In 1995, the high school football field saw the beginnings of the Staples Car Show. Comprised of fourteen cars, all owned by Still Cruisin’ Car Club members, it has now grown into the largest car show in the lakes area. The 15th Annual Ride the Dream Car Show will be held Aug. 28 ,from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Over the last 15 years it’s grown by more than twenty percent each year, with over 600 cars shown in 2009. This year between 700 and 1,100 hot rods, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles are expected, according to club member Russ Jenkins.

“We have a very large variety of cars every year; anything from Model T’s and A’s to recreations of Camaros and Mustangs, collector cars to stock cars, and more,” said Jenkins.

One of the big attractions this year is the Dyno, which is a tool to measure the horsepower of a vehicle. A car show participant can pay for two pulls to test both the rear wheel and the fly wheel horsepower. This is the first year the Still Crusin’ Car Club has brought in the Dyno.

Another attraction to the Ride the Dream show is the great prizes. This year, along with drawings for cash prizes and gift certifi cates, registered participants have the chance to win two motors.

One was donated by Napa Auto Parts and is 327 cubic inches and 300 hp. The second motor, which is from the car club, is 468 cubic inches and 558 hp and has 600 lbs. of torque.

After a couple years at the football field, the show was moved to the Staples Elementary grounds to provide more room, which is where the show will be this year.

“It’s been great to work with the school and staff there. They’ve helped us to be successful,” remarked Jenkins.

Vendors and concession stands will be available on the grounds, along with a DJ playing “classic tunes”.

Friday before the show there will be a couple of pre-show activities, including a mini car show, which due to construction has been moved from Nyhus Chevrolet to the Ernie’s parking lot on the east side of town, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Later that day starting at 5 p.m, Twisted Sisters will have music, food, beverages and a $500 cash drawing.

The Still Cruisin’ Car Club works with many sponsors, which include the Grand Casino, Farmer’s Insurance, Budweiser, Ernie’s, Torvinen’s, 1st International Bank, The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Nyhus Chevrolet, Kennedy Transmission, R.D. Offutt Company, Pepsi, Brainerd Hardwoods, Napa Auto Parts and Auto Value Parts.

“Without them,” Jenkins said, “it wouldn’t be possible to make the car show what it is. Plus all the members that put in many hours making the Still Cruisin’ Car Show very successful.”