The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
Organizers for the 8th Annual Fred Gibb Memorial Car Show have been busy collecting 46 sponsors for the 181 trophies that will be awarded during the 8th annual open show in La Harpe August 5th.
The event will be at the La Harpe Park District along Illinois Highway 9 with registration between 8:00-11:00 A.M.. There are 43 classes with a minimum of 3 awards per class plus awards for BEST GM, BEST FORD, BEST MOPAR, BEST OF SHOW, AND LONGEST DISTANCE.
According to La Harpe Mayor and car enthusiast Ken Brown, one of the original organizers, it should be another exciting year.
"On Friday night, August 4th, we will be back in Monmouth for the big Maple City cruise there.
"Then we will begin early on Saturday, August 5th here in La Harpe for the Fred Gibb Memorial Show.
"We will finish off the evening with everyone going to Macomb Saturday evening for a cruise. The Macomb Park & Cruise will be on the Macomb square from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be a grand weekend."
Brown said that so far they have cars registered from 11 different states including Arizona, Georgia, and Florida.
"We expect 500 cars, hoping the gas prices don't hurt," Brown said.
"One of our special guest will be coming from Oklahoma, Jim Hayter."
Hayter was the driver for Fred Gibb when all the records were set with Gibb's 1969 ZL-1 Camaro.
"We invite everyone to come and spend the day with us, and meet Hayter, take pictures, visit with owners of the classics and the super 2001 Camaros."
Special attractions include Original Fred Gibb Super Cars, ZL1 Camaros, COPO Camaros Novas, Dick Harrell Nova, Yenko Camaros and Novas, plus there will be national magazine coverage and news coverage from Channel 7 KHQA TV, WCAZ Radio 990 AM and our local Quill newspaper, La Harpe. There are car show collector items.
"It's always a busy and fun time," Brown said. "There will be games for the kids and music and food for the families."
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the grounds.
Group judging is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with trophies to be awarded at 3:30 p.m.
Shirts, mugs, and dash plaques will be available for order at Time & Chime and 1st. State Bank.
Also, the Golden Rule Club will be selling collector show mugs.
"We will have a total of 5 tents this year, with the original #1 Gibb ZL-1 owned by Bill Porterfield here, along all the other super cars."
Dave Hobby will help Leon Buenter do the DJ duties along with Melissa Burt and Rev. Bruce Goettsche assisting with ceremonies.
Mayor Brown is scheduled to have a stent put in today (Wednesday), due to recent heart problems, but plans on being at the show.
Bob Lionberger, Nancy Gibb, Darrell Kraft, & Jerry Burford are heading up a portion of the show
Dash plaques, goodie bags, and shirts are given to all who enter.
Those wanting information or wanting to enter a car may pre-register by calling Jerry Burford 217-659-7716, or Bob Lionberger 217-659-3957.
There is no charge to get into this free family event.