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Revin’ it up for summer

Burns show kicks off a summer of fun with classic cars, bodacious bikes

News editor

Burns was good to Marlin Decker. He grew up there, graduated from high school, and married his wife, Rose, in Burns United Methodist Church.

In turn, Decker was good for Burns. Although he lived in Newton and Texas most of his adult life, he was the driving force behind the Route 77 Classic Car show.

At its height, more than 100 vintage hot rods, restored production models, and late-model, high-powered speedsters gathered in downtown Burns the Saturday before Memorial Day for a show regarded as one of the best in central Kansas, thanks in no small part to Decker’s attention to detail.

The 2016 classic was canceled after Decker became ill. When he died in October, the event’s future was in doubt.

Then, in stepped Ange Scofield.

“It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing,” Scofield said. “It’s something in this town people have always loved.”

It wasn’t long before Scofield had help.

“When I first started this, it was just myself, but as I told others, they showed interest and they showed up and helped, and that’s what means the most.”

Scofield’s core group of volunteers included Josh Johnson, Dustin Koop, Ron Goodwin, and Curly Whiteside. Decker’s influence was present throughout.

“Marvin left some really big shoes to fill,” she said. “I think it’s motivated us to keep that attention to detail.”

Scofield, however, was motivated by more than just continuing a town tradition.

“It means growth for our community,” she said. “It means bringing more opportunities to our small town and helping us to advance.”

Saturday’s re-start drew 71 participants, both old and new, from up to 75 miles away. Scofield was pleased with how the day went.

“It was less work than I anticipated,” she said. “Once you start getting in contact with guys who’ve done these shows for a long time, they help you out. They’re willing to share a lot of information with you.”

Awards were presented in 23 categories, including best of show, best paint job, best interior, and best engine. Goodwin provided custom-designed steel trophies.

Four classes didn’t have any entries, but that didn’t spoil an otherwise good day, Scofield said.

“A lot of people congratulated us on a good show and thanked us for coninting this in memory of Marlin,” she said.

Hillsboro

Car lovers don’t have to wait long until the next local show, the 19th edition of Route 56 Classic Cruisers car club’s annual show June 10 in Hillsboro’s Memorial Park.

Recent turnout shows how the threat of bad weather can depress attendance. In 2015, forecasts of rain kept many regulars away, and just 30 cars showed up. Last year, 84 entrants participated under sunny skies.

Registration from 8 a.m. to noon the day of the event will cost $15 plus a can of food. Entry money goes to the Marion County Toy Run, and food is donated to Marion County Food Bank.

Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m.

Cruises

With the county’s two car shows out of the way, auto and motorbike enthusiasts won’t lack for opportunities to indulge themselves, courtesy of monthly Sunday cruises in Florence and Peabody.

Crystal Springs Motorcycle and Classic Car Run is the third Sunday of the month — June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, and Sept. 17.

The event has become particularly popular with bikers, who roll in any time between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. The biggest influx comes during the morning as bikers flock to a hearty breakfast served by Florentine Masonic Center, the event’s sponsor.

Peabody Sunday Cruises are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, and Sept. 24.

In its third year, the cruise has shown slow but steady growth.

Cars typically line one side of the street and bikes the other in downtown Peabody, with a variety of food vendors, open shops, and live music. The event includes a church service at 10 a.m. each day.

Last modified June 1, 2017

 

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