What a wild weekend in Fort Gibson, with the completion of the 15th Annual Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, now in the books.

On early Friday afternoon, we experienced a downpour and dramatic lightning, and we were starting to wonder if we had been jinxed this year. The phone started ringing off the hook, with questions as to whether or not the Burnout and Loud Pipe Contest was going on. The response was a faith-filled “yes, of course”. The storm passed, and the sky was a beautiful blue at the start of the event.

I think we had our largest crowd ever, as more than 40 vehicles gave it there best to burn up their tires and create as much crowd-pleasing smoke as possible. I’m sure it was to the delight of Danny Quinton, owner of Fort Gibson Tire & Wheel, ashe calculated the probable need for somenew tires. Quinton, along with the chamber, is the sponsor of the Friday night event.

After the smoke had cleared, the following winners emerged: Richard Lucas and his 1969 Ford F-100 pickup; Tim Webster and his 1977 Chevy pickup; and Leon Reynolds and his 1984 Chevy pickup. All received a nice trophy, a Fort Gibson Tire & Wheel cap, and $100. A special trophy also went to the Loud Pipe Contest winner.

After the events of Friday night, Lee Street was kept busy as car enthusiasts drove their special rides up and down the street, to the delight of many on-lookers along the way. I’m sure the eating establishments along the path were happy too. In all, it was a great start to the annual car show event.

As with Friday afternoon, the night-time hours of Friday/Saturday, were filled with rain, thunder, and lightning. But, once again, prayers were answered, and the sky was clear and beautiful throughout the entire day. Vehicles started arriving for the day-long show about 6:30 a.m., and continued until the “official” start of the event, at 11 a.m. By then the music was blaring, the streets were filled with super cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all description, and the vendors had the air filled with the smell of barbecue, kettle corn, jambalaya, burgers and hot dogs and other goodies. The event was kicked off by a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, sung by Shawn Evans, followed by an opening prayer, offered by Mark Young.

In all, we had 140 entries, which included some of the most beautiful rides anywhere. Trophies were handed out to the top 100 entries, and 5-foot “Best of Show” trophies were awarded to the best car, truck, and motorcycle, respectfully. Top honors went to Owen Odell of Van Buren, Ark., and his black 2008 Ford Mustang … Owen was also a top winner last year in a different Ford Mustang. In the truck division, top honors went to Derek Pfeifer of Fort Gibson and his Viper red 1957 Chevy pickup. Larry Wade walked away with top motorcycle honors, with his candy red 2004 Honda. In all, it was a great day for entrants and spectators alike.

Throughout the day, special door-prizes were handed out to the public, which made for a fun-filled time for everyone. Special thanks to Keith Hardware, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Edward Jones-Mark Young, Harp’s Food Stores and Farmers Insurance/Jenna Gonzales Agency, for the donation of the door prizes.

Following the presentation of the trophies, a special “Keith Hardware Kruise” was formed at Spencer’s Corner parking lot (Fajita Rita’s and Courtyard Bistro) on East Poplar. A total of 39 vehicles participated in the new “kruise” format and enjoyed a really neat ride up to the Fort Gibson Dam overlook/turn-around, and back thru the town, around the school, and back to the parking lot. It was a beautiful drive for all involved.

At the conclusion, we drew three tickets, and awarded $100 to each winner. We also passed out Kruise T-Shirts to all those who participated. Plans for an even bigger and better kruise, with more prizes and surprises, are already in the works for next year.

In all, it was a great and very successful two-day event. Special thanks has to go to the Car Show Committee, which is made up of Scott and Sandy Atkinson, David Morgan, Dustin Morgan, Jerry Harris, Bobby Harris, Bob Harris, Kathy Perkins and myself. Also, thanks to Stacy Parris and Cheryl Hill, for the help they gave Kathy at the registration tables, on Friday and Saturday.

You don’t realize the endless hours of preparation that goes into this annual event. We also could not make it happen without the help of the Town of Fort Gibson, the local police and fireman and many others that probably go unnamed. A special thank you to Donny Harris, Tim Espe, and Mayor Steven Hill for their help in solving some electrical “opportunities” that cropped up. If I’ve missed anyone, I apologize.

Now, we look forward to next year’s event, and the thoughts we already have from this year, to make our 16th annual Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show, even more grand.

Thank you everyone, for your support.