By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
Between 60 and 70 vehicles of all makes and models lined the streets of Parsons on Saturday July 20, 2019 for the City of Parsons First Annual Car Show. Events Coordinator Tammy Michael played a lead role in organizing this event with hopes of making this event bigger and better for years to come.
Trucks, cars, jeeps, motorcycles, and even a hearse were among the entries for this event. From original stock format to top notch modified entrants all proud to showcase their gem and tell the stories of how they came to own their prized possession. Everett George of Mabie, W.Va. was the proud owner of a 1965 Ford Mustang that he has owned for approximately one and a half years. He restored the exterior of this classic and currently only has approximately 14,000 miles on it since it was rebuilt. This was just one of the four classics he owns. However as he put it, “I could only drive one here.”
Right next to the classic Mustang was the other end of the spectrum in the form of a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro owned by David Hamrick of Philippi, W.Va. He’s owned this newer model for around a year and he noted it just hit 60,000 miles. Though the signs said do not touch, these two individuals were more than happy to allow the youngsters whose eyes lit up at these entries to sit behind the steering wheel and get a first-hand view of what it feels like in the driver’s seat.
As the oldies music echoed from DJ Daniel Barkley’s speakers, visitors continued to mingle and inspect these pieces of history, be it new or old. Another entrant, Bill Coberly from Elkins, W.Va., showcased his 1970 SS El Camino. Coberly explained this is actually the second time he owned this car, this last time having to completely restore it inside out as the previous owner caused serious damage. This process took him six and a half years and the actual miles on this car was around 51,000. This wasn’t your stock model El Camino however. This entrant boasted dual exhaust and a 350 turbo hydro. “We try to upgrade and put different equipment on them,” Coberly explained, as they are always looking for a way to make them better. “It stays in the garage unless it’s like this,” he explained as to how he keeps it looking showroom new.
Beside Coberly was Carolyn Kabler, all the way from Huttonsville, W.Va. She drove to Parsons in an aqua blue, 1950 Chevrolet truck she purchased around a year and a half ago. Though it had a couple owners before her, she plans to keep hold of her treasure.
At the end of the show, entrants were anxiously awaiting the results of the awards. Scoring the entries this year was the Volunteer Firefighters from Tucker County. Best Motorcycle, People’s Choice, Most Unique, Traveled Farthest, Best 4×4, Best Rat Rod, and Best of Show were the categories for the competition. Attempts were made to contact the City of Parsons Business Office for a list of winners, though messages were unanswered at the time of submission.
