One of Ely’s popular fall events is no more.
The Jake Forsman Memorial Car Show and Burnout Competition, a staple on the fall calendar in town since 2017, will not continue this fall.
Organizers made that public Wednesday via a news release issued by the Forsman family.
“It is truly bittersweet for us to announce that the Car Show has run its course,” the news release stated. “The time we shared together at this event meant the world to us.”
Started in memory of Jake Forsman, who died in October, 2016, the event quickly became popular in Ely and involved both a burnout competition in front of City Hall as well as a car show.
The event usually attracted hundreds of people, and ruing its history it raised thousands of dollars for the Jake Forsman Memorial Scholarship fund, assisting local graduates pursue careers in building and mechanical trades.
In 2024, there were 19 participants in the burnout competition and 114 cars in the car show for what now is shaping up to be the grand finale for the event.
Family members said: “Each year it has become more apparent that the time spent on duties for the car show has taken time away from our other passions. Fall is such a beautiful time in Ely. We have come to miss the traditions of the season. With that in mind, we need to make a change. We celebrated community, cars, fun, giving, and maybe even a little bit of rebellion - all in a way that reflected the spirit of the young man we named it after. It was a great time… At the time we needed it most.”
The Forsman family was aided by a virtual army of volunteers each year, who aided in all aspects of putting on the event.
“The Jake Forsman Memorial Car Show and Burnout Competition was an important event for us to give back while ensuring that Jake’s beautiful soul was not forgotten,” family members said. “We were able to heal through the love shared with us while we put on this unique event with the help of our many volunteers. To all that have volunteered, supported and attended The Jake Forsman Memorial Car Show and Burnout Competition: We are extremely grateful! You made this event the huge success it was.”
About $50,000 in scholarships have been awarded since the event’s inception, and the scholarship fund will continue.
Contributions may be made to the Jake Forsman Memorial Scholarship, c/o Al Forsman, 641 E Camp St, Ely MN 55731.
