
Events Gallery
These are a collection of past events and photos. We try to post these after each event.
COM Holiday Party, December 16, at Hanna’s
Shawn and Jan Hanna hosted our annual Holiday Party at their home again this year. Very festive decorating throughout their home really added to the Holiday atmosphere. There were no complaints about the lack of snow, or the comfortable temperatures outside this year, which made getting there an easy trip for everyone.
Hanna’s prepared an outstanding ham and other treats, and the participants brought a variety of dishes to share. We had a nice mix of several of our long-time members with some of our latest additions to the club. It was nice for us to see some members that had been absent for a few years, and to get to know some of our new members. There was plenty of time for meeting and sharing stories, and participating in the wonderful meal.
There were photos albums from past years to look over, and some videos as well. Just a reminder to all that we don’t hold a meeting in January, and that our annual “awards” luncheon will be in April this year (planned for April 6, but watch for announcements) due to some of our winter travelers.
Don G
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Photos courtesy Don Gettinger and Max Allers.
COM Fall Super Cruise, October 7, 2023
Over 45 COM members and friends took part in the Fall Cruise this year. About 25 cars, with most being Corvettes, and with every generation from Griff’s classic ’58 C-1 to several new 2023 C-8s, except for the C-2s. Some very nice C-3s, and Max and Karen had their beautiful ’96 Grand Sport Corvette out for a spin in the countryside. Other Cruisers included a BMW, T-Bird, and Malibu. We left from the Shakopee McDonald’s, heading south through Prior Lake, crossing between the lakes.
A series of country roads took us to Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, between Jordan and Belle Plaine. Lots of amazing photo ops inside and outside the store, with thousands of candies, fresh baked goods, a thousand puzzles, a least 300 soft drinks including over 100 Root Beers. Also lots of life-size or larger Action Figures (including Spider-Man on the side of the building). Full-color painting on the ceilings added spectacular color to the scene. Lots of our group said things like “I’ve been past here a hundred times without stopping. Now I’m bringing my family back soon!”
We returned passing through Belle Plaine, and then on some very scenic county roads near the Minnesotas River. Thanks to Ron M. and Max A. for suggesting this return route! Most of the group stayed for food and refreshments at the Muddy Cow, just across the street from our starting place. A pleasant, sunny day, with some trees and sumac turning colors, and a fun time with club members and friends. We’ll plan to do at least two Cruises again in 2024, Summer and Fall.
Don G, your Governor, Historian, and Cruise Master
FALL COM AT DCTC AUTOCROSS
We had a total of 93 entries for our September 17 autocross at DCTC, with 85 drivers recording times. We enjoyed nearly perfect weather, and had a fantastic collection of beautiful cars and very talented drivers. This was the largest number of entries in several years, and our new timing system performed very well, providing 6 timed runs per entrant, so about 500 total, and still finished the event shortly after 4:00 pm.
Our field included 27 Corvettes, ranging from Tom Griffin’s ’59 C-1, to multiple C-8’s, with all generations represented except the C-2s and C-4s. The Vintage class included Griff’s ’59, Mark Hagemann’s 1963 former Vintage race car, and Karl Svedberg’s beautiful ’68, and two very fast Vintage Porsche 911s. A Street featured five Corvettes, and CAM-S included six Corvettes. COM members John Boos and Derek Stinton took Class wins in SS and CAM-S respectively, both in very closely contested Classes. Several top National-level drivers participated, and overall FTD went to Brandon Ranvek in a heavily modified BMW M3. A couple of cars were sidelined with mechanical failures, but all drivers and vehicles went home looking as good as when they arrived.
Thanks goes to all the COM members and our many friends who worked to make this a successful event.
DG
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Photos courtesy Don Gettinger and Max Allers.
COM Summer Super Cruise, July 29, 2023
Over twenty-five vehicles with about 50 enthusiasts participated in the COM Summer Cruise on Saturday, July 29. We met at the Chanhassen McDonald’s to sign waivers, get Route Instructions, and be briefed on the event. Corvettes included every generation from C-3 through the latest C-8s, and a few other vehicles as well. It was great to see some of our members there after a period of absence. A short drive (past Prince’s Paisley Park studio and museum) took us to the Chanhassen Autoplex Garages where we could view a variety of “Man Caves” filled with exotic vehicles, artwork, and automotive memorabilia. Dozens of the garages were open for inspection, and all welcomed visitors to see the treasures inside each. It’s a truly fantastic complex, and also included several hundred visitor cars including many from our group in an additional car show. It was officially “American Car Day”, but lots of Porsches, Cobras, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Healeys, and SCCA race cars were evident, to say nothing of a pair of Batmobiles and a “Stripes” Urban Assault Vehicle.
