Community revs up for hot rod show

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Area hot rod enthusiasts may want to mark June 27-28 on their calendars.

The Dewey, Okla.-based Stray Kat Kustoms car company is planning to bring its special custom car show back to downtown Fort Scott that weekend. Attendees will be able to view hundreds of 1950s-style custom and hot rod vehicles from across the Midwest starting at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The two-day event, which is back for a third straight year, will also feature car-related vendor booths, food booths, live music from two bands, hula-hoop and dance contests, door prize giveaways, and other activities. Classic car owners will also have the chance to win prizes in several different categories.

Several types of custom vehicles will be on display over the weekend on Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to First Street. The car show, which is free of charge and open to the public, will take place starting at 6 a.m. Saturday and end at noon Sunday. A Blessing of the Rides will take place at noon Sunday. Cars will be judged in various categories following the service. Trophies will then be awarded to conclude the weekend event.

From 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee will conduct a sock hop fundraiser.

Admission to Saturday evening events -- which includes live music, contests and door prizes -- is $10 per person. Discount tickets are available at Bowman's Nu Grille, 24 N. National Ave.

According to the Stray Kat Kustoms Web site, the first 100 car entries will receive a door prize.

All entries will receive a dashboard plaque and a bag. The pre-entry fee for the car show is $20 per vehicle, and an additional $5 after June 20, according to the site.

The event has been popular with both attendees and participants in recent years. Stray Kat Kustoms conducts similar car shows in small communities across the United States. Event organizer Mickey Bryan has said he and his staff enjoy bringing the car show to Fort Scott each year, and are very interested in seeing the event grow and prosper.