Once again the streets of Vicksburg will become a trip down memory lane as we welcome thousands of visitors and more than 1,000 old cars to our village June 12-13.
It is not just about the cars but also the stories people tell about the memories they have and the important place cars have had in their lives. It might be their first car, their family’s first new car, the car they took on their honeymoon, the first car they remember, or even stories about being in the car at a drive-in. Cars are a part of the American Dream and opened up travel to the masses. Who can remember the excitement of going to the car dealers to see the new models?
The Vicksburg Community Association has hosted the festival from its very first year. It came about when people such as Sue Moore, Mike Wunderlin, Dick Masse, and others came together to help the Village of Vicksburg, which was struggling. The goal was to host an event that would bring people to discover the community. Volunteerism was 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 include the Cruise, which is a low-key event to get people together to put their hoods up and talk cars and share stories. Hundreds of cars are expected Friday as a warm-up for the festival on Saturday.
Attendees will be able to select the Crowd Favorite Award. Ballots and a large voting barrel will be found in the registration tent.
Darryl Salisbury is bringing a 1970 American Motors AMX, a rare two-seater he purchased new. It is in original condition and fresh off a museum exhibition. People often forget that American Motors had a muscle car. Salisbury has a collection of one-of-a-kind American Motor promotional cars as ell as other examples of notable cars the company made. The community thanks him for again sharing one of his cars in the festival.
Larry Gardon is back with a real piece of Americana, his 1954 Divco Milk Truck. These iconic all-purpose trucks were manufactured by Divco (Detroit Industrial Vehicles Company) from 1926-1986. Originally patented as an electric vehicle, they pivoted to gasoline engines in 1926. They could be driven from a sitting or standing position and were used all around the country delivering milks and dairy products. This is a rare vehicle since they were often exhausted after miles of delivery service.
Another special display car is a 1964 Corvette Stingray Roadster with just 40,000 miles on it, owned by Kerry Caswell. As a point of special interest, his father, Ken Caswell, won Best of Show with his 1940 Bantam at the very first car festival.
Vicksburg’s own Dutch Boys Hot Rods will also have a display of some recent projects. Dutch Boys is an award-winning car builder, known nationally. They will present their award at noon at the corner of Main and Prairie.
The festival is meant to be a very special day of fun; it’s about celebrating life in a small town and the beauty of that.
The outside activities will be much the same as in years past. Buildings and the museum in the Vicksburg Historic Village will be open with special displays. There attendees will find the antique tractor, gas and engine show. The gas and steam engine club will host their depression-era bean pot.
Downtown, be sure to visit the NABA Beer Advertising and Collectible Swap Meet in the big tent sponsored by the Mill at Vicksburg.
The Rotary Club of Vicksburg will again be selling its 50/50 raffle tickets with proceeds going to support many community projects. And don’t forget the Clark Park Arts and Crafts Show, the Library Book Sale, and the pancake breakfast at the fire station.
Please note the many sponsors displayed on banners around town. Their support is appreciated and vital to making the event happen.
If you would like to volunteer to help direct cars for a few hours on Saturday morning or help with set-up, please call Skip at 269-720-4144.
