Charleston Cruisers Car Show part of city’s first Springfest

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Hundreds from the Charleston and the surrounding area came out to support the annual Charleston Cruisers Car and Bike Show in conjunction with the first ever Charleston Springfest on Saturday (April 30) despite the cool windy temperatures and sparse sprinkles throughout the day.

New this year was that trophies for first and second place were awarded in 21 classes. Registration was from 8 to 10 a.m. and only cost $20 per vehicle with judging beginning at 11a.m. Goodie bags were given to the first 50 entries with 52 cars being entered. Proceeds will help to benefit the 2011 Project Graduation for Charleston Public Schools.

The event kicked off with a 5K Fun Run/Walk followed by the bike and car show. Arts and crafts were set up in the Charleston Community Service building. T-shirts were for sale and attendees could bid on their favorite pie during the pie auction.

Activities for the children included face painting by the senior high cheerleaders and enjoying a bounce around operated by the Kiwanis Club. The local cub scouts had a dart throw with prizes awarded for popping balloons.

Jack Wallace entered a 1948 Chevy Fleet Master Coupe at the show. When he met his wife 50 years ago, he drove a car just like the one he now owns, but the color was black and white then. He decided he wanted to have another car just like that.

Wallace found the car in a salvage yard in Bella Vista. It took him three years to restore the car with help from two of his friends. The time they spent together restoring the car was priceless. The car won 2nd place in the street rods category.

Wallace and his wife will celebrate their 50th anniversary May 21. He doesn’t know where they will go, but wherever it is, they will be driving the car.

The Charleston Cruiser’s will donate $500 to the 2011 Project Graduation. Last year’s donation was made to the Gregory Kistler Center. Hug Chevrolet helped sponsor this year’s show.

WINNERS
Pre 1949 Car: 1st place Jim Birch/2nd place Michael Murray
1949-1979 Original Car: 1st place Jim Gattis/2nd place Gus Adams
1949-1979 Modified Car: 1st place Sam Schbrorh/2nd place Ray Neeham
Pre 1953 Truck: 1st Bob Moore/2nd place Ronny Burns
1953-1966 Original Truck: 1st place Jimmy Oberste/2nd place Larry Oakley
1967-1979 Original Truck: 1st place Helen Mantooth
1980-Present Original Truck: 1st James Hobbs
1980-Present Modified Truck: 1st Joe Geheb and 2nd Jensen Wibbing
1964-1973 Mustangs: 1st Ron Fletcher and 2nd Gus Adams
Camaro-Firebird All Years: 1st place Darrell Keith and 2nd Chris Bailey
Corvette All Years:1st place Jerry Barnes and 2nd place Shirley Harbour
Modern Muscle 2001-Present: 1st place Don Frame
Sport Compact/Sport Truck: 1st place Jason Anhalt
Street Rods: 1st place Sandy Fletcher and 2nd place Jack Wallace
Special Interest: 1st place Steve Smithson and 2nd place Dale Rice
Motorcycles: 1st place Josh Hudson and 2nd place Mike Smith
Mayor’s Choice: Max Harrison
Best Paint: Bob Moore
Best Interior: Gus Adams
Best Engine (Visual): Sam Schbrorh
Best In Show: Jimmy Oberste