The cat’s out of the bag. The 36th Annual Colorado Grand returns to Salida from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 12 in Thonhoff Park. 136 vintage, museum-quality sports, racing, and open touring cars will once again rumble up to the green park circle in front of the Chaffee County Courthouse.
According to organizers, the Colorado Grand “offers drivers a chance to enjoy their classic sports car, but it also raises money [from entrants and sponsors] for Colorado charities and communities.”
The 36th Annual Colorado Grand arrives in Salida on Sept. 12, 2025
Salida has been fortunate once again in 2025 to host the owners/drivers, and their co-pilots for a picnic lunch as they rest briefly in our city. Their 6-day, 1,000 mile ramble, started Sept. 8 and ends on Sept. 13 in Vail, Colorado. While many of these cars may be past their glory days on the race or show circuit, all have been lovingly restored.
Their owners love nothing better than to take them out on the open road again — hopefully on a sunny day, but come rain or shine, and often in an open-top.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Salida, in partnership with the nonprofit Salida Community Center (SCC), the Salida catered picnic lunch has always been enthusiastically received by the tour members.
Making a grand lunch for this grand event is a special day for SCC Executive Director Elaine Allemang and her team of hardworking volunteers. “It’s just one day every few years out of all of the programs we bring to the community 52 weeks a year,” said Allemang. “The S.C.C. will continue to bring unity to our community.”
The public is welcome to drop by Thonhoff Park around 11:00 a.m. until most cars depart by 1:00 p.m. While the lunch is reserved for the car owners, they are all happy to have you look over their cars, take photos, and ask questions about pedigree and provenance.
All they ask is that you keep your hands in your pockets and avoid any sharp or wet objects near these priceless treasures.
Graceful Lines, Top Speeds, And Throaty Roars
A rare Ford-powered Bocar, (believed to be a 1959 XP-6) appeared at the 2021 Colorado Grand and is slated to return in 2025.
This year’s 136 cars include a wide array of rare classics from the 20s to the 60s, like “Gull Wing” Mercedes, Ferraris, Porsches, Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, and Jaguars.
Other exotic specimens expected to be on hand are a 1938 Lagonda V-12, a 1957 Maserati 250S, a 1955 Kurtis 500 Swallow Body, and a number of pre-WWII Bentley’s.
For American car fans of a certain era (this reporter’s), a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra ranks high on the list of the “must see”. The lightweight Cobra was designed to go from 0-100 m.p.h. and back to zero in less than 14, jaw-dropping seconds.
When each of these magnificent machines fires up to head off, it is a sight and sound to video-thrill everyone, from young kids to grandpas (and grandmas).
With many millions of dollars of irreplaceable iron, steel, leather, wood, and glass cruising in close proximity, privacy and security for their owners is paramount. Even with constant Colorado State Patrol (CSP) escorts, the precise route for each Colorado Grand is closely held by their drivers, navigators, family, and friends.
The CSP helps ensure safety for everyone while on each day’s route. Keeping a respectful distance from this traveling museum is greatly appreciated. Pulling over (safely) for a photo opportunity is a reward in itself if you happen upon the procession.
The Colorado Grand Awards Scholarships and Benefits Chaffee Nonprofits
Since 1989, organizers of the Colorado Grand have handed out over $10 million across the state. $75,000 in scholarships have been given out in 2025 to after-school job-holding graduates who also show aptitude, drive, and work ethic.
Special grants have also been made to Chaffee nonprofits. Over the years these have included nearly $259,000 among Chaffee County Hospitality, New Caring and Sharing Resource Center, Mini-Blessings, HRRMC Foundation, Colorado Farm To Table, Chaffee County Search and Rescue, Salida Senior Citizens, and the Salida Rotary Charitable Fund.
Finally, the Colorado Grand also gives back to our state law enforcement and traffic safety team via the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation.
“The monies you have so generously donated help support members of the Patrol and their families in times of crisis and hardship,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the CSP. “This foundation helps provide our emergency responders and their families with emotional support and mental health resources throughout their careers, which many have described as ‘life changing’”.
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