Motor Sports Festival is a Wrap
List of Winners & Motor Sports Photos
Chamber Car Show Dazzling
Motor Sports Festival for 2006
97 Vehicles Registered
This was the 5 th year for the Decatur Chamber sponsored Motor Sports Festival and was again held in downtown Decatur. It was a beautiful late afternoon and evening for people to wander the streets of the historic downtown business district and enjoy the many classic and antique vehicles on display. For a while, there were 120 vehicles to enjoy. The largest Chamber sponsored car show event to date.
This year's show was moved from a Saturday day show to a Friday evening event and the transition was well accepted by both the car owners and the public.
Local car owners brought 48 classic and antique vehicles to the show. In addition, 23 other communities were represented including 5 from the State of Ohio. The longest drive for this year's Chamber show was an entry from Syracuse, Indiana.
Later in the evening, a Portland based 'car club' of approximately 25 members who had earlier planned a drive to Decatur for a cruise-in evening meal, brought their vehicles into the downtown show area. They did not intend to be judged. A spokesperson of the club said, "We wanted to make a brief visit and say hello to some friends." That visit was greatly appreciated.
Chamber Motor Sports Committee member Ed Gensheimer (Gensheimer Equipment Sales) said: "It was simply a wonderful evening. We were grateful to the many show car participants who joined us this year. Those folks spend a lot of time in preparation of their vehicles - the people who came to the festival showed their appreciation and admiration." He added, "That was a great crowd and I heard a lot of good comments."
Chamber Board member Jim Compton (Supt. North Adams Schools) while attending the event said, "This is a good show - it truly represents hometown. The people are really enjoying themselves - there's a lot for families to do."
The Chamber committee is grateful to the local food vendors who helped make the event an attraction. 'Those Neighbors' extension organization offered brats. The Kiwanis Club served pulled pork sandwiches and the Adams County Red Cross offered BBQ chicken and ribs. Girl Scout troop # 854 topped it all off with a baked goods sale. They were all kept busy serving the show car participants and the crowd of people visiting the event. The committee had decided earlier that this festival would be a good opportunity for local organizations to serve foods and bring awareness to their organization.
Entertainment
Notwithstanding the beautiful cars on display, one of the greatest attractions was the appearance of a Decatur car made in this community in 1911.
Don Welch of Monroe owns the car (see photo inside). Many families stopped for a photo opportunity with Mr. Welch and his vehicle. Folks were allowed to sit in the seat and Laurel & Hardy type hats were provided for the photos.
While the Decatur car does operate, Steve Barker of Barker & Sons provided the service to deliver the car for Welch. In fact, he surprised the show committee with his own attraction by driving in a "Beverly Hillbillies" type of vehicle complete with all the trappings and "gizmos" attached thereto.
We also want to thank Ed Higgins of Bluffton for bringing his Sheriff Andy Taylor "Mayberry" police squad car to Decatur. It was another popular photo opportunity for which many took advantage.
Members of the Mary Kay organization provided 'face-painting' to the delight of many children in attendance.
Staff from Ryan Productions, owner Travis Alexander, once again offered not only their expertise and talents but also lots of equipment to provide entertainment and announcement capabilities for the show.
Barry Humble, Director of the Substance Abuse Awareness Council of Adams County, brought an appropriate opportunity especially for the teens and young adults. Through his efforts, Officer Rodger Popplewell of the Indiana State Police and Decatur Police Chief Ken Ketzler set-up a 'pylon' driving course in the street. People were then allowed to drive through the course with 'goggles' that simulated alcohol impaired driving. The experience was indeed sobering, educational and interesting. Many took the opportunity.
Larry Macklin, Chamber Director said of the local media, "We are so fortunate to have the community support that is given by our media for local activities. Because of their professional work and support before, during and after - events like this are successful. Our grateful appreciation goes out to both WZBD and WADM radio stations and the Decatur Daily Democrat for the outstanding Motor Sports Festival coverage."
He added, "Members of the city departments were very supportive - especially the Police, Street and Parks Departments. We really appreciate not only the work they did to help us prepare for the festival but also their enthusiasm to make this possible."
Members of the Chamber's Motor Sports Committee for 2005 were: Jan Harshman, Chairperson; Ed Gensheimer (Gensheimer Equipment Sales); Travis Alexander (Ryan Technologies); Matt Dyer (Eichhorn Jewelry); Carl Stevens (Ameriprise Financial) and Neil Keller.
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