Concordia Car Show and Model Train Exhibit

Concordia Retirement Community is excited to host its annual Car Show/Model Train Exhibit/Craft Vendor Show, along with a free lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6, in the front parking lot at One Concordia Drive. Thanks to the NWA Camaro Club, you’ll have the opportunity to admire a variety of cars, including vintage, modified and newer models. The Heartbeat of the Ozarks Car Club, a local group that showcases vintage Chevys, will also display their cars. Concordia will provide a lunch of grilled hot dogs, cold drinks, chips and dessert for all attendees.

The NWA Camaro Club was formed around 2010, thanks to Nunnally Chevrolet, shortly after Chevy reintroduced the Camaro. Throughout the years, their membership has ranged from 30 to 80 members. They hold meetings every fourth Thursday at Foghorn’s restaurant and sponsor “cruise-ins” like the one they are currently organizing at Concordia. They also partake in planned road trips to raise funds for local, charitable organizations. The club members vote on which charities to support. By participating in the Camaros Cruise the Ozarks event, they have managed to raise $1,000 to $1,500 in recent years. On one occasion, they donated the funds to the Bella Vista Arkansas Wall of Honor. Members from both car clubs find joy in showcasing their cars and engaging in conversations about their nostalgic memories of driving similar vehicles. They welcome car enthusiasts who appreciate discussions about newer car models on display.

In addition to our car show outside, we are hosting the Sugar Creek Model Railroad Club upstairs in our main building. The railroad club’s mission is to promote model trains by organizing model train shows, such as the one we are currently holding at Concordia. The club was founded in 1992 by a small group of model train enthusiasts who wanted to eventually host their own train show. This dream became a reality a few years later when they held their first show at a large hotel, and they have since continued to host shows at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the A&M Museum in Springdale to discuss their hobby and plan future events. They are excited to be able to hold a show for anyone who is interested.

One of our Concordia residents, Phil Story, is one of the founding members of the Sugar Creek Model Railroad Club. Phil’s fascination with model trains began around age 8 after a neighbor introduced him to model trains. Together they built a model train layout in his friend’s basement, and the rest is history. During his leaves from the Navy, Phil started constructing an HO layout in his parents’ basement in Bella Vista. Over the years, he continued to expand the layout, and when he moved to Concordia Retirement last year, he brought some of his trains with him and set them up in his townhome’s downstairs living area.

You won’t want to miss the Craft Vendor Show in the upstairs lounge. A couple of young ladies will be offering sourdough bread, cupcakes, and other baked goods with proceeds going toward their missionary trip. Lori Frank will showcase her exquisite woodworking projects, while Susan Oldfather will have an assortment of quilts, cozies, hot pads, and other handmade items. Simplicity Lavender Farm will be offering a wide range of handcrafted products. Sara Paschal specializes in creating bags, purses, and other unique items made from recycled materials. Pat Duncan, our local Avon representative, will have a variety of Avon products and catalogs available. Stephanie Brackeen, a licensed massage therapist, will provide massages throughout the morning, ensuring that you leave feeling rejuvenated.

We hope to see you Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at our Car Show/ Model Train Exhibit/Craft Vendor Show. Don’t forget to get your free lunch! Concordia Retirement Community is located at One Concordia Drive in Bella Vista. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 479-855-3714. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.