Duluth’s Unique Automotive Showcase: Pontoon Trucks and Helicopter Motorhomes

Duluth, Minnesota, is a city that celebrates its rich automotive heritage, and the annual Sidewalk Days Kolar Classic Car Show is a testament to this passion. This year, the event has taken an unexpected turn, with a one-of-a-kind vehicle capturing the attention of attendees – a pontoon truck, a fusion of land and water transportation. But this unique creation is just the tip of the iceberg, as the Olson family’s innovative spirit extends beyond the confines of traditional vehicles, showcasing their latest project: a helicopter mounted on a motorhome frame.

Fostering Creativity and Life Skills Through Automotive Ingenuity

Pontoon Trucks: Blending Land and Water

The Sidewalk Days Kolar Classic Car Show is a beloved annual event in Duluth, drawing car enthusiasts from across the region to admire the vintage and collector vehicles lining the streets. This year, however, one vehicle has stood out among the crowd – a pontoon truck, a unique fusion of a traditional pickup truck and a pontoon boat. The Olson family, who have fostered over 111 children, primarily teenage boys, over the past 31 years, have been the driving force behind this innovative creation. They believe that building unique vehicles not only provides their foster children with valuable mechanical and welding skills but also teaches them essential life skills. “It makes them have something to do and something creative, instead of being on video games or out in the streets,” explains Jeanette Olson, one of the family’s foster parents.The pontoon truck project began during the pandemic, and the Olsons have since showcased their creation at various events with the Canal Park Cruisers, a local car enthusiast group. The vehicle’s unique design and functionality have captured the imagination of attendees, who are eager to learn more about the story behind its creation.

Helicopter Motorhomes: Honoring Those Who Serve

The Olson family’s innovative spirit extends beyond the pontoon truck, as they are currently working on their next project – a helicopter mounted on a motorhome frame. This ambitious undertaking is a testament to their dedication to creating unique and eye-catching vehicles.The inspiration behind this project is to honor military members, first responders, and law enforcement personnel. The Olsons believe that by incorporating a helicopter, a symbol of power and rescue, into a motorhome, they can pay tribute to those who selflessly serve their communities and country.”It’s a way for us to show our appreciation and gratitude to those who put their lives on the line every day,” says Jeanette Olson.The process of transforming a motorhome into a helicopter-equipped vehicle is no easy feat, but the Olsons are undaunted. They are meticulously planning every aspect of the project, from the engineering challenges to the aesthetic design, to ensure that the final product is a true marvel of automotive ingenuity.

Fostering Creativity and Life Skills

The Olson family’s commitment to fostering creativity and life skills through their automotive projects extends beyond the pontoon truck and helicopter motorhome. Over the years, they have worked on a wide range of unique vehicles, each one designed to engage and inspire the foster children in their care.”Building these vehicles gives the kids not only mechanic and welding skills, but life skills too,” Jeanette Olson explains. “It teaches them problem-solving, teamwork, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.”The Olsons’ approach to fostering has had a profound impact on the lives of the children they have cared for. By providing them with the opportunity to participate in these innovative projects, the Olsons are not only imparting valuable technical skills but also instilling a sense of pride, confidence, and a belief in their own abilities to overcome challenges.As the Sidewalk Days Kolar Classic Car Show continues to captivate the community, the Olson family’s unique creations serve as a testament to the power of creativity, ingenuity, and the transformative impact that can be achieved through fostering a passion for automotive engineering.