By Pam Dudding
There is something special about walking around vehicles that people have meticulously cleaned, feverishly waxed, and loved on. For some, it renews dreams of vehicles they once drove while for others, it sparks dreams of their own.
The Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department held their 2nd Annual Car Show at the Craig County Fairgrounds, and over 20 drivers brought out their nice rides.
The Department had several volunteers to assist them that day, as they also served hot dogs, burgers and snacks to enjoy.
There was a funny moment as a little grease ran into the gas grill and a few little flames came up.
Fire Chief Shawn Matheney quickly ran over to the grill saying, “Hey, we got a little bit of a fire going on here!” as he extinguished the flames immediately. Not even a burger flame gets past that Chief!
Corie Trivette brought his candy apple red 1950 Crosley pickup. It is a 4-cylinder. Though Corie shared he was having a difficult time just sitting, as his “demolition” or drag racing side seems to be more his character, he enjoyed telling his story to those who admired his vehicle.
“This one set for about 12 years and we never started it,” he shared. “Then my step dad passed away and we inherited this car. I told mom that there is only one of these known in the United States, so there’s no reason we don’t do something with it.”
So, he and Donnie Wayne Fisher went to work.
“We worked on it for about two hours, and we got it running. We drove it around the yard, washed it and then put it back in the building,” Trivette said with a grin. “That’s where it’s been until today.”
He noted that there are other Crosleys of other years, as there is a guy in Pennsylvania that has a 1949 pickup; however, his is the only 1950. One person that was listening to his story added, “They still make refrigerators, and I had an old one in the garage.”
Corie shared a story with a smile, “The closest Crosley I know of is past Rocky Mount, on Route 220, that has the car version, or sedan. All he has is the body and he has a tree growing up through the hood of it and uses it as a flower bed.”
The Ford “Hillbilly Deluxe” truck was an attraction for the kids. The owner set a chalkboard in front of the truck for kids to draw it. This little girl was giving it a beautiful colorful look. The truck had been awarded Clifton Forge Little League Kids Choice.
Sports cars, trucks, motorcycles and more adorned the Fairgrounds and people enjoyed viewing them. The winners of the day were, 1st place – Caleb All, 2nd place – Inman Johnson and 3rd went to George Canada.
“Thanks to all the participants and to the public that came out to support us!” Matheney shared. “It was bigger this year than last year, so hopefully it will keep growing.”