Annual car show cruises into Bluffton

BLUFFTON — A summer tradition rolls into Bluffton on Friday. At the annual "Festival of Wheels," there will be displays, food trucks, a DJ, 50/50 raffle and a Mariachi band. But the main attraction are the vehicles, said event organizer Dan Groman. "The main thing is probably going to be the cars," he said. "Any type car, truck, motorcycle, tractor, if it's got wheels, they're welcome." The 57th annual festival is presented by the Bluffton Lions Club. The event is open for the public to attend at no charge. Bluffton has had a show since 1957, and there have been different organizations that organized it over the years, said Groman. "There's been a couple of years that they didn't have one, but almost every year we have," he said. Prior locations have been on Harmon Field at Bluffton University and at the Bluffton Airport. "It's been really nice having it downtown on Main Street, Bluffton. They've been doing it downtown for 10-15 years probably," said Groman. "And ever since it's been there, the Bluffton Lions Club has been in charge of it." Drivers can start diagonally parking on Main Street at 1 p.m., rain or shine. Registration will be taken from 1-5 p.m., and the fee is $12. Dash plaques will go to the first 280 vehicles registered. "It's been a neat show," Groman said. "Last year we had 286 cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors, and it's been growing. We made a little more room in case we need it. So we're looking forward to having folks coming out." Groman will bring several of his own vehicles, including a 1935 Chevy Phaeton. Only 217 were built and it's one of only five still existing in the United States. "It's a four-door convertible that didn't have roll-up windows," he said. "If the weather was bad, you put side curtains up." He found out recently that the vehicle was originally used as a U.S. Boarder Patrol car between Texas and Mexico. Groman also has a 1954 Chevy that has been in most every show since 1976. Vehicle judging begins at 5 p.m.The top 25 awards as well as some special awards will be presented at 7:30 p.m. "The Lions select one. The mayor selects one, one for the best motorcycle, one for the best motorcycle, various things along that line," he said. "As soon as that is done, they'll do a little cruise of Bluffton." Campito Lindo is hosting Mariachi Garibaldi from Columbus. The band will perform in "The Alley" from 5-6 p.m. and inside the restaurant from 6-7 p.m. Those attending should bring their lawn chairs for "The Alley" performance. He said sponsors help make it happen, too. "The Lions are raising some money to help with some of the programs they support, a lot of kids activities and things that they support in the community," Groman. "It's an annual thing, and Bluffton comes alive for it." Schedule of events • 1 p.m. — Main Street opens for diagonal parking • 1-5 p.m. — Registration taken • 5 p.m. — Judging of cars begins • 7:30 p.m. — Awards presented • 8 p.m. — Cruise down South Main Street; all vehicles must be parallel parked