Western Iowa Tech Community College's Automotive Technology and Auto Body programs will host the 16th Annual Show & Shine on Wednesday, April 22 from 4-8 p.m. at Parking Lot 2B, 4647 Stone Ave.
The free event invites the community to come out and enjoy a classic car show atmosphere, featuring a wide range of vehicles brought in by local enthusiasts. Community members are welcome to bring their own cars or motorcycles to display, with all makes and models encouraged. In addition to community entries, Western Iowa Tech students will showcase their own project vehicles, highlighting the hands-on work happening in the Automotive Technology and Auto Body programs. The event will be hosted in partnership with Tri-State Cruisers and will feature a mix of classic cars, unique builds, and custom projects from across the region, along with food trucks on site.
A highlight of this year's event will be the programs' latest build, a fully restored 1972 K5 Blazer. The vehicle premiered at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where it gained national attention and was later named one of the "Top 10 Coolest and Craziest Cars of SEMA 2025" by Car and Driver, which praised the build as "a project that cuts through the gloss and glitter and reminds us what car customization is really about." The Blazer represents months of hands-on work by students and reflects the technical skill, creativity, and craftsmanship developed through the program.
Students behind the build have also been featured by MTX Audio, where they shared insight into the design, installation, and teamwork involved in the project, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the learning process. In addition to national recognition, the Blazer earned the Outstanding Entry award at the Toppers Car Show in Sioux Falls, bringing home a trophy and $250 to support future student projects. The recognition underscores the real-world experience and industry-level skills students are developing at Western Iowa Tech.
The Show & Shine offers an opportunity for the community to connect with students, explore career pathways in automotive fields, and see firsthand the results of hands-on training.