Willmar Car Club

The Willmar Car Club was organized in 1980 to promote the preservation and enjoyment of collector vehicles. Over 12,000 breakfasts have been served to car buffs at the monthly Car Buffs’ Breakfasts since 1982. From 1983 – 2017, the annual car show was held on the third Sunday of May at the old Senior High School, now Kennedy Elementary School, in Willmar. Part of the car show had been the weekend display of vehicles inside the Kandi Mall. Shoppers reminisce of by-gone days and are enticed to see over 20 times as many cars at the Sunday show. During the Car Show, a free Willmar Bus Service shuttle transported people from the car show to Schwanke’s Car, Truck & Tractor Museum (over 350 units) and to the Kandi Mall to shop and of course, view more show vehicles. Proceeds from the annual car show funded projects for the Kandiyohi County Historical Society, playground equipment at Kennedy Elementary School, Willmar Senior High School high mileage projects and Toys for Tots. In 2025, the club established an endowment to continue to provide scholarships to Ridgewater College auto body students. The club members attended and supported car shows, cruises and events throughout Minnesota and Border States. For 45 years, the club was proud to welcome anyone with an interest in any type of vehicle that rolled down the streets and highways to join the fun.