Teen Lodge car show takes over VFW lot
Owatonna local Braxton Steensen poses for a photo next to his 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 at the Teen Lodge Car Show. Steensen built the car with his father when he was in high school. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
The parking lot at Owatonna VFW Post 3723 was packed for a good cause last week when the Teen Lodge Car Show hosted its fifth annual meet-up fundraiser.
The organization is in the process of raising money to help build a location for the future homeless shelter focused on eliminating homelessness in the local teen population.
“The show is growing every year. I can point to all the cars that have been really supportive of us. Owatonna is just amazing town when it comes to giving. We’re really fortunate that we’re here and a lot of people are backing us,” said Teen Lodge board member Julie Summe.
The show included a $10 entry fee for the cars and featured music, food truck and of course, the popular VFW bar.
According to Summe, the importance of getting the Teen Lodge location up and running is paramount.
“We want to have a facility help get these kids more structure in their lives. We want to help them get into trade school, college and eventually jobs. The goal is to mold them into their best selves for when they hit adulthood,” said Summe.