Riverfront
Run
Madison
Regatta steps in
to revive canceled car show
Annual
car show in Madison
to be held on riverfront May 28
By
Laura Hodges
Contributing Writer
(May 2011) The Run lives on thats
our motto, said Kim Washer, who has stepped in to chair Madisons
traditional Memorial Day car show.
For 15 years, the Choice Automobiles of Madison (CAM) sponsored the
show under the name River Run Car Show. After CAM announced in March
that it would not present the show this year, Madison Regatta Inc. offered
to take on the project.
The show will go on. It is now billed as the Madison Regatta Riverfront
Run Car Show on Saturday, May 28.
We hated to see the show go away, said Washer, in her 14th
year as Regattas festival chairman. It brings a lot to Madison.
Were really excited that they have decided to pick it up,
said Madison Area and Convention Bureau Executive Director Linda Lytle.
It was going to be a big loss to the community. That show has
a great reputation and draws visitors from throughout the tri-state
area.
Its a beautiful event, down by the Lanier home and by the
riverfront. Its a great venue, said Washer. Its the
only one in southern Indiana on Memorial Day weekend, she added.
Washer and everyone else on the Riverfront Run committee love to show
cars themselves. I have a 1982 Corvette and Kenny (her husband)
has a 1984 Corvette, said Washer. Other old car enthusiasts on
the committee are Bob and Jeanine Little, Eli and Connie Whitney, and
Mike Bear.
Many other volunteers will be needed to help on the day of the show,
Washer said. Bear, a resident of Vevay, Ind., has experience running
that citys car show each September. He is identifying judges who
will decide the many awards to be given to car owners.
The committee is currently seeking trophy sponsors. Top 100
trophy sponsors pay $25, specialty trophy sponsors pay $35 and T-shirt
sponsors pay $200 each. Were making really good progress,
reported Washer. Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corp. is the shows
title sponsor, and Morgan-Nay Funeral Centre is an associate sponsor.
The event has earned its reputation as a high-quality event. Under CAMs
leadership, the River Run Car Show often attracted 400 show vehicles.
Im praying for good weather and 400 cars, said Washer
although she conceded that shes actually expecting from 200 to
400 vehicles. Its fun. Its good for the community,
and Im all about community.
The Riverfront Run Car Show, which is free to the public, will fill
Vaughn Drive on Madisons riverfront from West Street to Elm Street.
Food vendors will again be located near Crystal Beach pavilion. Broadway
Street will be the location for dealer automobiles, the Miss Madison
display boat and other attractions. Tim Torrance of WORX Radio will
spin old-time rock music throughout the day.
Car owners can expect door prizes of gift baskets and automotive products.
There will be no money drawings this year, however organizers of the
Hot August Nights Car Show will sell raffle tickets for the car theyll
give away in August.
Madison Regatta Inc. will use the car show to kick off sales of its
2011 Regatta admission wristbands.
Car owners can pre-register their cars by obtaining a form from Washer,
(812) 599-6635. Pre-registration costs $15, while day-of-show registration
is $20. Cars will be checked in from 8 a.m. to noon in front of Brown
Gym on Broadway. We have people start to line up at 3 a.m.,
said Washer. A lot of people like to park by the pool. Thats
just a prime spot there by Crystal Beach.
Riverfront Run Car Show is just one of several events planned for Madison
on Memorial Day weekend.
Fourth Friday Art & Shop Hop on Friday, May 27, is an opportunity
to enjoy live music and arts demonstrations as well as evening shopping
at Madisons downtown stores. It runs from 5 to 8 p.m.
Fete de la Fleur will be held at Madison Vineyards, 1456 E. County
Road 400 North, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. This traditional
lawn party celebrates the flowering of the vines and the countdown to
the fall vintage. There will be live music. Admission is $5 per person,
under 12 free.
Spring Old Court Days, featuring crafts, collectibles and food
booths, will be held May 27-29 on the streets surrounding the Jefferson
County Courthouse. Admission is free. Old Court Days is presented by
the Pilot Club of Madison.
Fair Play Fish Fry will be held Saturday, May 28, from 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Fair Play Fire Co., 405 E. Main St., is Indianas oldest
fire company.
Back to May 2011 Articles.