The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
Former La Harpe Mayor Kenny Brown was just thrilled, Saturday, as he watched all the cars coming into his small hometown to say "Thanks" on August 1st, a day he felt was going to leave him with another pain in his heart - but this time not of the physical kind.
For Brown, one of four La Harpe car show organizers, the event has always been a year around event of preparation for one very exciting day, the first Saturday in August, with family and friends.
In 1998, Ken and Jerry Burford's first show was to begin, ironically, at the La Harpe City Park to celebrate the Camaro, the ZL1, and the Fred Gibb legacy, but when word got out, so many wanted to attend, they had to move it to the football field and golf course to accommodate everyone, and that is where it has remained drawing 200 to 400 or more.
Fred Gibb was La Harpe's Chevrolet dealer from 1948 until 1984 and in Super Car/Racing circles he is best remembered as the father of the 1969 ZL-1 Camaro.
The show grew into some unbelievable events for a small town like La Harpe with unveilings revealed of high performance, high dollar Super Camaros at the former Fred Gibb dealership. The burnouts of these cars could set them on their back wheels! They were not made for the inexperienced driver.
The show has been ran so well that race drivers of Fred Gibb cars have come to attend and talk about the days of their racing in Nationals in California for Gibb.
Popular car magazines have covered stories of the famous Gibb Chevrolets'. Super Chevy Magazine editor in his April 14, 2005 edition said: "Editor's note: If you've got an original COPO Nova--or any COPO car or Chevy super car--the place to bring it is the annual Fred Gibb Memorial Car Show in La Harpe, Ill."
All the classics of yesterday up to the newest of today have come to La Harpe, and a slew of sponsored trophies and plaques are awarded.
Car guys and gals all over the country attend and have become good friends over the past 21 years that Ken, Jerry Burford, Darrell Kraft, and Bob Lionberger have conducted the show.
After the Corona Virus and Park District insurance issues forced organizers of the event to cancel the 2020 LA HARPE CLASSIC CAR SHOW REUNION, two car club guys got their heads together to see what they could do.
Bryan Brown of Burlington, IA and Chad Schneider of Ft. Madison, IA had attended the event since its beginning and just couldn't phantom not having this great event.
"Due to us attending this show since we were both youngins, we want to still keep it going with this appreciation cruise. It's been a top 3 favorite show of ours forever and to not be able to have it is heartbreaking," Chad posted on Facebook.
He and Bryan had asked for everyone who cared about the car show to join them to bring the cars back to this little town and bring donations for the Honor Flight".
Organizers were overwhelmed by the gesture and turnout, saying they also have gained $1,000 to send to the Honor Flight thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated in the buckets Saturday in front of the Veterans Memorial.
Many others from the community lined the street for the Appreciation Cruise which began shortly after 11:15 am. Not all stayed, but many parked their cars backwards around the City Park while families and individuals strolled the street to see the classics and visit at a distance with friends.
"I'm happy so many joined in the APPRECIATION CRUISE and gave to the Honor Flight, something I feel strongly about to honor all veterans. This would have been our 21st car show," Ken said.
"But," he said, "preparation for the 2021 August car show starts in January, so we hope to be back on schedule for next year's show."
Saturday's "Appreciation Cruise into La Harpe" Honored Organizers of the Annual La Harpe Classic Car Show and Reunion. La Harpe organizers being honored are standing beside their show cars. From left are: Ken Brown, Bob Lionberger, Darrell Kraft and Jerry Burford.