Automania to be staged in new rural location

Automania fans are thrilled the largest free auto show is back, and it’s coming to a nearby location starting at noon on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Over the past 14 years, Automania was staged in Downtown Sioux Falls, then moved to Brandon before taking a hiatus for a few years as organizers secured a location that won’t require adjacent businesses and city streets to be closed down.

SpringBrooke Events, Golf and Grill is that location. The newly-revamped events center, restaurant and golf course is located in Beaver Creek, Minn., off of Interstate 90 at Exit 5. The property is owned by Sioux Falls businessman Rick Gourley and managed by Chris Yungeberg.

“This land lends itself well to the car show,” Gourley said. “There’s really no better place to have cars on display than on the grass.” 

Automania, which was born in Sioux Falls in 2006, is the creation of former Brandon resident Bill Nelson. Along with Carol Pagonas of the Downtown Sioux Falls organization, Nelson first launched Hot Summer Nights over 22 years ago. But car enthusiasts wanted a venue of their own.

“For years, many different car owners asked why only Corvettes, and no other cars were allowed at Hot Summer Nights,” Nelson said. “That’s why we started Automania in Downtown Sioux Falls, and the first year was a huge success with over 800 cars, four live bands, and tens of thousands of people.”

Following a couple years in Downtown Sioux Falls, Nelson moved the event to Holly Boulevard in Brandon. The event became the largest free-to-the-public automotive event in the Midwest, featuring classic rock ‘n’ roll bands such as Tommy James and the Shondells, B.J. Thomas, Mitch Ryder, The Buckinghams, and The Grass Roots. Automania also highlighted special guests such as famed car designers Chip Foose and George Barris, along with various TV stars. 

“The cars were works of art, even all the local cars,” said Nelson. “People came to show their pride and joys from 20 different states and Canada. Tens of thousands of people attended consistently, and several times Automania had around 1,500 vehicles on display.” 

Nelson said the people is what made Automania extra special. 

Around the time Automania ceased in Brandon, Gourley serendipitously purchased the property in Beaver Creek.

“I had attended the Mecum event in St. Charles, Ill., several times. It took place on a lush, green golf course that was comfortable to walk on, and the cars looked fantastic,” Nelson said. “Thus, Automania landed at SpringBrooke Events, Golf and Grille. Many of the permits are already in place, and what a stunning place for both the special music and the special cars. People will be very happy to attend this year.”

Gourley’s goal is to help Automania become one of the greatest auto shows in the upper Midwest.

“Along with the car show, we’ll have live music with six or seven bands and a number of food trucks and vendors, with everything from BBQ to ice cream,” he said. 

Gourley expects a minimum of 5,000 people to attend Automania at SpringBrooke. 

Although he has never shown at Automania, Gourley – a long-time Sioux Falls resident – has long had a passion for classic cars. He prides himself on once owning an SS396 Chevelle and a two-door ’56 Chevy, which he obtained from George Ensz. Currently, his oldest car is a 20-year-old Chevy pickup. 

“When I was a little boy growing up, my dad had a Studebaker, so a Studebaker Hawk is my dream car,” Gourley mused. “I have a deep appreciation for these cars that come to Automania; they’re works of art.”

Gourley is counting on a nice, sunny day for the Aug. 22 event. He’s optimistic that folks will enjoy the cars, the food, and local bands playing ‘50s and ‘60s music to match the classic cars. Rock County, in which Beaver Creek is located, will also be celebrating its 150th anniversary that same day.

“The whole town will be in celebration mode, with a splash park and plenty of family-friendly activities for all,” said Gourley.

About 500 cars have registered for the show thus far, but there is room for more, Gourley said. To register and to learn more about Automania, visit automaniaatspringbrooke.com/ or the Facebook page titled “AutoMania at SpringBrooke.”