By Bill Thorpe

The weather was perfect for the annual Fall Foliage Festival and Car Show Oct. 14 at John Wooden Middle School in Martinsville.

More than 125 cars, including custom hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles, rat rods and “restomods” were on display. 

There was an abundance of oldies music, door prizes and food. The top 25 plaques and major best-of-awards were unique because they were all handmade. Car guys often remark how those types of awards are more special to them.

With November and colder weather looming around the corner, a large number of car shows were held Oct. 14 and 15, making it difficult for car enthusiasts to choose which ones to enter or attend.  

The atmosphere in Martinsville was further enhanced with a Downtown carnival complete with a huge Ferris wheel. Vendors and food trucks assisted with the fall festival theme, which is typical in small towns throughout Indiana at this time of the year.

Until next time, happy cruisin’!

​Story and photos by Paul Rippy
Southsider Voice correspondent

Donate to Dine hosted a car show Saturday at Christy’s of Indiana on Madison Avenue, where fallen Southport Police Lt. Aaron Allan was honored. 

The event featured a hog roast, hamburgers, hot dogs, raffles and door prizes. Eleven plaques and two large trophies were presented by Police Chief Tom Vaughn, who had to make the call on a tie for one of the awards.  

The day’s top prize was the Police Chief’s Award, which was presented to Roger Wilhite for his 1965 Malibu. The People’s Choice Award went to Lee Madsen for his 1970 Chevelle SS. The judging was done by the participants.
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All proceeds will be donated to the Southport Police Department’s Shop With a Cop program.