Small cars, big impact for community

It's time for the second annual Schowe and Shine Auto Show sponsored by Dr. Ron Schowengerdt, the dentist with an office full of cars -- miniature cars, that is. Schow-engerdt also likes the full-sized autos and he likes helping the community. Having an auto show to raise money seemed like a no-brainer when he first came up with the idea, which seems to be catching on.

Schowengerdt will have his whole team there Saturday, May 17, his wife Linda and workers from his dental office; Shanda, Teresa, Angel, Cheryl and Lynda. The show starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. Admission is free to view the vehicles but there is a registration fee for those with something to show.

All money Schowengerdt raises this year will go to the Nevada Area Habitat for Humanity. Habitat workers will be at the show as well, doing their part to raise money for their own projects.

"Nevada Area Habitat workers will be helping the day of the show," Schowengerdt said. "They will be selling food and pop, and all the money raised will go to them."

Schowengerdt is charging a $20 registration fee, all of which will go to Habitat. Schowengerdt said entrants could register the day of the event but those who register early will get a little something extra.

"The people who register early will get a T-shirt and a dash plaque," Schowengerdt said. "We'll even take registrations that Saturday morning."

Instead of trophies, Schowengerdt is giving out cash for the winners.

"The reason we did that is that I questioned people after the show last year and they said after a while, going to car shows. they have trophies all over, so it (cash) is appreciated. There are other advantages too. You have to buy the trophies, anyway; and it's just easier to give out cash."

Awards will go winners of the best car, best truck, best motorcycle, best in show and people's choice categories.

Schowengerdt encourages anyone who has a car, truck or motorcycle they are proud of to bring it to the show, even if it isn't complete.

"We'll have more motorcycles this year than we've had," Schowengerdt said. "People are bringing projects, too. They're not quite done, but it's OK to bring them out."

Schowengerdt said that local merchants had pitched in and provided items to help with the fund-raising and KNEM-KNMO will be on hand for a live radio remote broadcast. Two Schell City musicians, Loren and Wyatt Brown will provide bluegrass and gospel music entertainment.