Bob Thomas
RADFORD – The 17th Annual Radford Fire Department David “Pud” Pannell Memorial Car Show is set for Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the Danaher/Kollmorgen parking lot on West Main Street next to the city Police building.
The show promises a mass display of cars, hot rods, fire apparatus, model cars, motorcycles and pedal vehicles, vying for prizes and for viewing by those attending this major RFD fundraiser. The show is free to the public, and will be held rain or shine.
The RFD show is co-sponsored by New River Nissan, plus a large number of local businesses that make the event possible.
Major sponsored trophies are given for Best in Show, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Interior, Longest Distance Traveled, Best Fire Truck and Peoples Choice. The Fire Chief’s Choice, and the Tommy Long Memorial Trophy top the list of trophies. Each of these awards is sponsored by community-minded companies in the region.
The first 100 entrants receive a dash plaque to commemorate the show. Vehicles can enter the competition until noon on the day of the event. There is an entry fee of just $15. Awards will be made at 2 p.m.
The show is a way for the department to raise money to subsidize the budget and purchase needed items like turnout gear, trailers, boats and small equipment not available in the city’s budget allocation, according to Fire Chief Lee Simpkins. The organization also hosts a popular barbeque in the fall.
Simpkins said the RFD is grateful for the support of the trophy sponsors: Mullins Funeral Home, Dean’s Body Shop, Agee’s Used Parts, Bondurant Realty, New River Glass, New River Heating and Air, First 1 Bank of Virginia, K&J Properties, Davis & Davis Attorneys, and Northside Chevron. Greg Ridpath, Nationwide Insurance, sponsors the dash plaques.
Several dozens of other sponsors help with various costs of the show.
There are door prizes, music and food throughout the day. Appropriate vendors are welcomed at $25 for a space, no food vendors, please. Food will be sold by West End Dawgs of Radford.
For entry rules and applications, and vendor space, contact the department at 731-3618.
