The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Evan Bell, for The Quill
“Stronghurst’s fourth annual Fall Festival Car Show took place on Saturday, September 17th.
Broadway was lined with classic cars and trucks, custom and original. Overall, there were sixty four registered vehicles and six more who chose not to register in the show which featured vehicles ranging from a 1923 Model T Roadster (elected the kids top choice) to a 2019 convertible Corvette.
Twenty five total plaques, sponsored by local businesses and organizations, were handed out, with Chris and Kathy Gomes’s 1971 Chevelle Stroker claiming the rights to be featured on next years shirts and plaques.
Though there was not a car, truck or Cushman mini bike that did not deserve attention.
Notable in attendance were a 71 Avanti II, a bagged and stroked S10, a custom hearse with matching coffin trailer, a Fred Gibb and Harrell 68 Chevy Nova II Super Sport, “Yogi”, a custom VW with a GM Drivetrain, a Monte Carlo with a matching mural under the hood, too many big blocks to count, a few supercharged rides, one or two with custom bucket seats and two or three with original bench seats.
A block south, saw eighteen tractors competing for “Best of Show”. In an equally tough competition, Mike Cole’s 1934 Allis Chalmers WC took home the hardware. A tractor his grandpa originally sold new, he jumped when he had the chance to buy “the one sitting on steel”.
At the park vendors and live music by The Blue Room filled the block. Hot dogs, lemonade shake-ups and cotton candy were enjoyed. Everything from local honey to fresh baked goods to used books and even a pop up Henderson County Museum was offered.
Even the weather cooperated long enough for everything to stay fairly close to schedule, which was appreciated by the impressive attendance.
Overall the 2022 Stronghurst fall festival, car and tractor show was a successful display of classic rides, good times and some interesting stories.
And as a kid every time I saw a sweet ride I felt compelled to scream this, so as is tradition, “AWESOME!”
If you missed the festivities this year make sure to mark September 16, 2023 on your calendars when the 5th Annual Stronghurst Fall Festival & Car Show comes to town.