The Veishea tournament committee has traditionally filled its schedule with events of athletic background. This year, however, with the addition of the first VEISHEA Car Show, it deviated from past years in order to give those with a passion for cars something to compete in.

“We thought it would be a good idea to bring in some tournaments for people that don’t have as much fun in competitive tournaments,” said Justin Jedlicka, tournament co-chairman and senior in agricultural studies.

The event, which will be held Saturday at the East Campus Parking Deck, will give participants the opportunity to show off their cars and trucks.

The location will require participants in the car show to arrive between 8 and 9:30 a.m., because the parking deck is located on the route of the VEISHEA Parade. The location will give owners the opportunity to sit in their cars and watch the parade while waiting for the show to start.

Andrew Sponheim, tournament co-chairman and senior in agricultural business, said the location could be one of the best drawing points for the show.

“We spent a lot of time – kind of – thinking of where we could do this, and then everything kind of fell into place one day,” Sponheim said.

“People will be right there and be able to view the parade sitting right beside their cars.”

Showing off your car and watching the parade aren’t the only benefits of participating in the contest. Everyone who participates will automatically receive a VEISHEA Car Show dash plaque.

A prize of $75 will be awarded to the owner of the car that is picked as “Best in Show.” The prize money, Jedlicka said, will help spark some competition among the owners.

“It’s just like, you’re playing poker without money. Because it doesn’t matter if you lose a hand, because you have nothing to gain or lose,” Jedlicka said. “We hope it makes it more fun for people and gives them a little bit of competition in there to make them want to win.”

Even if their car isn’t chosen as “Best in Show,” competitors still have the chance to win prizes. The competition is divided into 23 different sub-groups, with each sub-group falling into one of three divisions. The owner of the best car from each one of the three divisions will walk away with a trophy in hand.

The judging of the cars will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Owners of convertibles also have the chance to participate in the parade, which is a good opportunity, Jedlicka said.

“If there are people with really nice convertibles that would like to come down and be in the car show and carry a dignitary in the parade, it’s just something we opened up for them,” Jedlicka said.

There is room for approximately 100 cars in the show, but the co-chairpersons are uncertain about the expected turnout for the show.

“We are working on it and – being the first time doing it – we’re just trying to gather contacts,” Sponheim said. “It’s gradually been picking up, so there is plenty of time for people to still be signing up.”

Contestants must pay a $15 fee and register by April 13. For more information about the car show, go to www.veishea.iastate.edu.