Published: October 03, 2009 09:28 pm      

Car show draws enthusiasts

From flame-painted classic hot rods to modern-day sports cars, automobile enthusiasts made their respective treks to Huntsville to show off their rides at the Huntsville Cruisers’ 14th annual Fair on the Square Car Show on Saturday.

About 65 cars were entered in the show, giving visitors plenty of cars, trucks and motorcycles to look over when casting their votes for the “People’s Choice Award.”

“Over 400 people voted for their favorite cars,” show organizer and Huntsville Cruiser president Shellie Geer said, “and we awarded trophies to the top 20 favorites.”

For visitors, the car show is a chance to reminisce about childhood family cars — with phrases like “my aunt drove a car just like that one,” and “that was the car I drove as a teen,” overheard among show spectators.

“I think coming to a car show brings back memories for many people,” Geer said. “And the fact that they get to vote for their favorite one — the one that brings back all those memories — is fun for them.”

The top five “People’s Choice” vote-getters included: Glen Holland of Bedias for his 1957 Chevy pickup; John Hicks of Franklin for his 1959 Corvette; Stacy Dowdy of Crockett for his 1966 Chevy Impala; Dr. Tom Crews of Huntsville for his 1971 Chevelle; and Tony Elliot of Cypress for his 1971 Torino GT.

The coveted “Best in Show” award contest was judged by Huntsville Fire Chief Tom Grisham, Wayne Cummins of WC Auto and Johnny Holland, a forefather of the Cruisers’ show.

Those awards were presented in the truck, car and motorcycle categories.

Winning the “Best in Show-Truck” honor as well as a “Judge’s Choice” award was Anderson resident and first-time Huntsville car show entrant B.B. Mitchell for his blue 1956 Ford Truck.

Mitchell’s truck was also the top vote-getter among voters at the show.

“It feels pretty good,” Mitchell said about the win. “The truck has been a project of mine for eight years. It has a modified engine, rounded doors and new tires and rims.”

“I have loved cars since I was a kid,” he said. “And over the years I have really enjoyed working on them.”

This award is not the first for Mitchell, he said.

He has received “Best in Show” and “First in Class” awards at others shows, such as one in Bryan where he won first place in the Truck Class.

“My friend talked me into coming over here, but couldn’t make it himself,” he said. “I have really enjoyed this show.”

Other “Best in Show” winners were Jimmy Bradford of North Zulch for his 1958 Chevy Impala; and Kevin Graulty for his 1966 BMW 600CC motorcycle with side car.

While an afternoon thunderstorm cut the car show short — awards were presented one hour early, just prior to the storm’s arrival — Geer still reported a good crowd and good participation in this year’s event.

“We had fewer entries than expected,” Geer said. “I think the possibility of rain kept some people away.

“But it all seemed to go wonderfully in spite of that,” she said. “We had a beautiful morning with lots of people coming out, and we will be back next year.”

Proceeds from the car show go toward a $1,000 scholarship the club awards to a Huntsville High School graduate each year.

“Between entry fees and T-shirt sales, I believe we met our goal this year,” Geer said. “That is what it’s all about.”

For more information about the Huntsville Cruisers, call (936) 295-7052 or visit www.huntsvillecruisers.com.

Photos of all the car show entries will be posted on the Web site in the next few days.