Curtin leaves car show on a high note
It was another record breaker for the annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car show, something which committee chairman Mike Curtin can be proud of as he announced his retirement from the event during the show on Saturday.
“This is a young man’s job,” he said to a group of car enthusiast before awards were handed out. He also assured the crowd that the show would “go on” because the Mineral County Community Foundation would be stepping up to make sure the successful event continues into its 20th year along with the Car Show Committee.
The show is held at the Old Schoolhouse in Superior where cherried-out classics, muscle cars and vintage campers line the lawns off River Street. There were 121 entries, a record number of vehicles which sweetens the pot for $3,000 worth of scholarships given to graduate’s from Mineral County’s three high schools by the Foundation.
Curtin and his sister, Patti Curtin, who both have dedicated several years and hundreds hours to the event, are stepping down.
“I have my own cars I want to work on and don’t have time,” Mike said. “I will continue to help out with the show, but I’ve taken it as far as I can.”
A total of 27 awards were handed out, including Best of Show which went to Rod Thomas for his 1961 Ford Unibody. The Founder’s Choice award went to Dennis Black’s 1936 Diamond T Model 221D; Veteran’s Choice to Kirby Reimers 1940 Olds Coupe; Sheriff’s Choice to Pat Cable 1937 Chevy Business Coup; Mayor’s Choice to Tim Arneson 1955 Chevy 210; and People’s Choice to Bill Hereford’s 1976 Ford Torino.
Another award was given to the person who traveled the longest distance and that was Doug Strong from East Helena who brought his 1965 Chevy Impala to the show.
The show was started in 2000 by Gordon Hendrick and the late Jeff Carlson. Henrick was still on hand, showing off an old wooden fishing boat which is his latest project. In addition to the show, there were several vendor booths offering food, drinks, kettlecorn, and evening flooring. Including the United Methodist Women who had their signature cinnamon rolls in the morning, the Skyline Drifter Drill Team who offered Krispy Kream doughnuts, and the hospital foundation who offered hamburgers all day.
The event started on Friday, June 1, with registration followed by a cruise up to the Mineral Community Hospital followed by a sock-hop at the Old School Gym. On Saturday, there was a ball drop raffle which started a 9 a.m., a 50-50 raffle and a Poker Walk. The Best Hand went to Pete Charbonneau with four aces. The winner of the 50-50 raffle received $275 out of a total of $550. DJ Johnny T’s Time Machine provided hits from the 1950s and ’60s all day as crowds got a chance to view the rows of colorful, beautifully restored vehicles.