Spring Heat: Car show raises funds for fire department

Published 7:23 pm Saturday, May 16, 2015

Kevin Scott Cutler | Daily News CLASSIC: A 1946 Ford Super Deluxe owned by Earl Melton of Cove City gleams like a shiny black beetle under the midday sun.

Kevin Scott Cutler | Daily News
CLASSIC: A 1946 Ford Super Deluxe owned by Earl Melton of Cove City gleams like a shiny black beetle under the midday sun.

CHOCOWINITY — Classic rides and hot rods from the 1920s to 2015 models were showcased Saturday during the Chocowinity Fire Department’s annual Spring Heat car, truck and motorcycle show.

Show chairman Charlie Elks said the event, held at Chocowinity Middle School, served as a fundraiser for the fire department. Entry fees will be used to keep equipment updated, he added.

The show offered festive family fun with deejays Billy Layton and Jackie Haislip spinning tunes throughout the day. A play area was set up for children, and vendors sold everything from hot dogs, strawberries and homemade ice cream to caps, tee shirts and books. The fire department hosted a barbecue chicken luncheon, and the folks from Trinity Episcopal Church made sure everyone stayed hydrated, doling out free bottles of water to anyone who looked the least bit thirsty. Free health screenings were offered by Chocowinity EMS personnel.

Kevin Scott Cutler | Daily News COOL RIDE: A red 1965 Ford Falcon convertible owned by Larry Lang of Washington is the perfect summertime vehicle.

Kevin Scott Cutler | Daily News
COOL RIDE: A red 1965 Ford Falcon convertible owned by Larry Lang of Washington is the perfect summertime vehicle.

Dozens of sponsors supported this year’s show, providing cash donations as well as door prizes, according to Elks.

READY FOR JUDGES:  Dylan Justice of Greenville polishes the chrome on his 2004 Chevy Tahoe in preparation for the show's judging.

READY FOR JUDGES: Dylan Justice of Greenville polishes the chrome on his 2004 Chevy Tahoe in preparation for the show’s judging.

“We want to thank everybody who showed up and all our sponsors,” he said. “I’m very satisfied with the number of entries.”

Fire department members judged the event and trophies were awarded in a number of categories, including best in show, best paint, best interior, best engine and top 50. Complete show results will be posted on the Chocowinity Fire Department car show Facebook page.

SPORTY: A powder blue 1964 Ford Thunderbird owned by Oran Benson of Pantego features classic lines favored by automobile enthusiasts.

SPORTY: A powder blue 1964 Ford Thunderbird owned by Oran Benson of Pantego features classic lines favored by automobile enthusiasts.