Iola, WI (July 19^th) - The Iola Old Car Show has a long tradition of offering one of the largest car shows in the country and the recently completed 35^th addition of the event was no different.

Attendance figures released today show that, again, over 130,000 spectators attended the annual event. This figure was just slightly behind last year's 134,000. Show cars flocked to the event with over 2000 making the trek to the tiny village in Waupaca County. The huge swap meet was sold out and the campground again filled over 1450 spaces. 760 cars were in the "For Sale" car corral.

Show founder Chet Krause was honored on Saturday with the presentation of a painting depicting the original setting of Iola's first car show in Olson Park. The painting was done by noted local artist Sharon Anderson.

Former Packer Gilbert Brown's appearance at the show proved to be a good draw as hundreds of Packer fans patiently stood in line on Thursday and Friday for the former nose-tackle's autograph. The Milwaukee Mile's NASCAR simulator also drew high praise from spectators as did the appearance of the "Movin' On" and BJ and the Bear" TV diesel trucks.

Show promoters are optimistic on the events continued success despite high gas prices. "Our show is a tradition in the old car hobby" said Mary Schwartz of the show staff. "The show car people and swap meet vendors reserve the second weekend of July every year for our event. Our spectators make vacation plans based around our schedule, too. Our show has a national following and folks will get here despite some higher travel costs".

While spectator numbers were just slightly behind last years, food sales were at near record levels. Mild weather, along with some new food items, helped fuel everyone's appetite. Ice cream seemed to be big hit this year as both hand packed and soft-serve varieties were in demand. And a new menu item, frozen cheesecake on a stick, proved to be very popular.

Plans are already underway for next year's event. The theme will be Roadsters, Ragtops and Rumble Seats and will feature a wide variety of sports cars and convertibles as well as older vintage vehicles that feature "rumble seats".

2008 Show Dates are July 10, 11, 12, 13