Why are you excited about this year’s event?
Even though many of us have experienced the Black Hills Corvette Classic for many years, the excitement comes when you start thinking about all the new friends you get to meet along the east to west South Dakota tour. Meeting up with old Corvette friends you have not seen for awhile is another point of excitement.
What favorites from the past can people experience again?
The ‘Breakfast with the Presidents Tour’ is back for 2018. The tour is a small group of people hanging out, driving in a small group, and enjoying one of the country’s best national parks and monument.
Another favorite back for 2018 is the ‘1880 Train’. It too is a small group of Corvette enthusiasts taking a shorter drive together. The group boards the vintage steam train to see the Black Hills. The tour ends with a box lunch and great company.
What is new for 2018?
Each year we look to improve and grow the event.
This year, attendees will be able to enjoy breakfast and lunch with our vendor, Michela from The Treat Box, as part of the Autocross event at Black Hills State University. This is part of the Spearfish, South Dakota leg of the trip on July 20.
What is one memory for the event you will never forget?
The 1st year of being the event coordinator, I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Shimonek out of League City, Texas.
My first encounter with Steve was over the phone, he had some questions about the event and we had a couple of conversations. It is funny how you can become friends without ever meeting the person. When I got to meet Steve and his wife Delores in 2016, in Spearfish, it was like meeting old friends.
Keeping in touch with them and sharing our Corvette experiences will continue for years.
What are some “pro tips” that people should know about planning their trip?
Register early to be sure you have “first pick of tours”. Many of the tours can only accommodate a small group so the earlier you register the better.
Be sure you have your event wristband for all events – this is your ticket in to exclusive event activities. Your wristband comes in your registration packet. See the schedule for opportunities to check-in to the event and pick-up your packets.
Enjoy the events and have fun. Rain or shine, we drive!
Who does the event benefit and why are they the beneficiary?
Charitable contribution is a top priority of the annual Black Hills Corvette Classic put on by the Sioux Falls Corvette Club. One hundred percent of the funds we raise from the auction items during our Saturday night banquet is donated to the Children's Inn of Sioux Falls. The event is fun, but also provides support to the Children’s Inn of Sioux Falls.
The Children's Inn provides free services for women, children and men who are victims of family violence, elder abuse, child abuse, neglect or sexual assault. Children's Inn was founded in 1977 and through a merger in 1998, became a program of Children's Home Society of South Dakota, a private, nonprofit organization.