Schowe and Shine event returns

Nevada residents love a good car show. All you have to do is look around during Bushwhacker Days and see the attention the show cars receive.

Dr. Ron Schowengerdt is an automobile enthusiast himself, so when he was thinking of some way to help Habitat for Humanity having a car show was a no-brainer. Schowengerdt's last name had a little to do with naming the event as well -- Schowe and Shine.

Last year the show drew 40 entries; 18 cars, 14 trucks and eight motorcycles. This year there will be an unusual addition. A retired vehicle from the Walker Fire Department, a 1951 Chevrolet fire truck will join the show.

Schowengerdt is hoping for a big turnout this year and has lowered the cost for entrants. There is no cost for the public to come view the cars.

"The first year was by donation only," Schowengerdt said. "The second year, we set it at $20 and raised more money; but we had some people complain. So, this year, we've lowered it to $10 for the first vehicle and $5 each for any extra vehicles. We did that in part because of the economy and in part to get more people involved."

This year the car show comes at a good time for Habitat, they are preparing to beginning construction on a new project and the proceeds will be especially helpful.

"They're starting a project for a new family," Schowengerdt said. "What a lot of people don't know is that the people who get the property pay for it. They do pay a reduced rate so Habitat has a need for startup money, but the people who get the houses pay them off. It takes about $30,000 to get a project started."

Habitat for Humanity in Nevada recently turned over the keys to its 10th home in Nevada -- this one an Energy Star home, in an effort to make ongoing living expenses more affordable for the family as well.

People who get a chance to own a home through Habitat for Humanity don't get a free ride. Before Habitat hands over the key, the homeowner must log hundreds of hours in sweat equity, building their habitat and the houses of others. Also, there is a down payment and a mortgage.

The low-income family pays for the home over time.

In Nevada, a great deal of loving care, hours of dedication, sweat and teamwork goes into building the Habitat for Humanity homes, and volunteers do much more than meets the eye.

Visitors to the show will find Habitat volunteers selling food and drinks to help raise money.

"They'll be selling hamburgers and hot dogs with chips and a coke," Linda said. "

Schowengerdt has lined up quite a list of activities, even ring-toss for the littler visitors.

"There's a Christian company called Joy Filled Creatures that are similar to Build-a-Bears that kids can build their own stuffed animals," Linda Schowengerdt said.

Schowengerdt said that local merchants had pitched in and provided items to help with the fund-raising as well as helping in other ways.

"We've got gift certificates from Cherry Street Grill, David Badgley will be on hand with music and KNEM-KNMO will do a live remote," Schowengerdt said.