We then caravaned around the east and north sides of Lake Minnetonka, past some incredible estates and through some quant downtowns, and stoped for a break at the Culver’s in Navarre. Then a trip though the countryside around Minnetrista, Waconia, Cologne, and Chaska took us to our end point at the Lion’s Tap in Eden Prairie, where most of the group enjoyed their famous burgers.
Our Fall Cruise will be on October 7, starting and ending near Canterbury Park, with a drive to Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store near Jordan. It’s another site that has to be seen to be believed! Check the website for more details as the event date gets closer.
Don G, your COM Governor and Cruise Director
SUMMER COM AT DCTC AUTOCROSS
About 60 entries were at our June 25 COM-Sponsored Super Sunday autocross on June 25 at DCTC in Rosemount. Weather ranged from occasional sun to cloudy to misty to light rain. Despite the rain creating timing problems we were still able to offer 7 timed runs to the full field of entries. Thanks to our loyal COM volunteers plus all the working entrants for helping us get any issues resolved quickly and still getting over 400 timed runs done and recorded by 4:30. Eventmaster Wally was able to get the results processed and e-mailed to all the entrants later that evening! Entrants enjoyed a fast, smooth course with a minimum of cone penalties. Special congratulations are in order to COM member John Boos for posting the overall Fastest Time of Day with his 2022 Z51 Corvette! Also COM member Derek Stinton took his class in posting the fastest time of any Classic American Muscle (CAM) entry, and COM’s Jeff Lawrence took the very competitive A Street Class.
Don G
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Photos courtesy Don Gettinger and Max Allers.
GMCCA Show at Mn State Fairgrounds June 4, 2023
The weekend began with Wally, Shawn, Jan, and I putting up tents and boundary banners on Saturday morning.
Sunday a good number of COM members worked at our admission gate. This included Hannas, Norgaards, Max, Wally, Charlie, Bill, Dan, and me, plus no doubt some I missed. COM entries included Wally with two Corvettes, Dan, Charlie, Ron, Norgaards (I think), and me, again plus any I might have missed. It was a sunny day, with temperatures in the high 80’s all day. A light breeze and some shade kept the conditions fairly comfortable for those working.
Many thanks to Jan Hanna for coordinating all the workers for our club, plus spending most of her day at the admission table. Most of us had plenty of time to visit the Swap Meet area, and also to see hundreds of GM vehicles on the grounds. The event wrapped up around two pm, with Wally, Ron, Jan, and I helping in the tear-down process, and pulling up the stakes and removing banners and ribbon. It will be a while before we have the final tally, but this often is our biggest revenue source for the season. Entrant numbers seemed similar to past years, and spectator numbers seemed good, combined with an increase in cost to enter or spectate.
Don G
COM Annual Awards Party, January 14, 2023
Thirty COM members and guests gathered at the Warming House Room in the Fireside Lounge in Rosemount on Saturday, January 14th for our annual COM Awards Party. Governor Don G introduced the 2022 and 2023 COM Board of Directors, and also the event chairpersons for each of our events from the season. We paused a moment to remember Dave Zimdars, long-time COM member who passed during the 2022 season. Wally spoke about the need to bring new people into the Club, and John Boos introduced four new or prospective members he brought into our group.
After ordering from the menu, a raffle drawing was held for a large number of door prizes. Enough prizes had been donated that everyone in attendance was a winner, and some were able to take home additional prizes. Donors of the door prizes included Shawn and Jan H., Don G., Wally M., Charlie H., Ron M., and Bill H. Prizes ranged from several Corvette books to multiple hand tools to boxes of Valentines candy, with lots of other interesting selections. Prizes also included two Corvette models, and three new Corvettes (although in 1/64th scale!).
We recognized four of our members for their very significant contributions to the club. Honored with recognition plaques were:
Max Allers, who has designed and has maintained our website for many years, and has promoted our Facebook presence in recent years. His tremendous visual creativity and technical expertise have been a major assets to the club, and has brought many new members to our organization. All I can add is “Wooooo!”
