Maquella Chacon
Staff Writer
Over 150 local and regional car enthusiasts showed and discussed their cars with the public on March 15-16 as Idaho State University held its 13th annual Chrome in the Dome.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles from every decade were present during the event and awarded with handmade trophies contributed by ISU’s own automotive collision repair and refinishing (ACRR) and automotive technology students. The trophies captured the essence of the creativity and passion involved with the event that the participants have for their vehicles.
Trophies and other prizes are awarded to categories such as Best Era Cars, Best of Show, Best in Class and the People’s Choice Award. The most sought-after prize of the night was the Best of Show award.
All trophies are presented on the last night of the event with everyone in the show gathered around to celebrate the victories and recognition.
Pocatello is not foreign to the car show world. With local clubs such as Street Riders of Idaho and the annual Chrome in the Dome, which is one of the largest car shows in the country, the passion for engines is thriving.
This year’s sponsors included Idaho Central Credit Union, Phil Meador Toyota, Sound Source and Advanced Auto Parts. The sponsors support the Automotive Technology program at ISU, and they promote the event through raffles and other prizes for attendees.
Each year, the funds raised from this event go back into the university through the Automotive Technology program, keeping it alive and thriving for years to come.
Students from the Autobody and Autotech programs contribute through planning, hosting, organizing and staffing the event. Students are also available to answer all auto-related questions for patrons and competitors in the event.
Also being showed at the event this year was a 1940s vintage truck that was donated to ISU. The truck was rebuilt and restored by the automotive technology students and later painted in ISU’s own orange and black colors by the automotive collision repair program and refinishing students.
The truck was to be later auctioned after the event. The funds accumulated through the auction are turned into scholarships for the ISU College of Technology’s prospective students.
Chrome in the Dome is a real-life experience provided to students and better helps them get a sense for real world automotive industry.
“I learn a lot of responsibility and timeliness through this event,” said automotive technology student and 2019 graduate, Dillon Katzenstein. “The car owners rely on us students.”
Food vendors, face painting, demos and car part purchase booths were all a part of the event, making it family oriented and adding to the advertising value for the students.
Chrome in the Dome evolves every year and event contributors plan on a bigger turnout and an expansion of vehicles in the years to come.
