The Arc of Sedgwick County's first annual Independence Day Car Show was a
blazing red-hot success. Almost 1000 visitors saw more than 100 classic
cars and motorcycles at Century II's Exhibition Hall and raised more than
$6,000 for The Arc's Legacy of Hope program. Through a matching grant from
the Wichita Community Foundation and sponsorship from Wal-Mart, Metals USA,
Cardinal Buffing, Knipp's, Spangles, O'Reilly's & many more the total
funds to be donated to the Legacy of Hope endowment fund from this event
are almost $8,000.
The recipient of the honorary Best In Show (car) trophy was Daryl Standifer
of CARS Magazine in recognition of the many volunteer hours he contributed
in producing this show, including making the trophies and providing
advertising in CARS Magazine. The Best in Show (motorcycle) went to Roy
Best of The HOG group from Wichita.
In addition to great cars, the show had great entertainment. Elvis
impersonator John Turck presented two great Elvis Shows and The Dance Man,
Ronnnie Choy, provided great music all day.
Web-toed motorist Scott Moses, was on hand to give lucky show-goers the
ultimate Wichita car cruise on the Arkansas River in his amphibious Amphicar.
One of the big winners was The Arc's own Jeff Winter, who was admiring the
trophy won by the 1957 Chevy owned by J.D. Wallerius. (J.D. and Jeff had
met earlier during a river ride in the Amphicar). When Jeff told J.D. he liked
his trophy, J.D. said, "I have lots of trophies this one is yours!"
The owners and their families that took a chance on the storm that moved
in, watched a spectacular fireworks show from the Century II balcony
overlooking the river. The crowd enjoyed the fireworks without a worry about the
weather during the show.
We appreciate Car Show Chairman, Carl Fry, his wife Bonnie, and Co-Chair,
Michael Webb, for all of their work in organizing the event. Special
thanks to all the Friends of The Arc that came to show and those who volunteered to
help us run the event.
Work is already underway to make The Arc's Independence Day Car Show an
annual event every Fourth of July at Century II. Make plans to join us
next year as we continue the Legacy.