Deb Nielsen has done a fantastic job as our Membership Director, following husband Dan in that position. Under Deb’s guidance, our membership records have been updated and now include a monthly listing of members and full contact information. Also included is a comprehensive list of dates for when members joined COM that we haven’t had in many years, as well as notation of those with NCCC memberships. Deb was unable to attend the luncheon, and will be receiving a plaque and recognition at a future date.
Wally Mahlum was recognized for his many donations to the Club. He has served as our Competition Director for many years, has chaired our autocross events at DCTC, has been the COM Representative to the Metropolitan Council of Sports Car Clubs, and has coordinated and promoted the MCAS (Metr COuncil Autocross Series) for many years. Wally has been our Checkered Flag newsletter editor and publisher now for many years, and has put out both print and on-line versions of the newsletter in recent years, and has promoted the transition for many members to the on-line version, in full color!
George Haun was recognized for over fifty years of service as Treasurer of our Club. Also mentioned were George’s activity in autocross, rally and cruise events as participant and organizer, and as our Chairperson for several years in the Corvette Club Drag Race event we did with Suburban Corvettes for several years at Minnesota Dragways. And yes, his big-block Corvette was a drag racing monster! George was unable to attend the luncheon, and will be honored with the presentation at a future COM meeting.
Following being served with our meals, those attending were able to visit and share stories with each other into the afternoon. Again, a good time and gathering of friends and supporters of COM.
DG
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
MCAS, MAC, AND MOWOG SERIES AWARDS PARTY
Later on January 14, (2023) some of us joined others for the annual Awards Party for the MCAS Series, MOWOG Series, and MAC (Minnesota Autosports Club) awards program at the Woodbury Green Mill. About 70 were in attendance, including Wally, Don, and O’Meara’s from COM. Wally and Ron Hirabashi opened the evening giving out the MCAS Awards (including Don G, 1st Place in A Street). The attendees applauded Wally for his years of service coordinating the MCAS Series. Also Don G. was recognized for 50 consecutive years as an autocross entrant. Former member Robin Newborg did a masterful job giving out the MOWOG Series awards, with lots of photos and humor included. COM members who qualified for recognition in the series included Jeff Lawrence (2nd Place), Don Gettinger (3rd Place), and Dennis O’Meara (4th Place), all in the A Street Class.
DG
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
COM Fall Cruise, October 15, 2022
Our annual Fall Cruise took place on Saturday, October 15. After snowfall and cold on the 14th, we were treated to dry roads, 52 degree weather, and sunny skies for most of the Cruise. The fall colors were about at their peak this year in our part of the state (actually two states). We had about 25 vehicles, with about 20 Corvettes ranging from JD’s C-2 ’67 ‘Vette up to 2022 Corvettes, with every generation from C-2 through C-8 present, along with a handfull of non-Corvettes (BMW, Volvo, SRT, Chevelle, Malibu). Roughly 35 participants were on the Cruise.
We started at the Oak Park Heights McDonald’s, where several arrived early for breakfast items. We travelled across the new St. Croix Crossing bridge into Wisconsin where we enjoyed some twisting two-lane roads in the area of the Bass Lake Cheese Factory. Our next winding road was Trout Brook Road, one of Wisconsin’s designated Rustic Roads, along the Willow River and past a former trout hatchery leading into Hudson, before heading south through a couple of large sandstone road cuts to our first rest stop at a River Falls Kwik Trip station. After a brief rest, we next again traveled south and west on Happy Valley Road, another designated Rustic Road, past fields of pumpkins and sunflowers. After crossing the St. Croix river at Prescott, we climbed a steep winding road (St. Croix Trail) to arrive at the Carpenter Nature Center, and orchard. Heading north we went through picturesque Afton, then turned onto Stagecoach Trail and Indian Trail passing along much of the Belwin Nature Center property, and returned to Oak Park Heights, to the Muddy Cow Bar and Grille. Most of the participants stayed for food and beverages. Out 90-mile journey took about three hours, including the two stops.
Next year we will plan to again do both a Summer and Fall Cruise, and will be looking to combine fun roads with interesting destinations. Watch for more information in the Spring/Summer Checkered Flag, and on our corvettesofmn.com website.
Don G., your Governor and Cruise Director
COM MCAS AUTOCROSS SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 AT DCTC
Corvettes of Minnesota members held our second autocross of the season, and our second in the Met Council Autocross Series, on Sunday, September 11. Despite schedule conflicts wirth the SCCA Solo Nationals in Lincoln, Nebraska that drew perhaps 30+ from the Twin Cities area, and a MAP Proving Ground event at BIR, we still had 50 entries at our event. Over a dozen Corvettes were in the field of entries, and we had about 10 COM members and family members included in the entries. Our appreciation also to many members and family members who came out to work at the event. We couldn’t have done it without you!
