By John Estridge
Things are more than a little different in the world during 2020.
But an annual car show for a good cause went off without a hitch Sunday, July 19, at the Brookville Town Park.
More than 260 vehicles were on display at the annual Benjamin Oglesby Memorial Car Show. Ben’s brother, Andy Oglesby, started the car show in 2016, after Benjamin died unexpectedly at the age of 38. Proceeds from the show are used to give back to youth-related charities such as: pediatric medical needs and research as well as youth sports.
One-hundred-fifty awards were given out at the show. Also, trophies were handed out to the Top 50 in the classifications 1972 and Older, Top 50 1973 and Newer and the Top 10 Trucks.
According to Andy, metal art awards were given for the Top 5 Bikes. They were welded from motor and car parts. Specialty Class winners received tin garage signs, and other “Best of Show” winners received custom made mini garages accented with Hot Wheel cars. A few officers from the Brookville Police Department stopped by to select their favorite entry and also select the one they were most likely to give a speeding ticket to on their way home. There were awards given to kids’ entries, veteran entries for each branch of the military, tractors, and drag racers. There was even a Russian car at the park. Awards were presented to the Top Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Chrysler/Plymouth, Pontiac, Buick, Jeep, and Import.
This was the first local car show since the COVID-19 pandemic changed all the rules for public events.
In order to hold the event, Andy sought guidance from the health department.
“I called the Health Department within minutes of Governor Holcomb’s address last week to make sure that we had everything arranged for the show,” Andy said. “I had a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan on display at the show that outlined our policy and intentions for the show. The lady I talked to at the Health Department was in agreement with our plan. The plan included the hand sanitizer stations, every volunteer acknowledging a health self-assessment, regularly scheduled cleaning and disinfecting of the bathrooms and concession area (which I was thanked for numerous times), signs posted for social distancing and personal hygiene, masks being available, and giving every person their own ink pen to use that day (no sharing of writing utensils).”
Also, these measures included major changes to the car show, according to Andy.
“The Car Show was set up a lot differently than in the past,” Andy said. “There were signs posted at the entrance of the park telling people to go home if they were sick and signs throughout the park reminding everyone to use social distancing. Hand sanitizing stations were set up throughout the park and at the concession area, and masks were available for anyone wanting one. There was no tent with tables and chairs set up this year, all picnic tables were spread out, and all food was served carry-out style to encourage social distancing. The prime parking was in the shaded areas, and all in attendance were very respectable to the social-distancing guidelines.”
Some of the Best of Show winners include:
Michael’s Choice (Ben’s son) – Dean Walter – ’67 GTO
Veteran Entry (sponsored by the Brookville VFW) – Ed Swope – ’62 Chevy Impala SS
Original – Bill Harris – ’55 Chevy Bel Air
Custom – Herb Perry ’50 Chevy
Truck – Pat Jackson – ’54 Chevy Pick-Up
Motorcycle – Art Etzel – ’64 Harley Topper Scooter
Kid’s Entry – Emalyn McConnell – 2017 GMC Duramax w/ Trailer
Kids Entry Bike/Motorcycle – Tristan Goodin – ’07 Honda CRF
Tractor – Original – Lane Harnishfeger – 2010 Allis Chalmers Mini D21
Tractor – Custom – Dale Hertel – Oliver
Oldest Vehicle – Elmer Quinlan – 1928 Model A Coupe
Drag Racer – Chris Bice – ’59 Chevy Truck
Fury Team Pick – Bob Clark – ’05 Scion XB
Lakeside Cruisers (Brookville Car Club) Pick – Marshall Miller – ’51 Studebaker
Information for this article was provided by Andy Oglesby