The Runaways of Michigan Car Club’s annual car show has donated $1,800 in proceeds from its July 18 show in Wayland to a couple of local food programs for the needy.
The club, established in 1991 and home based in Wayland, is host for the Wayland Car & Motorcycle Show each year on the third Saturday of July. This year, the group presented a check for $500 to the “Feed America” free food truck at United Church of Wayland and $1,300 to the Christian Neighbors food pantry.
The Runaways’ major sponsor is Auto Body Xperts of Wayland, which also raised $99 for Christian Neighbors with a raffle during the show.
The show held in conjunction with the Wayland Main Street Celebration.
“Together we offer an entire day of fun for the entire family with games, prizes, giveaways, contests, raffle and 50/50 drawing,” said Runaways Club President Ron Lannon. “This is always a free event for spectators. Show participants pay a $10 entry fee and receive a goody bag full of sponsor-donated items, an event metal dash plaque and the opportunity to be judged for an award.
The honors include Mayor’s Award, Best Of Show, Top 20 pick, Runaways pick, special interest and Motorcycle best of show and top two picks. The judging is done by the participants themselves.
“We also selected six random children from the crowd to judge a car for a Kids’ Choice award and those six kids received a goody bag for participating.” Lannon said. “We also gave out awards for the winner of the Valve Cover Racing and the top voted 1/24-1/25 plastic scale model car show along with prizes for a hula hoop contest and a twist dance contest. We also give an award to the winner of a muffler rap competition for the loudest vehicle.”
The Wayland Fire Department begins the day of celebration with a breakfast in the morning and the Knights of Columbus cooks lunch in the afternoon.
The show this year had to overcome the challenge of a fierce thunderstorm just as it was getting under way that Saturday morning.
“We hope to continue this event at the same time for many years to come,” Lannon said. “It is a growing event and has many loyal followers.”
He listed as important yearly sponsors Kalamazoo Speedway, Family Farm & Home, NAPA, and the Allegan County Tourists Association along with the Pure Michigan campaign and the Runaways of Michigan Car club uses their funds as well.
“It’s a great community to host an event in and the support is wonderful,” he added. “Neighbors helping neighbors is what it’s all about with surrounding communities getting involved as well.
PHOTO: This candy apple red (1956 Oldsmobile?) was one of the big winners in the judging for the 2015 Runaways of Michigan Car Club Show July 18 in the Wayland City Park. (Photo courtesy of Ron Lannon)