We had a beautiful day, with temperatures in the 70s, and a clear sky. We were able to offer 7 timed runs on a fast, challenging course that was in the 70-second range for many drivers, and still finish the timed runs by about 3:00 pm. As we’ve come to expect, Wally had the results compiled and distributed to the entrants by Sunday evening. Photo awards will be distributed at the upcoming CVSCC and MAC events. While the limited number of entries seriously reduced the financial profit to the club, we were still able to meet our expenses and show a small profit, plus providing a solid event for our members and the local autocross community.
Don G
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
COM Members Winners at SCVCA Corvette Show, Aug. 20, 2022
For many years the St. Croix Valley Corvette Association has put on a Corvette Show each summer, with the last twenty-five or more years all at Stillwater Motors. This year four COM members (Wally Mahlum, Ron Marks, John Boos, and Don Gettinger) entered their cars in the show, along with roughly 50 of the SCVCA members’ cars (which were not eligible for awards) and roughly 150 other entries, ranging from C-1s to the current C-8s. Format for the awards was a “Top Ten”, where each entrant could cast ballots for up to 10 Corvettes. When the ballots were tallied and awards given out, Wally, Ron, and John took home three of the 10 awards! Nice going, all! Wally had his 1-owner 1969, while Ron and John had their new C-8s and Don had his C-5 Z-06. A Calloway was the only C-4 award winner, and I think no C-5s, C-6s, or C-7s took Top 10 honors.
After the event, the four entrants and four more COM members, family, or friends retired to the nearby Muddy Cow for a lunch together.
COM Gov., Don G.
COM SUMMER CRUISE, July 30th, 2022
Nearly 25 cars, including about 20 Corvettes, went on our Summer Cruise. We started near the Woodbury Applebee’s and went into Wisonsin, with our first stop at the historic Swinging Bridge suspension bridge dating from the 1930s into Glen Park in River Falls. Next was a stop at the Junction Falls water falls at the meeting of the Kinnickinnic and the South Fork of the Kinnickinnic Rivers. Then a quick stop at Belle Vinez winery outside River Falls, and a spirited drive on some country roads. At Prescott, we turned west to return to Minnesota, and visited the falls of the Vermillion River in Hastings at a beautiful park. Then back over the Mississippi River, and some scenic roads including St. Croix Trail and Stagecoach Trail, passing through the villages of Afton, St. Mary’s Point, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland, and Lakeland Shores, where we stopped at the Jordan Meats and Deli to stock up on picnic supplies. We ended at the Welcome Center Rest Stop in West Lakeland, just off Interstate 94 with a picnic for those who wished to stay.
We had the opportunity to meet several of our newer members COM, visit with members of other clubs, and enjoy seeing old friends from long ago who heard about the cruise. In addition to all the Corvettes, from Griff’s C-1 to several brand new C-8s, we were joined by a Firebird, classic Monte Carlo, Saturn Sky, Malibu, Volvo, and others. Next Cruise for our club will be the annual Fall Cruise on Saturday, October 15th, starting and ending in the Stillwater/Oak Park Heights area, and including some Rustic Roads of Western Wisconsin. Watch for a flyer on our website in early September.
Don G., your Governor and Cruise Director
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
GMCCA Show, Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Corvettes of Minnesota again participated in the GMCCA Annual Show on June 5 of this year. Many COM members were involved in the Saturday set-up putting up the Corvette tent, stakes and banners to limit access points; on Sunday many were staffing the main spectator gate, and doing clean-up activities. Several COM members were involved in each activity, as well as several showing cars. Early estimates were 800-900 cars in the show, and a good number of swap meet vendors and many spectators. Thanks to all who participated in any way, and especially to Jan Hanna who is one of the Directors for the Show, and coordinated all our work schedules. Over a dozen clubs, including three Corvette clubs, are involved in making this show happen each year. About a hundred Corvettes. ranging from early C-1s through new C-8s were in the Show area. The GMCCA Show s one of our club’s primary fund-raiser events each year as well.
COM Gov., Don G.
COM FALL CRUISE, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
We enjoyed a cruise this year of just over 100 miles, with three interesting stops along the way. About 15 Corvettes were joined by a ’92 Mini Cooper by Rover, a Chevelle and Malibu, Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, and SRT. COM members were joined by members of Classic Corvettes and Suburban Corvettes, plus several independent drivers and navigators. Corvettes ranged in age from Griff’s C-1 1959 to Ron and Gary’s C-8 2021s.
