Classic Car Show brings surprising crowd to Center

By Bill Hankins
The Paris News
Published June 14, 2009

Hundreds of spectators pored over almost 300 antique and vintage cars Saturday at Love Civic Center in a show of support and interest that even surprised the show's organizers.

The show was sponsored by the Red River Valley Honkers antique car club, and show president Charles Christian said he is amazed and thrilled at the show's success.

He also predicted next year's show will even be larger.

"This thing is going to grow," he said. "One thing was proven here today - Paris and Lamar County will support a car show."

In addition to the almost 300 antique cars, spectators got their chance to view motorcycles, ATVs and a wide array of old military vehicles.

Jeeps and weaponry from World War II were on display, and Korean and Vietnam conflict Cessna L-19 Bird Dogs arranged a fly-over of the car show.

The Bird Dogs were instrumental in war activities, risking the lives of the pilots flying in over enemy positions to mark those positions for planes carrying big bombs.

Saturday, they made a smoke-filled display in the sky over head.

Judges began studying rows and rows of antique cars shortly after noon Saturday to pick winners that were announced at 4 p.m.

Dozens of trophies were handed out.

Some of the vehicles had traveled to Paris from as far away as Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Dozens of trucks also were in the mix of antique vehicles.

The show had much more, however, with Love Civic Center filled inside and out by scores of vendors offering everything from food items to car accessories.

Dozens of arts and crafts booths also showed their wares. Music filled the air as antique car buffs sat beside their vehicles willing to tell their stories of the rebuilding and upkeep.

Spectators found the Civic Center parking area covered up most of the day and began parking alongside the nearby street all the way back to Paris Junior College.

Parking lots at a nearby park also were packed.

A kids area was busy with youngsters enjoying the children's activities.

"This is a family event big time, because there are families and people of all ages out there," Christian said.

Items were donated by local businesses as prizes during the show.

"We probably have raised more than $5,000 for the proposed Red River Valley Veterans Memorial to be built near Love Civic Center," Christian said.

A silent auction of donated items also helped raise money for the memorial.

Christian said it probably will be Monday before all is totaled up to see exactly how much money will go to the veterans memorial.

click here to see more of the member's cars     http://www.flickr.com/photos/old_car_photos

The Red River Valley Honkers are very pleased to have Toyota of Paris again as the overall corporate sponsor for the Northeast Texas Classic Car Show. The Car Show will be held on June 12, 2010 at Love Civic Center at 2025 South Collegiate Street in Paris.  Another major sponsor is Guaranty Bond Bank in Paris who will again be sponsoring the trophies.  The Honda/Harley-Davidson  Shop in Paris wil be sponsoring the trophies for the motorcycles. There are many other banks and businesses that will be helping to make this show a success. We will be adding those names soon. Our sponsors are the ones who make it possible to have this show with no charge to spectators. Please say thanks to these sponsors when you see them.
There are many gifts that have been donated that will be in a silent auction with the benefits all going to the Veteran's Memorial that will be built soon. This car show is expected to be very large and will include an Arts and Crafts Show that will be held simultaneously inside the Civic Center which should help provide an exciting weekend for participants and spectators alike.

 This Car Show will benefit the Red River Valley Veteran’s Memorial soon to be built just south of the Love Civic Center in Paris. The architect’s drawing of the entrance is shown below. Please click here www.rrvvm.com  for more information on the Veteran's Memorial. Watch for updates.

The Red River Valley Honkers Car Club is pleased to have an opportunity to benefit the Veteran’s Memorial and remember those who have sacrificed and many gave their all that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. 

Linda and Susan accompany Elvis ( Donnie ) at the Honkers annual Christmas Party