Weather smiles on event, large crowd attends
Legion car show sets record
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Fortunately for the many people involved, the weatherman smiled down upon all the activities last Saturday, June 26, on the Versailles Town Square, and the Leora Weare Post 173 American Legion Car Show had more entries than ever before.

According to co-chairs Frank Arney and Raymond (Peach) Ruble, the number of entries on hand for judging was 218. Many others also brought their cars, but did not enter them in competition.

Best of Show for this year went to a 1969 Ford Cobra owned by Jerry and Mary Becker of Alexandria, Kentucky. The Best Engine was awarded to a 1971 Dodge owned by Cliff and Verna Bulle. The Hoosier Cruisers represented by Mike Patterson received a trophy for Club Participation.

Cars began registering with Roger Kavanaugh for the Sixth Annual Classic Car Show shortly after 7:00 a.m. and continued till all areas around the square, parts of Washington Street, and Tyson Street from the square to the school were filled with cars and trucks dating from the "Roaring '20's" into the '70's.

While large numbers of people toured the display of cars, marveled at their upkeep, and chose their own favorites, judges chose the Top 80, all of whom received trophies. Judging and the awarding of trophies began at 4:00 p.m. with Legion Commander Sandy Becker serving as emcee.

During the day members of the Legion and the Auxiliary were on hand to sell chances for over 50 door prizes sponsored by the Friendship State Bank.

"We really appreciate the sponsorship of so many local organizations," said Legion Commander Becker, as he thanked the Friendship State Bank for their sponsorship of the door prizes.

Special trophies sponsored by local organizations included:

* Best Cruiser presented by Roger Kavanaugh to Deputy Corky
Houseworth for an entry from the Ripley County Sheriff's Department;

* Sons of the American Legion, Commander's Choice presented by Wink Meisberger to a 1967 Pontiac GTO owned by Don Meisberger;

* Ripley County Chamber of Commerce presented by Wanda Knollman to George and Becky True of Madison for their 1954 Chevy;

* American Legion Auxiliary
President's Choice presented by Mary Westmeier to Nick Obermeyer of Greensburg for his 1955 Ford truck;

* Post 173 Commander's Choice presented by Becker to Fraya Moore of Batesville for a 1964 Chrysler New Yorker;

* Versailles Lions Club President's Choice presented by Kenny Sheets to Jeff Davis for his 1940 LaSalle coupe;

* Versailles Volunteer Fire Department presented by Brian Evans to Wildon and Phyllis Haynes of Cincinnati for their 1951 Mercury.

Other activities during the day included the Chamber of Commerce's 11th Annual Walk/Run at 8:00 a.m. and the Versailles Lions Club's 38th Annual Chicken Barbecue, which drew a larger than ever crowd.

The Versailles Fire Department served breakfast at the firehouse and later sold ice cream and snow-cones on the courthouse lawn.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Committee members Frank Arney and Ray (Peach) Ruble describe the Sixth Annual American Legion Car Show as the biggest ever with 218 entries and a number of others not competing. Cars began arriving around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, filled the Courthouse Square and extended from Tyson Street west to the Tyson Apartments and south on Washington Street to the Versailles Fire Department. Perfect weather brought many participants to the Lions Club Chicken Barbecue, the firemen's breakfast, and the car show.