Downtown Columbia City roared to life on Friday, June 6th for First Fridays: Wheels of Whitley County, an event that truly delivered on excitement, energy, and downtown Magic. In partnership with Wheels of Whitley County Car Shows and car show organizer Doug Clark, our June First Fridays was a standout success. Drawing in everything from classic cruisers and hot rods to jacked-up Jeeps and sleek customs.
The heart of the event was the car show, featuring everything from jaw-dropping hot rods and jacked-up Jeeps to classic cruisers and custom builds with deep personal stories. Whether you came to admire a pristine vintage ride or show off your own wheels, there was something for every kind of car lover. And with the addition of “Favorite” plaques voted on by city departments and local organizations including: Columbia City Police, Fire, Parks & Rec, and Rotary Club, participants felt the support of the entire community behind them.
Generous prizes added to the excitement. Andy’s Car Wash returned for a second year to donate a FREE Ultimate Works Pass. A group day pass for four to the Studebaker National Museum was awarded. Perfect for any auto history buff. And thirty-six lucky car owners walked away with a 2025 Local Golf Passport, unlocking rounds at award-winning courses across Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.
As impressive as the cars were, they weren’t the only thing drawing a crowd. June saw a huge response from vendors, so much so that we introduced Market on the Lawn to accommodate those on the waitlist. Attendees were treated to a vibrant spread of local businesses, artisans, and pop-up booths that lined the streets and lawn areas. From handcrafted goods to tasty treats, the market added an extra layer of charm and variety to the evening.
Live entertainment elevated the energy throughout the night. SUN.DYLE set the mood with music that had toes tapping and heads nodding. Earlier in the evening, the Lawrence E Wolfe Community Handbell Choir beautifully opened the event with their enchanting performance, reminding us just how special these community moments are.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing sponsors, who continue to make downtown events like this one such a success. And to the Columbia City Lions Club– we’re incredibly grateful for your hands-on help during the show.
We loved hearing feedback from attendees like David Korus, who said, “What a crowd and the food selection was next level!” and Heather Water, who shared, “My husband and I had so much fun last night showing off our jeeps and eating great food!! It was slammed with all variety of vendors.”
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate cars, community, and summer fun. We can’t wait to see you at the next First Fridays event!
