Rod Run

continued from page 1 made for a gorgeous sunset and a beautiful evening. their pride and joy. A slight breeze and the occasional cloud cover helped with the heat. The heat did keep some people away, both the automobile owners and some of the public. There were a few outof-state contestants who were making their first trip to the show. Discounting the heat, many said they loved the show, the view and the drive to the Ouachita Mountains and up the Talimena Scenic Drive. Several stated they hoped to make it back next year.

The heat didn’t deter the kids from playing in the water-cooling stations provided by the Mena Fire Department, and plenty of people were cooling off with products at the various vendor booths and trucks while the music from 385 Events provided the soundtrack, primarily with some classic rock. The fire department, vendors and 385 Events would participate throughout the weekend.

The evening had a bit of competition as the Mena Bearcats opened their season against the De Queen Leopards to a packed football stadium. Unless one is a parent of a student participating in the game, it might have been a dilemma choosing between asphalt and AstroTurf.

Not every car on the mountain made it to Mena Street for the live music and to show off their chrome and whitewalls. Some owners had to head back before dark. By the same token, there were some locals who appeared to have not entered but arrived downtown to pick a space to display their vehicle. ending with Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” to sum up the heatwave. The evening was becoming pleasant as the antique cars, hot rods, pick-up trucks and rat rods showed off how loud their engines were as they revved them up and headed home. The final count was around

The evening’s entertainment began with local musician Cullyn Corley. He was followed up by the John Calvin Brewer Band laying down some blues-rock licks and covers that had a few people dancing.

Melanie Wade, executive director of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce announced the awards beginning around 8:30 once the sun had settled behind the peaks. She was assisted by chamber members to help with the organization and presenting of the several plaques and trophies. The number of categories and awards bestowed is outstanding.

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Saturday morning began atop Rich Mountain. A few more vehicles that weren’t a part of Friday night’s event were on the mountain to be viewed, judged and, of course provided an opportunity for owners and restorers to brag about

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The big prize is the Mark Campbell award. This year’s winner was a yellow 1934 Ford Coupe,. Vinnie Rudmansaid he chose it, “...not because it was the most cutting edge car at the show but, because it was built about 30 years ago and so was Mark’s Red ‘34 Sedan and these cars are very similar in design and appearance and Mark would’ve dug this one.”

Brewer returned for a couple of more tunes to close out the show,

156 vehicles, approximately six dozen less than in 2022, the heat seemingly the deciding factor.

Even so, the show went well, there were dozens of spectacular vehicles, and a lot of interesting people who not only talked about the restoration projects to their cars, but shared a bit about where they were from and what they liked about where we’re from.

Everybody raise a piston in honor of this year’s participants, winners, andto founder Mark Campbell. And, here’s to the 49th Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run in 2024.