Automobile enthusiasts flock to downtown Anoka each Saturday evening for the Anoka Classic Car Show, where vintage and collectible vehicles of various ages and types gather. Attracting crowds from Minnesota and Minnesota’s lakes region, this annual fundraiser raises funds for numerous local charities.
If traveling on Highway 10, use alternate routes or plan. A two-year project has caused considerable delays, and some ramps are closed, leading to potential time delays on the highway.
The History of Anoka
Anoka was built on land that served as a neutral ground between the Dakota and Ojibwa tribes, with the first settlers arriving in the 1840s before its incorporation as a town in 1878. Logging was the primary industry during these early years; Anoka became famous for producing quality lumber. A dam was constructed along Rum River in 1854, which provided water power, eventually leading to mills being built along its path.
In the 19th century, Anoka experienced many disasters, such as fire. Five significant fires struck within its early history – one particularly destructive – consuming 86 buildings on Main Street between Rum River and Third Avenue and devasting Anoka’s downtown. Yet Anoka persevered through these setbacks and rebuilt itself.
Anoka’s economy diversified during the late 19th century to include agricultural and manufacturing industries. By 1900, Anoka became known for potato starch production. A brickyard was established soon after that. Furthermore, Anoka boasted dairy and poultry processing businesses that contributed to its economy.
At that time, the Anoka County Fair was an annual tradition and popular attraction in Anoka. Not only was the event an economic boon, but it also played a vital role in drawing tourism to Anoka City itself.
Halloween was a delightful holiday for local youth in 1919, yet Anoka residents awakened on November 1 to find cows roaming downtown Anoka and wagons parked precariously atop roofs – creating chaos! Civic leaders recognized these seasonal shenanigans, so they devised an event schedule with various Halloween-related activities to prevent kids from tipping over cows or soaping Main Street storefronts with soap.
Anoka quickly established itself as the Halloween Capital of the World as Halloween events flourished and prospered, officially earning this moniker in 1937 when 12-year-old newspaper carrier Harold Blair won a contest sponsored by Minneapolis Journal and came home with a sweater sewn with an Anoka Halloween patch and proclamation declaring Anoka the Halloween Capital.
The Anoka Post Office
Anoka Post Office is a United States Postal Service facility offering comprehensive postal services such as package delivery, first-class mail, and passport applications. Located in Anoka, Minnesota, and is open on Saturdays. Post offices can assist in the application process for US passports; it is wise to check what services they offer as well as whether or not there is a photo booth available for use. For passport applications at the post office, proof of U.S. citizenship (including original physical documents like birth certificates or naturalization papers ) as well as a photo ID such as a driver’s license is needed; an alternative approach would be providing recent color photographs that meet government specifications which measure 2×2 inches in size.
Anoka is an increasingly popular destination for car shows, with classic vehicles displayed every summer in downtown Anoka. The Anoka Classic Car Show takes place on Saturday evenings between June and September and draws spectators of all ages – especially families with children. Eric Foslien, a resident and car enthusiast, says his 5-year-old son enjoys attending this show for its loud engine noise and bright lights.
Anoka Post Office is one of six acceptance agents in Minnesota, where you can submit your passport application for processing. They offer both standard services as well as expedited applications.
The Anoka County Fair
The Anoka County Fair offers families an enjoyable gathering place every July in Anoka, Minnesota. Family-oriented attractions at this fair include monster truck racing challenges and farm-to-table experiences, as well as live animals. Music stages and grandstand concert venues round out this entertaining fairground experience; parking is also free. This popular community event has been held since 1903.
On Saturday night at the Anoka County Fairgrounds, numerous large fights were ultimately dealt with by law enforcement officials. Deputies were called out after two separate brawls broke out, one near Midway where officers helped disperse the crowd and removed those involved from the grounds. There were no significant injuries reported, but the sheriff says these types of actions will not be tolerated at such an event.
On most Saturday evenings during the warmer months, classic cars and trucks will rumble into downtown Anoka for the Anoka Classic Car Show from 4-8 p.m. There’s no admission fee to view these incredible vehicles, with food vendors available as well as music provided by Tunes to Go – making for an entertaining night!
Anoka County License Center offers many services, such as registration renewals and title transfers. They also expedite processing times for various transactions. New and renewing owners must submit proof of insurance when applying for motor vehicle registration or ownership transfer.
The Anoka STEM Fair provides an excellent opportunity for students to further their science, technology, engineering, and math education with hands-on activities. Every year, hundreds of students participate in this non-profit organization’s event; its proceeds help pay some of its expenses each year and serve as a great community-building event. Supported by Anoka County Board of Commissioners.
The Henderson Classic Car Roll In
Henderson will host its 20th annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, an antique and classic car and truck show in mid-October, featuring various vendors and restaurants providing food while attendees admire the vehicles on display. This year also includes a truck display of cars manufactured by Corbitt Company from its days based here until 1954.
Dwight Ward of Kasson brought his 1955 Chevy Handyman Wagon, making the trip worthwhile for himself and all who attended. The Henderson Classic Car Roll-in is an annual attraction attracting visitors from far and wide.
On Sunday, September 1, the event kicked off with a parade of classic cars followed by a car show featuring over 250 vehicles and 100 motorcycles – from muscle cars and hot rods to numerous muscle cars and vintage hot rods! Additionally, vendors and restaurants offered their goods and services, along with live music performed by Candy-O, who recreated the terminal cool of Cars movies.
At this event, several events took place, such as a live auction and raffles to benefit local charities. Furthermore, an array of cars and trucks for sale was available to bid on during a car show parade, and guests could even take rides in sure of them!
After the event, participants voted on their favorite cars and trucks, and winners were revealed on Sunday, September 2. John Cannon of Elk River won Best in Show with his Ford Mustang convertible; Jim and Mary Nelson from Anoka received People’s Choice honors with their Chevrolet Camaro.
The Henderson Classic Car Roll-in takes place every Tuesday evening from May through September on Henderson‘s Main Street and is free for attendees. Over 250 cars and 100 motorcycles take part, closing all roads by 10 p.m.; through traffic is directed out at 7 p.m.
