On Saturday 27 and Whitsunday 28 May, hundreds of classic cars will once again gather in the village center of Sarnen, which is closed off to normal traffic. The historic vehicles - from bread-and-butter cars to exclusive rarities - will be accompanied by discreet music from dozens of loudspeakers.
Thousands of spectators stroll through the Obwalden capital and admire the gleaming cars; a festive atmosphere prevails. From later in the afternoon, there are free concerts with four different bands of all styles to suit the occasion.
Fun for all
The O-iO (Oldtimer in Obwalden) means fun for everyone and driving pleasure for the registered participants with classic cars on the rides on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
On the road on a Pentecost mission
If the spectators order a subscription to a classic car publication after O-iO, for example, the goal of the "O-iO Whitsun Mission" has been achieved, then we have them on our side. "O-iO should connect the general public with our passion."
This is why the O-iO is positioned for spectators as the free Whitsun fun for the whole family - especially with children. There is intensive viewer advertising. And it works. A surprising number of visitors even push baby carriages in front of them.
These youngsters soak up our "atmosphere" with their mother's milk, so to speak. They will hardly stick to the road during the worst Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard later on. Nor are the teenagers for whom O-iO.ch is holding a photo competition.
"We also have to get the generation after next excited about our mobile cultural asset if we are to have a future," explains organizer Ruedi Müller.
The not inconsiderable costs for O-iO.ch, not least for everyone's safety, are mainly borne by sponsors. Participants with vehicles pay a contribution towards expenses for their rally numbers, badges, etc.
Once again this year, e-cars can be test-driven according to the motto: "Honoring the old, not refusing the new - mobility yesterday, tomorrow and today".
Further information and details about the O-iO 2023 can be found on the event website.
