Chocowinity family is hub of auto show

Published 1:19 pm Friday, May 13, 2016

WATCH AND LEARN: Sam Elks gets instruction on the proper maintenance of a car from his uncle Brandon Elks.

KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER | DAILY NEWS
WATCH AND LEARN: Sam Elks gets instruction on the proper maintenance of a car from his uncle Brandon Elks.

CHOCOWINITY — When the Spring Heat Car, Motorcycle, Truck and Big Rig show kicks off next weekend, it’s a safe bet there will be more than just a few Elks family members in attendance.

In fact, several Elks have behind the scenes roles in producing the show every year. Charlie Elks is show chairman and his wife Regina heads up the vendor booth side of the event; Charlie’s brother, Brandon Elks, coordinates the auto swap meet, new to this year’s event.

And best of all, several of the cars on display come from the private collection of David and Darlene Elks, Charlie and Brandon’s parents.. The Elks family has more than a dozen restored classic automobiles in the collection, many of which were one step away from ending up in a junk yard. These treasures are already catching the interest of David and Darlene’s grandchildren, Grace and Sam Elks and Caleb, Jacob and Haleigh Pendley.

BACK SEAT DRIVER: Caleb Pendley (left) keeps an eye on his twin brother Jacob, sitting behind the wheel of their grandparents' 1960 Chevrolet Impala.

BACK SEAT DRIVER: Caleb Pendley (left) keeps an eye on his twin brother Jacob, sitting behind the wheel of their grandparents’ 1960 Chevrolet Impala.

All proceeds from the ninth annual show benefit the Chocowinity Fire Department, according to Charlie Elks. The event is planned for May 21 on the campus of Chocowinity Middle School; vehicles may be registered between 8 a.m. and noon the day of the show, Elks said.

While Elks family vehicles are displayed during the show, they are not entered into competition. However, other auto owners may enter for a chance to win trophies, including awards presented for best car, best truck, best paint job and best interior.

For more information about the show in general, contact Charlie Elks at 252-945-1248 or charliebrownnc@yahoo.com. Vendors interested in renting booth space are encouraged to contact Regina Elks at 252-945-0601. Contact Brandon Elks at 252-944-3495 or bandit32892@yahoo.com for information about the auto swap meet.

COUNTRY GIRLS: Cousins Grace Elks (left) and Haleigh Pendley are ready for a ride in a 1978 Chevrolet Silverado Big 10 pick up truck.

COUNTRY GIRLS: Cousins Grace Elks (left) and Haleigh Pendley are ready for a ride in a 1978 Chevrolet Silverado Big 10 pick up truck.