For the first weekend in April, there wasn't much to complain about weather-wise. The rain on Friday moved out of the area by late morning leaving a cool but dry remainder of the day. Saturday saw almost near perfect car show weather with partly cloudy
I have reports from three events that took place over the weekend -- two I attended and one that some good friends participated
The Vintage Auto Club of Delaware First Friday
The first event was The Vintage Auto Club of Delaware's First Friday cruise-in at Freddy's restaurant on Route 23 just south of Delaware, Ohio.
The club holds a monthly cruise-in at the restaurant location the first Friday of each month from April through October.
About 25 vehicles showed up for their first cruise-in of the season. A nice crowd of spectators was also on hand throughout the evening.
The club sold raffle tickets for door prizes and and 50/50 drawing. All proceeds go to support Hospice of Delaware. Our good friend, Tim Inscho, won the 50/50 raffle and generously donated his winnings back to the club.
It was great to finally get the cars and trucks back on the road and reacquaint with good friends after what seemed like the longest winter in history.
Rod Knockers April Car Show
Saturday afternoon I made the trek up 23 to the Rod Knockers April show at the Rural King in Marion, Ohio.
Turns out a few other folks that live in the Columbus area also drove up to Marion for the show. Just goes to show what nice weather and a pent up desire for a car show will do.
The weather has been so bad the last few years during the first part of April that the club seriously considered the idea of eliminating the April show and instead start their monthly shows in May. Thank goodness that didn't happen as myself and the other 95 owners that registered a vehicle on Saturday evening would have been very disappointed.
This months theme was Buddy Holley and Yesterday's Legends.
The Rod Knockers gave out 25 "Favorite" awards, a DJ's Choice award, a Favorite Motorcycle award, several club awards, and an overall club favorite or "Best of Show".
Here's a sampling of the 25 "Favorite" winners:
1969 Corvette
Owner: Quentin Sayer
2017 "Roush" Mustang
Owner: Justin Bowers
1972 Dodge Charger
Owner: Frank Sanborn
1965 Chevy Impala
Owner: Pam Shankle
1934 Ford pick up
Owner: Steve Atwell
1969 Camaro (numbers matching)
Owner: Janice Claypool
1967 Pontiac LeMans
Owner: Barry Ferrin
1964 Mercury Monterey Marauder
Owners: Jim & Betty Rhoden
1952 Henry J
Owners: Ron & Diane Risen
1957 Volkswagen Bug
Owner: Scott Roberts
1950 Chevy Flatbed Truck
Owner: Ben LaWarre
1964 Rambler
Owner: Bill Huntsman
DJ's Choice
1964 Rambler Wagon
Owner: Jason Burton
Favorite Motorcycle
1968 Trike
Owner: Chuck Lovelace
Overall Club Favorite
1950 Ford F1 Pickup
Owner: Jeff Shankle
Once again the Rod Knockers showed why their monthly shows are some of the best in Central Ohio. Great cars and great weather made for a fantastic "kick-off" to their 2019 car show season.
Cruise-In at the Heart of Ohio
Sunday, three of my friends, Jeff, and Pam Shankle, and Frank Sanborn, drove over to the Heart of Ohio Antique Center just outside Springfield,
This a monthly cruise-in that takes place, weather permitting, the first Sunday of each month from April through September at the Heart of Ohio Antique Center.
Dick "Hot Dog" Ryman spins the tunes and MCs the event each month.
Starting with the May cruise-in, each participant will receive a wooden nickel with a number engraved on it. At the last cruise-in in September, the numbers will be drawn and the holders of the winning nickels can redeem them for prizes.
Despite the threat of rain, 41 cars turned out for Sunday's cruise-in.
Here are some of the vehicles that participated in the event:
If this first weekend is any indication, the 2019 car show season should be a good one...