Our Cruise started in Oak Park Heights, crossed the St. Croix, and soon found us on a winding road near the Bass Lake Cheese Factory. We proceeded through Somerset, East Farmington, Osceola, and Dresser to St. Croix Falls, where we turned onto the River Road, dating from the 1860s. Much of the River Road runs through State Park land, along the St. Croix River. Our first stop was at the Howlin’ Wolf Creek Bar, which originated back in 1831 as a trading post. As part of the annual River Road Ramble, they were hosting a Classic Car Show with over 50 entries.
Our second stop was a business with over 500 vintage snowmobiles, dozens of cars, trucks, and tractors, and lots of automotive memorabilia. Then it was back through Cushing, Eureka Springs, and St. Croix Falls to return to Wisconsin in Taylors Falls. Our third stop was at the beautiful new Bitter Roots Winery, outside Scandia, near Copas. After more photo opportunities at the winery, we passed through historic Marine on St. Croix and downtown Stillwater, and ended at the Muddy Cow in Oak Park Heights, where many of the Cruise participants enjoyed refreshments and meals.The weather was dry, and toward the end of the Cruise we had some nice sunlight to brighten our view of some trees that were taking on their fall colors.
Your Cruise Director, Don G.
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
COM’s Fall Cruise, September 12th, 2020
The annual Fall Cruise for COM and friends was held this year on September 12. Overcast skies and an occasional mist didn’t keep 20 cars including over a dozen Corvettes and a wide variety of other vehicles from NSX to Malibu from attending. We started at the Oak Park Heights McDonald’s to sign waivers and distribute Route Instructions. From Stillwater we traveled back roads past Square Lake and Marine on St. Croix to our first stop at Crabtrees Garden Gate and She Shed in tiny Copas. From there we went into Chisago Country, south through Scandia, and stopped at the Gammelgarden Museum and grounds, celebrating the early Swedish settlers in Minnesota. The next leg of our cruise went past the Washington County Quilt Barn trail, with many old barns decorated with quilt patterns. More back roads took us through “Graffitti Tunnel” and into the village of Marine on St. Croix, where several of the group enjoyed an ice cream cone or other treat. The last leg of the Cruise took us past the logging era Boom Site to Stillwater, where we passed the original State Prison site where the Younger Gang spent many years after the failed Northfield bank robbery (with the Jessie and Frank James gang), down historic Main Street, up Chilkoot Hill, past Minnesota’s oldest surviving Courthouse, and past many lumber baron mansions from the late 1800’s to our end point at The Muddy Cow, where many from our group went inside to socialize and enjoy some pizza and other food and beverages.
Your Cruise Director, Don G.
COM Fall Cruise, October 20th, 2019
About a dozen cars and 24 participants left the Woodbury McDonald’s for our annual COM Fall Cruise. First stop was the Lark Toy Store and Museum in Kellogg, Mn. On the way there, we were treated to an amazing cloud bank hanging over the Mississippi, all the way from Lake City to Kellogg. Lark is recognized as one of the Top 10 toy store in the world by USA Today. A beautiful hand-carved carousel, llamas, miniature golf, a restaurant, and a huge collection of toys on display in their museum, plus toys and puzzles for sale, offered something for everyone.
We crossed the Mississippi at historic Winona, drove an exciting back road (Buffalo County M) to arrive at Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum on the bluff above Fountain City, Wisconsin. Featured are 100+ muscle cars, including a 78 Silver Anniversary Corvette with 5.4 miles on the odometer, dozen of dirt track and asphalt stock cars, in excess of 700 restored pedal cars, and a building housing 100,000+ toys, plus quarter midget and midget sprint cars, and a very rare (reportedly 1 of just 3 still existing) Polaris Formula car, designed for an SCCA racing class that never happened! To get onto the Elmer’s property, we entered through a salvage yard with hundreds of 60’s-80’s cars. The entire property overlooks the Mississippi River with a spectacular view of the Great River, and miles of Minnesota.
The return trip went through a dozen small towns along Wisconsin 35, and ended with many of the group going to the original Bierstube restaurant in Hastings. It was a sunny, 60 degree day; great for a fun drive along the Mississippi with club members, friends, and auto enthusiasts.
Don Gettinger
Click on photo to launch a photo gallery of the event!
