10/09/2018
Saturday, October 6 was the 4th Annual Friends of Mankato City Parks Car Show. This year the weather was not as friendly as in the past with a cold low to mid 40's temperature with wind gusts up to 25 mph. Even with the cold temperatures the car show was a success with 34 entries. The day started at 9 a.m. with registration and Terry, Irene, Sarah and Jaylee Ortman serving hot coffee and cinnamon rolls with the help of our committee members Carol & Raymond Wakefield. At 11 a.m. we took time to show our gratitude with the playing of the National Anthem and acknowledging our freedoms thanks to the military, veterans and their families. We continued on with the BBQ lunch which included BBQ Hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad with coffee or a drink. During the lunch hour we enjoyed the musical talents of local Jewell County Resident Howlin' Steve Howell along with announcements and music through out the car show by Moonlight Workshop LLC. Braving the cold weather, Dick Huffman and family brought over Huffman Funnel Cakes and Snow Cones from Smith Center to serve fresh, hot, funnel cakes. As far as I know, they did not serve a single snow cone this year. The Ortman family set up the beer garden while wrapped in blankets, scarves and ear covers. A few activities going on until the awards ceremony included a 50/50 drawing, and the Fan Belt Toss. Through out the day door prizes were drawn for all the registered car owners such as $25 cash prizes, free meal tickets, Friends of Mankato City Parks Car Show shirts, hats, cell phone pouches donated by Prather Law Office, Ink Pins donated by Mankato Auto Parts. During registration all participants were given a goody bag which included items donated by Ortman Insurance Agency and other great items useful for their vehicles.
The award categories this year were tough, as we had some absolutely beautiful cars out braving the cold weather.
The Best of Show Award, made by Steven Walker, went to Wes & Jeannette Bencken from Rexford, KS with a 1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe, Red (pictured). The People's Choice Award, sponsored by Central National Bank, went to Jim & Kay Nitcher from Belleville, KS with a 1964 Chevy Malibu SS, Blue (pictured). Best Chevy Award went to Ray Mace, Smith Center, KS with a 1958 Chevy Impala Sport Coupe, Black. Best Ford went to Dave Conaway, Smith Center, Kansas with a 1929 Ford Model A, Yellow; the Best Mopar went to Dennis Hensen who brought a 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite, Yellow. The Best Paint award went to Mick & Dody Franklin from Salina, Kansas with a 1947 Hudson Club Coupe Prowler Orange and Myan Gold. Best Original Award went to Darlene Walker with a 1953 Chevy Belair, Blue from Mankato, Kansas. Best Wheels Award was given to Don Koester of Mankato, KS with a 1977 Chevrolete Corvette, Blue. The Best Engine Award was given to Dave Conaway of Smith Center Kansas with a 1958 Chevy Biscayne white and green. Best 4x4 Award went to Ron Morgan of Smith Center, Kansas with a 1972 Ford Custom 4x4 Green. Rat Rod Award, made by Dakota Walker, went to James Keck of Burr Oak, Kansas with a 1950 Mercury 4 door sedan (modified) Black. Best Interior Award went to Charles Cossaart of Narka, Kansas with a 1966 Chevy Impala SS, Blue.
We had some wonderful sponsors this year which were, Central National Bank, Chief Disposal, Mankato Express, Mankato Plumbing and Appliance, Mankato Professional Pharmacy, Midway Co-op, Moonlight Workshop LLC, Ortman Insurance Agency, Paul R. Wilson, CPA, LLC, Kier's Thriftway, State Exchange Bank, Tyler Chiropractic, Walker Automotive, Weltmer Wright LLC Law Office and Slate's Wasteco.
The Friends of Mankato City Parks committee is ready to gear up for next years Car Show tentatively scheduled for the first Saturday of October 2019. We hope to see you there!
