Here's where you can check out some classic cars Sunday

MENDON – A longstanding tradition returns to St. Joseph County this weekend, as the 61st Mendon Dust-Off old-car show takes place Sunday.

The event runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mendon High School.

Sponsored by Three Rivers Classic & Antique Restorers Club, the Dust-Off is unanimously acknowledged by car aficionados as the official start to car-show season locally.

Club president Heidi Alexander said the Dust-Off has clearly established itself as the premier car show to start car season.

“We are so excited to begin our next 60 years with all of the amazing people who bring their antique, classic and collector cars and trucks to the show,” Alxander said. “We would especially like to recognize Kalamazoo Antique Restorers Club, whose members have faithfully attended out Dust-Off for all of its years.”

Last year’s show was the first in the post-COVID era. It drew about 400 cars on a day in which rain threatened all day. For the sake of comparison, Alexander said the 2019 show attracted about 800 cars.

More: Dust-Off makes post-COVID return

Alexander said the Dust-Off is a great start to car season and also serves as a quasi-reunion for people who tend to travel in the same circles throughout the summer months.

“We just appreciate all the faithful workers who help us and all of the spectators who come, and especially all the show-car owners who bring their amazing rides to Mendon the first Sunday of every May,” Alexander said.

The first 400 participants will receive a dash plaque. Alexander said unlike most car shows, there is no cost for participants to join in. A suggested donation of $3 per person is sought from spectators.

There will also be door prizes, a food booth, an ice cream vendor and Mendon Kiwanis will have doughnuts for sale all day.

The 2024 Dust-Off is dedicated to longtime club member Roy Ritter, who passed away recently, Alexander said. Ritter, a Sturgis resident, created the Dust-Off logo shortly after the club was formed in 1962.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Here's where you can check out some classic cars Sunday