Results announced for 2010 Classic Car Show

By Bill Hankins
The Paris News

Published June 19, 2010

The 2010 Northeast Texas Classic Car Show Saturday, June 12, drew record spectator crowds for the show and funds from the show will help the Veterans Memorial to be built near Love Civic Center.

“The total that will go to the Veterans Memorial will be determined when all bills are paid,” Charles Christian, car show chairman said.

The Show drew almost 200 cars, had more than 65 arts and craft vendors and several swap meet vendors.

There were 33 classes of vehicles with a first and second place trophy for each class sponsored by Guaranty Bond Bank.

Mel Toye in his 1965 Thunderbird won the Mayor’s Choice Award. Best Car trophy went to Freddie Mahon with his T-bucket and wagon. Dale Collins won the Best Truck trophy in his ’86 Chevy truck.

Toyota of Paris was again the Corporate Sponsor of the show.

A big attraction this year was the Gainsco 99 race car sponsored by Glen Goode Insurance.

The rain that had been predicted did not materialize, and spectators came in large numbers.

“The unsettled weather in nearby states may have kept a few show cars in those areas in the garage, but numbers were very similar to last year’s show,” Christian said.

There were approximately two dozen motorcycles in attendance with some winning gift cards from Paris Honda-Harley Davidson.

Youngsters enjoyed themselves in the free bounce house and the kids train sponsored by La Quinta.

The Bird Dawgs, a Korean War era flying team, made a flyover led by Bubba Coston. It was a big hit for the crowds as they flew over the Civic Center twice.

One of the highlights of the 2010 show was the Cruise Night and the ’50s Party during the Show.

On Friday night more than 50 cars gathered for the cruise that led them through the city streets out to Reno and back to downtown Paris before returning to the Civic Center, where attendees enjoyed the evening listening to a DJ playing ’50s and ’60s music.

“Overall, the show was very successful and a donation will be made to the Veterans Memorial as soon as we have all our bills paid,” Christian said.