Annual Coaster Classic at Silverwood Theme Park highlights the region’s car culture
Plenty of classic car events have been canceled this year, but not the COASTER CLASSIC at Silverwood Theme Park. For the 19th year running, the Late Great Chevy Club has partnered with Silverwood to host classic cars from those golden oldies up to 1985 models.
The two-day event will be held on the Main Street lawn, Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6. It’s what they like to call the “Labor Day of Love” weekend at Silverwood, and offers even more reasons to fall in love with Silverwood this fall, including Grandparents Weekend (Sept. 12-13) and Community Appreciation weekends (Sept. 19-27).
They’re expecting at least as many cars as last year, says the Chevy Club’s Leroy Payne — around 600 — plus a unique display of vintage bicycles. Fan favorites include the hearse with the custom-painted coffin, but there will be plenty of cars and trucks to root for in the competition for nearly two dozen awards. Best rat rod? Best vintage through 1949? People’s choice? See for yourself and vote for your favorite.
The annual Coaster Classic is a big undertaking for the Late Great Chevy Club, which was founded in 1991 and numbers around 50 members. Four of the original members will be on hand to get all those four-wheeled beauties in their proper place and for car enthusiasts, the opportunity to visit with club members and visiting car owners is a real treat.
“We really thank Silverwood and their crew for their hard work putting this together,” says Dohler.
The event is free with admission to the park, so after you’re done ogling all the amazing rides, time to do a little riding of your own. Stay in classic car character at Country Carnival, where you can ride Silverwood’s Classic Car ride. Or rev up the fun with super-fast action on rides like the Corkscrew, Ricochet Rapids or Panic Plunge.
Trivia Trek
SEPTEMBER 4-6
Show off your knowledge of all things Coeur d’Alene, while exploring downtown at the same time. This interactive trivia trek will have you decoding clues while exploring downtown’s shops and restaurants. Your hard work pays off with a $25 gift card if you answer all the questions correctly. More details on the event calendar at cda4.fun.com.
Oktoberfest
SEPTEMBER 18-20
Oktoberfest is back this fall in Coeur d’Alene — with safety protocols in place to keep everyone safe. Travel through Downtown Coeur d’Alene and sample crisp, seasonal beers and hard cider. There are more than 20 different options to try, and all the würstl, schweinebraten and brezen to go with it.
Coeur d’Fondo
SEPTEMBER 19
Coeur d’Alene Lake Fondo will showcase beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene and the forest, roads and scenery along Idaho’s Scenic Byway; Highway 97, passing through many lakeside communities; before ending back in Coeur d’Alene at the fall Oktoberfest in downtown Coeur d’Alene. $95; 7 am-4 pm.
Silveroxx Moon Snuggle
Night Ride
SEPTEMBER 26
Most of the Silveroxx events were canceled this year, but the Moon Snuggle Night Ride is still on. Catch the last ride up the gondola BEFORE 6:15 pm and hang out at the mountain top until it gets dark enough to ride. Riders will break into smaller groups based on the difficulty level of trails and head down the mountain with knowledgeable local trail guides. Coeur d’Alene Bike Co. will provide a limited number of demo lights, but they must be reserved ahead of time by calling their shop at 208-966-4022. Lights are required. Season passes and tickets purchased earlier in the day will get you up the mountain, or single-ride tickets can be purchased for $15 starting at 5:30 pm. Please make sure to bring a face covering, as well as extra tubes and tools just in case. For additional information, call 208-783-1111.
