July 14, 2011
07/15/11 It started off as a brainstorming session in the Oliver Ford meeting room. Talk of a barbecue cook-off inspired thoughts of a car show, and what goes better with food and cars than a corn hole tournament? You can’t have a grilling contest without beer to wash it down, so a beer garden was a natural fit. But the Olivers weren’t satisfied just having fun, so they decided to turn this day of fun into a benefit for St. Michael School in Plymouth. And thus was born the “P-town Car-B-Q Showdown”, a free day of fun open to the public.
Now in its second year, the Car-B-Q is scheduled (rain or shine) for 10AM to 3PM on Saturday, July 16th in the lot behind Oliver Ford on Jefferson on Plymouth’s east side.
The inaugural event raised $3672.51 for St. Michael School. Best of Car Show went to Denny and Martha Nicolas with their 1932 Ford 3-window coupe, and “Bare Bones BBQ” walked off with Best of Show for the grilling contest. Niles, MI, residents Kirk Hanson and Bill Nielsen took first place in the Corn Hole Tournament. They’ve enjoyed bragging rights for 12 months….but will they retain their status after July 16th?
The grilling competition is open to novice and professional grillers, with chicken, ribs, brisket and “other” categories. Food will be panel judged on taste, texture and presentation. Registration is from 8 to 10AM, with judging taking place at noon. The contest is restricted to charcoal grilling only (no gas grills allowed) and each entry has a $25 fee, which is donated to the school.
The beer garden, featuring music and raffles, will be open from 10AM to 3PM. You must be 21 with ID proof to enter the beer garden. Admission is free. Food will be available on site for purchasing as well.
The car show is being organized again this year by Old Hoosier Wheels Car Club. Registration is from 8 AM to 9:45 AM, with the actual show from 10AM to 3PM. There is a $15 entry fee for each vehicle. Vehicles will be judged in two classes ~ stock and custom ~ with each class having trophy breakouts for vehicles 2000 or newer, 1980 to 199 and pre-1980. Additional competitive fun includes Best Paint, Mayor’s Choice, People’s Choice, Best Stock and Best Custom. A new category ~ the Kenny Luse Award ~ has been added this year to honor this friend of the community. The awards ceremony will take place at 230PM.
The corn hole tournament registrations must be entered by 10:45 and the tossing begins at 11AM. The tournament is a blind draw, double elimination competition, and entry donation is $5 per person. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place teams.
Questions may be directed to John Oliver at 1-574-930-2406 or e-mail John.Oliver@OliverFord.com or Jennifer Houin at 574-1-574-948-0820 or Jennifer.Houin@OliverFord.com.