“I look forward to it every year,” Geiger said. “I was always into cars.”

Linda and her husband Vern were among the people who helped put on the first few Shades of the Past shows in Marshall. Ever since, Linda hasn’t missed a show, even after Vern passed away.

On Saturday, Geiger was at the Shades of the Past show with a bright red 1955 Chevrolet wagon she restored back in 1997.

“I’ve done several cars,” she said. “I don’t do anything to impress anybody. I just do what I like.”

Photo by Deb Gau Wilder Holm and James Brandt tried to win at the toy car races at Saturday's Shades of the Past show. Race winners could take their car home with them.

The Shades of the Past car club celebrated its 40th annual classic car show over the weekend. A total of about 300 vehicles, including cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and more were on display outside Runnings in Marshall.

It was positive to see a strong turnout at this year’s show, said Shades of the Past president Ray Louwagie. Club members said being able to hold the show for 40 years running was “really an incredible feat.”

Louwagie said he was also appreciative of all the people who helped organize and run the show.

“I can’t say enough about so many of the club members doing work behind the scenes,” he said. “They do a phenomenal job.”

In addition to the fun of the show, the anniversary included some special recognitions for long-time supporters. Linda Geiger was honored with a unique award for her and Vern’s help with the show over the years.

Photo by Deb Gau Alan Legler and Hollis Chepa checked under the hood of a classic pickup at the Shades of the Past show.

Geiger said she and her husband bonded over their love of cars when they first started dating. Later, they went on to have a station and used car lot in Hanska, she said. The first car the Geigers brought to Shades of the past was a 1970 GTO Judge that belonged to Vern.

In the early years of the Shades of the Past show, the Geigers helped come up with games for the event, club members said. One example was a fan belt toss, where competitors had to try and throw fan belts over cones.

Another game was a race where people would ride creepers – the wheeled boards that mechanics use to slide underneath cars in the shop – through an obstacle course.

“We got that (idea) from Sioux Falls. They got pretty competitive with it,” Geiger said. “It was fun.”

Early on, Shades of the Past shows had a “Back to the ’50s” theme, complete with 1950s-style costumes, Geiger said. “Back in the beginning, everybody dressed up,” she said. “The little kids were so darn cute.”

Photo by Deb Gau Runnings employee Lennita Buchert built special awards for show class winners, with wooden bases, model vehicles and some fun touches like a vintage radio.

Geiger’s award trophy this weekend was one of several that were specially made by Runnings employee Lennita Buchert for this weekend’s 40th anniversary show. Buchert said she had helped out with the Shades of the Past show ever since it moved to its current location outside Runnings.

The special trophies were made with wooden bases, model vehicles, and in the case of a trophy presented to DJ Mylan Ray, a working radio.

“It was something I wanted to do, and it was something different,” Buchert said of creating the special trophies.

Geiger said meeting people was a big part of what she’s loved about coming to Shades of the Past over the past 40 years.

“I like all the nice people and the great cars,” she said of her experience.

Photo by Deb Gau Roger Fey of Edgerton, at right, was presented with the Top Car award for his 1971 Dodge.

“I have a great time. I plan on coming until I can’t,” Geiger said of the Shades of the Past show.

2026 Shades of the Past class award winners

Car: Roger Fey of Edgerton, with a 1971 Dodge Super Bee

Truck: Graydon Amundson of Brainerd, with a 1936 Ford truck

Rat Rod: Jason Medalen of Pennock, with a 1929 Ford Model A

Photo by Deb Gau Graydon Amundson of Brainerd was presented the Top Pick-Up award for his 1936 Ford.

Bikes: Terry Kesteloot of Cottonwood, with a 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide

Tractors: Mylan Larson of Slayton, with a 1995 John Deere

Late Model: Phil Gervais of Currie, with a 2021 Ford Mustang Super Snake

Featured: Marty and Ginger Lonneman of Adrian, with a 1952 Chevy pickup

Photo by Deb Gau Jason Medalen of Pennock received the Top Rat Rod award.

Photo by Deb Gau Terry Kesteloot of Cottonwood received the Top Bike award with his 2009 Harley Davidson.

Photo by Deb Gau Mylan Larson of Slayton received the Top Tractor award with his 1995 John Deere.

Photo by Deb Gau Phil Gervais of Currie received the Top Late Model award, with his 2021 Ford Mustang Super Snake.

Photo by Deb Gau Marty Lonneman of Adrian received the Top Featured Class award, with a 1952 Chevy pickup.

Photo by Deb Gau Mylan Ray received a special award in recognition of his work as the DJ at the Shades of the Past show for many years.