© Hot Rod Archives
001-2021-back-to-the-50s-cancelled
100+ photo gallery of hot rods from the Minnesota Street Rod Association's 12,000-car event.
Back to the 50's is the Minnesota Street Rod Association's huge car show that has been drawing hot rodders to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul every June for decades. Recent years have seen registered car numbers in the 12,000-car range, with spectator crowds at 10 times that size. But not last year, and not this year. In 2020, health concerns forced the postponement of the event. Minnesota has opened the fairgrounds for this summer but has put in place attendance and enforcement guidelines that would prevent the MSRA from putting on the extraordinary show that they want to and that we have come to expect.
© Hot Rod Archives "We know this news is very disappointing, and all of us feel the same," MSRA posted on its website. "By making the decision to announce the event cancellation now, we hope that you are able to cancel or change your travel plans with minimal impact. We are extremely grateful for all of our supporters during these challenging times. "
Participant registrations that were rolled over from last year, and pre-registered participants from this year, will have their payments applied to the 2022 Back to the 50's, scheduled for June 1719.
We were looking forward to providing event coverage from the 47th Back to the 50's this year-and are now looking forward to next year's event. This 100-plus photo gallery, assembled from the last several events, will show you why.
7 Favorite Things About Back to the 50's
© Hot Rod Archives The Cars. The first Back to the 50's show in 1974 featured 150 cars. The most recent event filled the fairgrounds with approximately 12,000 1964-and-earlier cars and trucks. The quantity, quality, and variety is amazing-and includes street rods, customs, sports cars, custom pickups, Tri-Five Chevys, Corvettes, street freaks, rat rods, and a few that defy any label.
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The Fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fairgrounds is the perfect setting for a hot rod show. The 320-acre venue is sliced up with numerous tree-lined streets with grassy areas in between, all filled with show cars and trucks. The atmosphere is high energy and laid back all at once.
The Swap Meet. Whether you're selling, buying, or just looking, the Back to the 50's swap meet at the west end of the fairgrounds on Sunday shouldn't be missed. It's been part of the event since 1969, and like the rest of the event, the quantity and variety is incredible.
The Club. It takes approximately 2,000 Minnesota Street Rod Association volunteers to make Back to the 50's happen. It's amazing that a car show this gigantic and well-run is organized and presented by club members.
The Food. In addition to the standard burgers and hot dogs, you can fill your belly with pork chops on a stick, walleye cakes, cheese curds, mini donuts, fresh chocolate chip cookies (sold by the bucket), and countless other treats.
The Awards. There are none. There is no judging and no trophies (other than the cars themselves) at Back to the 50's. The 12,000 show vehicles enter the show on equal footing and leave the same way.
The Crowds. Back to the 50's is not the place for social distancing, as 100,000 (a conservative estimate) participants, spectators, vendors, MSRA members, and a handful of media people turn the fairgrounds into a city of gearheads for three days.