By Skip Knowles
When the Old Car Festival debuted 40 years ago, it was met with rain and thunder by Mother Nature, but 76 brave souls showed up in the rain and enjoyed the day. Since then, the Festival has grown to host as many as 1,300 cars. Since that first rainy day, we have only had one rain that caused us to close the show early with the threat of lightning and hail.
The Vicksburg Community Association has hosted the Festival since that very first year. It came about when people such as Knowles, Sue Moore, Mike Wunderlin, Dick Masse and others came together to help the village which was struggling, hosting an event to bring people to discover us. Community activities and volunteerism was down and the town needed a reason to give it a little spit and polish.
Historic-vintage vehicles like the Model T, hot rods and special-interest cars will one once again find their way to Vicksburg on Friday night and Saturday, June 11 and 12. The message from the Knowles family and their merry band of volunteers remains the same. The Old Car Festival is meant to be a very special day of fun in the Village. From its inception, there has been one main goal and that is to have a show where people interested in cars can gather their hobby and interest. For a long time, Chevy had this great slogan: Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. That’s really what the Festival is all about – life in a small town! You might see a brass-era car built in 1910 all the way up to 2021 C-8 mid-engines Corvette.
The outside activities will be much the same as in years past. However, because of COVID and indoor requirements, we will not be having the Library book sale or the pancake breakfast at the Fire Station. We expect both to be back next year. The Historic Village will not be open this year because of COVID protocols but will be back next year for the Tin Can Tourists and Gas and Steam Engine Show.
Come join us for a fun day and a return to seeing friends in the Village!
Friday Night June 11
6-10 p.m.: The Cruise In as in years past
Saturday June 12
8am: Car Registration on Main Street
9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Vicksburg Old Car Festival, Downtown Vicksburg with Live Entertainment
9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Clark Park Arts and Craft Show, Prairie Street
9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Flea Market Swap Meet
1 p.m.: Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation Annual Duck Derby