Car show offers variety of styles, ages
DECATUR — Nearly a dozen cars registered for this year’s car show at the 66th Annual Decatur Barbecue. The show is a staple of the event, with cars coming from all over the tri-state region. Cars varied in age and automaker. From new cars to ones that are nearly a half-century old, viewers had a multitude of cars to observe.
This year’s event was organized by Cody Tosta, who registered cars and tabulated points. Cars could enter the day of the barbecue for a fee of $20.
Registered cars could be awarded in any of the 11 categories: modern truck, modern car, classic truck, classic car, people’s choice, mayor’s choice, judge’s choice, best motor, best paint, best interior and high-point.
Some of the highlights of the show included a yellow and black 1975 Stingray, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, a white contemporary Dodge Caravan and a burgundy 1972 Chevrolet Nova. But Steve Tosta, this year’s judge for the show, said nearly every car piqued his interest.
“Nearly all of the cars, in one way or another, are interesting,” Steve said. “When you look at the age on some of these and how well they’re taken care of, there is some beautiful stuff out there. The newer stuff, how can you pick that apart — they’re perfect.”
Steve selected the burgundy ‘72 Nova as this year’s recipient of the judge’s choice award. He selected the car because of its excellent condition despite being nearly a half-century old.
“You can tell the amount of care that goes into it,” Steve said about the car’s well-preserved condition. “It just brings back memories of what a real hot rod should look like.”
The ‘72 Nova has a 600-horsepower, prostreet engine, custom interior and 15-inch back tires. Roy Chrismon owns the car. Chrismon, who lives near Colcord, Okla., said he drives the car almost every day.
Two of the cars were designated as antiques by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. To receive the designation, a car must have aged 45 years or more.
Judging began at noon and awards were handed out at 3 p.m. The winner of each category received a plaque with the award’s title inscribed.
The recipient of the people’s choice award was the ‘70 red Chevrolet Chevelle. It also received the award for the best motor.
Decatur’s mayor, Bob Tharp, selected a red 2010 Dodge Challenger to receive the mayor’s choice award. It also received the award for best interior.