The Rotary Fall Fest Car Show
Author: Gerry Rodacker
When the mid-fifties arrived, at 14 years of age, I was able to obtain my driver’s license and drive I did. Even though I’d been driving all our farm vehicles long before that, from farm equipment to the big truck, the license made it legal. I then nominated myself to be Mom’s chauffeur, taking her in Dad’s Buick anywhere she needed to go. Her wish was my command.
As a growing boy, I hung around the car garages. I tried to keep out of the way but helped when I could. I visited with and learned much from the mechanics and auto body men. I hold them in high esteem for the wealth of knowledge I received about cars in general. I remember when the ’55 Chevy came out. I said, “One day, I will have one of those”, and I did. My senior year is memorable.
A few years back, Rotary featured “50s cars” as the theme for our annual car show. Most all those cars were my favorites. However, each year we try to spread it around to include all years, makes, and models so owners and builders are appreciated for their talent for all to see.
This year the Rotary car show theme is called “Five Star Generals”, emphasizing the five divisions once held by General Motors which include: Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. Who can forget the tri-five Chevys and Corvettes, those wide-bodied Buicks loaded with chrome, the Olds J-2 power, and the beautiful Pontiac Bonneville. Of course, Cadillacs stood alone, oozing in luxury.
This year’s car show is Sunday, October 2. Registration is from 7:00-11:00 a.m. on North Pine Street. Starting at 7:00 a.m., parking is designated on Broadway. From 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., music is played by a DJ on Broadway. At 4:00 p.m., awards are presented.
Each year the car show has been growing. It has been said that our car show is very popular in the state and this year should be no exception.
Townsend has the last car show of the season. Women who come with their husbands love the Fall Fest Car Show. They don’t have to stay on Broadway and talk “iron” all day. They can walk a couple of blocks to Heritage Park and check out over 100 vendors selling their wares and enjoy the many bands performing for free all day.
We hope to see you this year at the Townsend Rotary Fall Fest Car Show. To register online or to learn more about Fall Fest see: https://www.givsum.com/charities/ rotary-club-of-townsend-mt-fall-fest
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PhotoCredit: Townsend Rotary
Image 1 Caption: Fall Fest Car Show on Broadway. Credit: Townsend Rotary.
