Residents view cars on display
By SHANNON CLAYTON, Special to The News
POSTED: June 16, 2008
MARIETTA — Over 130 vehicles were on display Sunday at the 16th annual Bill Drayer Memorial Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show sponsored by the Marietta Noon Lions Club as a Father’s Day tradition at Muskingum Park on Front Street.
The show was not judged but was used as a fundraiser for the Lions Club with the money going to its sight savings activities in the community. Each year the Lions Club raises around $15,000 to help the elderly and children of the area gain access to much needed eye care and glasses.
Any highway-operable car was allowed to enter the show and the first 125 entries were given free dash plaques for their vehicles. The types of vehicles varied greatly from a 2006 Lamborghini to a rare 1966 Harley Davidson.
Gene Kunkle of Vienna has displayed his 1973 red Cadillac Eldorado almost every year since the memorial car show started. Once an avid car collector, Kunkle sold all but his Eldorado when he retired several years ago. He enters his car in about 20 shows a year, usually for the various charities and foundations they support.
“This is a good cause, we like to support them,” said Kunkle.
Cheryl and Bruce Hall from Lowell have exhibited their 1962 red Ford Galaxie at the show for the past three years. They participate in several shows a year and enjoy socializing with other car enthusiasts.
“We enjoy having folks come by and talk,” said Cheryl Hall.
A 2006 Lamborghini Murcielago was put on display by owner Chris Pilos. The Murcielago can reach speeds of 220 mph, but Pilos says he hasn’t tried going that fast.
“If someone paid my tickets I would try,” he joked.
The participants paid a $10 fee to enter their cars in the show, and each entrant was entered into a raffle for door prizes including Fenton Art Glass bells.
In addition to the car show, the Marietta Noon Lions club sponsors several fundraising events in the area including an invitational track meet at Don Drumm Field, a rose sale and a display of flags throughout the town on eight holidays.
