By Bill Thorpe

The Mid-State Delorean Club fired up the flux capacitors and sped 88 mph all the way to the Arlee Theatre in Mason City, Ill., on Saturday to celebrate “Back to the Future Day.” 

It was in Part 2 of the movie trilogy that Doc Brown and Marty McFly traveled into the future to Oct. 21, 2015, where they were amazed to see flying cars, giant flat screen TVs and that the Chicago Cubs had won the World Series.

With all the national attention surrounding the films, Marcia Maxson, whose parents own the theater, sent an email to Martin Maier, president of the Delorean Club in St. Louis. She asked if any of the members would be willing to display their cars in front of the theater. 

Maxson had arranged a triple feature Back to the Future Fest showing all the films, complete with photo and costume contests, trivia questions and door prizes. Food trucks and restaurants catered meals between the movies.

An email reply suggested that cameras be ready on Main Street for a visit at 10 a.m. Oct. 24. The excitement intensified as 14 Deloreans, led by a “Back to the Future” car with a Doc Brown look-alike, arrived in all their splendor and parked in front of the movie house.

Maxson’s parents purchased the theater in 2003, and a family affair to restore it back to all its 1936 glory began in earnest. More than $60,000 has been spent, and Saturday’s fundraiser was a real crowd pleaser for the small farming community in the heartland of Illinois.
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Until next time, happy cruising!

By Bill Thorpe

The car gods continued to bless the area with super weather as St. Barnabas’ fourth annual car show was a big success. About 50 cars from all eras were showcased Saturday in the church parking lot while car people bonded around their beloved hobby.

Most participants shared their specific history and loyalty. Many years and models were represented, and it was not uncommon to see a custom hot rod parked next to a late-model Corvette coupe.

The top 20 cars received awards, and special awards were presented:
• The priest's pick went to Bruce Banta and his 1962 red-on-red Corvette convertible.
• The parishioners’ pick went to Bill Kolncek’s 1978 Ford Granada.
• The best pre-1980 car was George Backer’s 1964 Chevrolet Corvette.
• The best truck was a 1960 Ford F-100 panel type owned by Dan Distler.
• The best work in progress went to Eddie Buttler and his 1955 Grumman's truck.
• The best of show went to Bill Weber's 1961 Chevrolet Impala convertible.

Donna's Rock ’n' Roll Cruising Oldies provided great tunes and a wonderful atmosphere. Donna Wooldridge was presented a special award for her continued support of the show and her dedication to playing the best of the oldies but goodies.

Proceeds will benefit the church’s youth ministry, which thanked everyone for their support. The group hopes to see everyone again next year. 
Until then, happy cruising!