Posts for 2018

Holiday Gift Ideas for Car Enthusiasts

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For some, the thought of Christmas immediately brings to mind the dreaded task of holiday shopping: wracking your brain trying to figure out the perfect gift for each person, fighting the crowds at the store, and wrestling over the last must-have toy on display. While we can’t ward off the masses at the mall or ensure you’re able to snag the highly sought-after gadget of the season, we here at Pioneer Auto Show can help you with some ideas for Christmas gifts for the classic enthusiasts in your life. And even better – many of the following are items you can purchase online or right here at the Pioneer Auto Show, eliminating the need for a frantic trip through busy stores. Read on for some inspiration, then go cross some names off of your holiday shopping list!

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Getting your Car Ready for Winter

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Here in South Dakota, the arrival of winter can often be a very unpredictable event. Some years, shorts and flip flops can be worn well into November, while others require digging out the snow blower in early October. However, one thing is for sure – in order to smoothly transition from one erratic South Dakota season to the next, being prepared is a necessity, and one very important, and often overlooked, item that requires some prep before winter is your car. Here at Pioneer Auto Show, we’ve learned a thing or two about proper fall car maintenance, and are here to let you in on some tips to help you get from point A to point B, no matter what Old Man Winter throws at you.

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5 Ways Life Was Different at the Turn of the 20th Century

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While it may be hard to imagine everyday life without items such as cell phones, computers, televisions and mp3 players, those living in the early 1900’s not only survived without those modern conveniences, but were also accustomed to life without things we now consider necessities, such as refrigerators, cars and grocery stores on every corner. Continue reading to learn more about some of the key differences between early American life and our experiences today, and what a typical day looked like for those living at the turn of the 20th century.  

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How to Vacation on a Budget in South Dakota

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In addition to the Pioneer Auto Show, there are many fun, interesting destinations located close to I-90 throughout South Dakota. Best of all, many attractions offer very affordable, or even free, admission prices, making them must-stops for families traveling on a budget. We’ve outlined some of those points of interest so you can easily plan your trek through the Mount Rushmore state, all while keeping more money in your wallet for when you arrive back home.

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Lunchboxes through the Ages

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With the start of the school year right around the corner, we are bombarded with “Back to School” commercials reminding us to hurry up and stock up on the necessities before the highly anticipated first day of classes. Although it is pretty uneventful to shop for most of the items that make it to school supply lists, there is one that has allowed us to showcase our creativity and share our interests for almost 70 years – the lunchbox. Before you head out to brave the shopping masses, read a little more about the interesting history behind these important contraptions, and how they have become a staple in our day to day life.

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The History of Motorcycles

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What better way to spend a beautiful, sunny summer afternoon than by enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery of South Dakota mounted atop a roaring motorcycle?  As the home of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and miles upon miles of stunning scenic roads that are popular among visiting and local motorists alike, the state is a premier destination for those that love to ride, or are simply fascinated by, the two-wheeled mechanisms. We’ve compiled the interesting history behind the development of the present day motorcycle so you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge on this famed regional pastime.

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5 Tips for Driving Safely Around Motorcycles

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5 Tips for Driving Safely Around Motorcyclists

Not only does the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally bring in hundreds of thousands of bikers each August, but the beautiful scenery of South Dakota makes it a popular destination among motorcyclists all summer that are seeking an exciting ride while surrounded by a breathtaking view. Yet, visitors and residents alike are often caught off guard by the large influx of bikers that flow into the state each year. Knowing how to safely share the road with bikers is crucial, especially when you consider that multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles accounted for 60% of motorcyclist deaths in 2016. Here at Pioneer Auto Show, we take motorcycle safety seriously and are here to help you prepare for your trip with some suggestions for maneuvering safely around bikers during your South Dakota vacation.

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History of the Ford Model T

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Named the most influential car of the 20th century, the Ford Model T made its rightful place in history by becoming the first automobile accessible to the growing middle class in the early 1900’s. Envisioning a car “so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one,” Henry Ford enlisted the help of Childe Harold Wills and Hungarian immigrants Joseph A. Galamb and Eugene Farkas to help design the car in 1908. The result allowed working class families to enjoy the convenience of automobiles, something that was only available to the wealthy up to that point.

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How to Prepare Your Classic Car for Spring

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The snow is (almost) gone, the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, which can only mean one thing – spring is here in South Dakota. After a long winter of freezing temperatures, salt-covered roads and piles of the white stuff, you may be itching to take your classic car out for a spin, and we don’t blame you! But before you reintroduce your beauty to the world, follow these car maintenance tips to ensure your first drive of the season results in smiles and not tears.

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History of the General Lee Car

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The Original General Lee 1969 Dodge Charger

Check out a piece of Hollywood history, right here at the Pioneer Auto Show!

As one of the most iconic cars from television’s yesteryears,  the 1969 Dodge Charger dubbed “General Lee”, or simply “The General”, stole the hearts of The Dukes of Hazzard fans in the 70’s and 80’s. And, lucky for its admirers, the car made an appearance in every episode of the show, except for one. The buzz surrounding the trademark automobile even led to it receiving an astonishing 35,000 fan letters a month during the Duke’s heyday.

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The history of the WNAX station

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Deep in the heart of the Pioneer Auto Show Prairie Town is a WNAX sign. While many may assume it is for a gas station, they would only be partially right. The popular WNAX sign that stands tall not only represents an old gas station, but also a radio station which was popular among farm towns in the Midwest. What initially started as a way to promote a seed store, quickly grew to become much more than that.

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