By Skip Knowles
Once again, the streets of Vicksburg will become a trip down memory lane as the village welcomes thousands of visitors and more than 1,000 old cars.
It is always interesting to hear the stories people tell about memories they have of cars in their lives. Many times, they see a car like they took on their honeymoon, or the first car they remember as a kid and perhaps their first car. Cars are a part of the American dream and opened travel to the masses.
The Vicksburg Community Association has hosted the festival from the very first year. It came about when people such as Sue Moore, Mike Wunderlin, Dick Masse, Knowles, and others came together to help the Village which was struggling. The goal was to host an event that would bring people to discover us. Community activities and volunteerism were down, and the town needed a reason to give it a little spit and polish.
Historic vintage vehicles like the Model T, brass era cars, hot rods and special-interest cars will once again find their way to Vicksburg. Friday night will host the cruise in a low-key event to just bring car guys together to put their hoods up and talk cars and share stories. Hundreds of cars are expected to show up Friday as a warmup for the car festival on Saturday.
We are pleased to announce that Larry Garden, a frequent visitor to the car festival, will be bringing a special guest car. It is a 1929 Pierce Arrow, Club Brougham Sedan. It was shown at the Amelia Island Concourse this past March where it won Class Award in the American Classic category. Dutchboys Hot Rods will also have a display of some of their recent projects along with displays from our sponsors.
Our message to the community is that the Old Car Festival is meant to be a very special day of fun in the Village. From the very first year the message has always been to have a place where people interested in cars can gather and celebrate their hobby and share it with our community. The festival is about life in a small town and the beauty of that.
The outside activities will be much the same as in years past. We welcome back the antique campers to the Historic Village as well as the antique gas and engine show and many special displays at the Historic Village buildings. Downtown you can visit “Northern Lights,” a special display of Breweriana along with the return of the NABA Beer Advertising and Collectible swap meet in the big tent adjoining the entertainment tent.
The Mill at Vicksburg is once again sponsoring our live entertainment tent with the Vicksburg High School Jazz Band performing from 10 a.m. to noon and then the return of “Guitar Up” playing old hits from 1-3 p.m. Come visit the Clark Park Arts and Craft Show, the Library Book Sale and don’t forget the Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station.
If you would like to help direct cars, please call Skip at 269-720-4144.