Wheels of Italy returns to Robbinsdale Sept. 8

Cars, community and cuisine: Wheels of Italy is set to return to Robbinsdale.

The event will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, on West Broadway from the Walgreens pick-up driveway to 42nd Avenue, 41½ Avenue from West Broadway to Hubbard, and the driveway between Ace Hardware and Marna’s.

Wheels of Italy will showcase Italian culture and vehicle designs. About a 100 cars and motorcycles - both new and vintage - are expected to brighten Birdtown for a second time this year.

People are invited to shop at local businesses during the event, especially Travail Amusements, Wicked Wort Brewery, Nouvelle Brewing, Nonna Rosa's, Birdhouse, Bean There and Wuollet Bakery.

There will also be a handful of non-food pop-ups and sponsors to help with the costs.

According to organizers Daniel Schaefer and Phill Slavik, the businesses were so enthusiastic about Wheels of Italy that organizers decided to add two hours to the event this year.

Organizers estimate about 2,000 people will come out for the free, family-friendly event.

The police department will require the presence of police officers or reserves, depending on availability. The organizers will be required to pay the over-time rate of $90 per hour per officer for 4 hours per officer, if officers are used.

Public Works Director/City Engineer Richard McCoy noted that West Broadway is a state aid street, but the requested closure conforms to the city's policy, since the event qualifies as a community event. Staff will contact Metro Transit and North Memorial ambulance services to inform them of the closure.

The fire department stressed that emergency vehicle access must be maintained at all times. Organizers said there would be volunteers at both ends of West Broadway to let show participants in and out. These volunteers promise to assure emergency vehicle access as well.

City Council Member Regan Murphy made sure to promote the event during a city council meeting, saying that the event is free and open to all.

"This is just the kind of event that the downtown likes to have, to activate the downtown for the businesses, the people," Mayor Bill Blonigan added. "It gives you a sense of community to see the people strolling around."

The council voted 4-0 in favor of the event.

Learn more and register a vehicle at wheelsofitaly.com/events/robbinsdale .