Car show big success despite threat of weather

Despite the threat of rain on Saturday, a large crowd of both participants and spectators turned out for the 11th annual Piggott Heritage Park Car Show and cruise this past weekend. The event, which was hastily moved from Heritage Park to the Clay County Fairgrounds due to wet conditions, drew well over 300 entries and a crowd numbering in the thousands.

The annual car show kicked off Friday with a breakfast at the fairgrounds kitchen served by the original Rod Run organizers and throughout the day there was registration for participants. Late that afternoon there also was a meal at the Emmanuel Baptist Church with the proceeds benefiting their Relay For Life team.

Saturday morning there were rain showers across the region, but the damp conditions didn't deter the car show entries or the crowd. As the morning progressed the weather conditions continued to improve, and there was a steady stream of late entries and spectators through the gates of the fairgrounds.

The day also included a variety of games, inflated "bouncy houses" for the kids and the famous barbecue bologna sandwiches cooked and served by members of the "Spoke-N-Word" chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association.

Saturday concluded with the annual cruise to the Piggott square, which ran a different route this year due to the change of venue. Several hundred of the entries took part in the cruise, with "Elvis" leading the procession, and many noted that this year's crowd was a good one. The cruise culminated on the courtsquare, where the cars were parked for the public's enjoyment, and the crowd was treated to 50's and 60's music from "Kenny and the Flashbacks."

Sunday morning a gospel singing was held at the community center, followed by the presentation of the various awards and prizes. This year's top honor and $500 check for "Best of Show" went to a 1937 Ford sedan owned by Ken Stricklin of Rolla, Mo. The "People's Choice" award, and a $250 check, went to a 1950 Ford two-door sedan belonging to Bobby and Jolene Miller of Oakville, Mo., and the "Ladies Choice" award and $250 check went to a 1929 Essex Sedan owned by Roger Cope of Jonesboro.

Other winners included: Piggott Mayor Gerald Morris' pick was a 1928 Studebaker Phaeton belonging to Jacin and Pelicia Hammet of Jonesboro; Chief of Police Bill Alstadt's favorite was a 1930 Chevy Coupe owned by Rodney and Joy Carter of Seymour, Mo.; Allen Earnhart of the Arkansas State Police picked a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro owned by Michelle Boone of Blytheville; Sheriff Gerald McClung's favorite was a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air belonging to Roger Watkins of Bono and State Rep. Mike Patterson's favorite was a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS owned by Dwayne and Kathy Barker of Piggott.

Best Engine honors went to a 1966 Chevy Nova belonging to Ernie Carr of Festus, Mo.; Best Paint was the 1929 Essex of Roger Cope's and Best Interior went to the Best of Show entry of Ken Stricklin's 1937 Ford.

Best Mopar was a 1953 Dodge Meadowbrook Suburban Wagon belonging to Chuck Williamson of McCrory; Best Chevy was a 1969 Chevy Rally Sport Camaro belonging to Jimmy and Phyllis Templet of St. Amant, La., and the Best Ford was a 1956 Ford Fairlane belonging to Larry Hoffman of St. Clair, Mo.

The Piggott Times would also like to offer special recognition to the Rat Rod entry of Gary and Teresa Johnson of St. Francis as we offer our "Dead Grass Award" for the car that generated the most spectator interest.

Organizers offered their thanks to the participants, spectators and the dozens of volunteers that made the event possible and a success. They also noted that videos of this year's car show and cruise are available for purchase at the Piggott Chamber of Commerce office in the depot, and those wanting more information may call 598-3167.