Wayne Root can’t help but feel a strong sense of pride in his community. The Bellevue Athletic Boosters Trustee sees how his community rallies together time and again to provide for its student athletes and is sometimes overwhelmed.
“I’m so proud to be a part of Bellevue,” Root, who has served as the director of the Car Show the past two years, said. “We have 85 sponsors this year. We have six presenters who have each generously donated $500 to be a part of this event. I’m just stoked on the whole situation.”
The Car Show, which is a three-day event, takes place Friday, July 7, Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 in downtown Bellevue. All of the proceeds from the event, which serves as one of the Bellevue Athletic Boosters primary fundraisers, goes directly back into helping Bellevue student athletes.
“All the profits goes to the student athletes one way or another,” Root said. “That’s the reason I am involved in the car show.”
Music in Washington Park starts the weekend off on a festive note with music and a beer tent. The DJ will be playing the hits from 6 to 8 p.m. before giving way to live music that goes until 11:30 p.m. Folks can also test their gaming skills in the annual Cornhole tournament, which begins at 6 p.m. in the park.
Main Street shuts down early Saturday morning as registration for the popular car show begins at 8 a.m. The show is open to classic cars, trucks and motorcycles with judging in three classes — Street Rods, Rat Rods, and Off-Road. Bonus trophies will also be awarded for the best engineered, and best paint, among others. Judging begins at 11 a.m. and the show runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first 100 registered vehicles will receive dash plaques.
Of course the annual Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show offers far more on Saturday than classic cars. Vendors will be set up throughout downtown. The Village will also be full of garage sales throughout the weekend. The Bellevue United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake and sausage breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and hot dog lunches will be available at the Bellevue Fire Station.
The fun continues on Sunday, July 9 with the 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
While the Car Show serves as one of the major fundraisers for the Bellevue Athletic Boosters, the show is also a place to raise funds and recognition for other local organizations. This year’s event will serve as a collection point for Toys for Tots and its annual Toys for Tots in July campaign. Cash donations are needed for the Toys for Tots program as well, which really benefits the older children that typically don’t receive many donations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 110 will also be on hand, raising funds for its organization’s efforts to provide 100 backpacks to homeless veterans in Michigan.
For more information about the car show, contact Root at (269) 501-4393 or wayneroot54@gmail.com.
