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Auto, motorcycle shows in Milwaukee this weekend

Posted at 6:43 AM, Feb 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-19 14:04:04-05

Roughly 300 cars and bikes will be on display at the World of Wheels custom auto show this weekend.

Custom vehicles, from muscle cars to trucks, will be on display at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

“About one third of the owners are locals, a third are from out of town, and then there’s a third from out of state,” said John Speelman, one of the show’s organizers. “We’ve got cars from all over the country here.”

Kristin Settle, Director of Communications for VISIT Milwaukee, said the out of town guests are good news for local businesses.

“It’s a big weekend for car lovers here in Milwaukee,” Settle said.

She said the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show is also opening this weekend.

“That means real dollars being brought into the community in terms of hotel stays and restaurant customers, and people visiting our great attractions and amenities,” Settle said.

David Kalina and his grandson drove in from Minneapolis to display a 1934 Ford at the World of Wheels show.

“I think it just started out as something for the two of us to do together,” Kalina said.

Bob Lange, from Medford, also traveled to Milwaukee specifically for the show. He said he’ll be displaying his 1932 Ford Dearborn Deuce.

“It’s just a chance to bring out a car we’ve invested nine years of time and effort into,” Lange said.

He said, while some cars will win awards this weekend, the best part of World of Wheels is getting to showcase his vehicle to those enthusiastic about automobiles.

“It’s such a thrill, just the appreciation of the general public as they view the car,” Lange said.

World of Wheels runs 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Admission for adults is $16 at the door or $14 if you buy a ticket ahead of time at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store.

The show’s hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.