Show features best of vehicles

Published 6:21 pm Friday, May 26, 2017

CHOCOWINITY — The weather certainly helped this year’s Spring Heat Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Big Rig Show live up to its name.

The 10th-annual event, presented by the Chocowinity Fire Department, was held May 20 on the campus of Chocowinity Middle School.

The heat, humidity and lack of any cooling breezes didn’t dull the enthusiasm of car fans, according to show chairman Charlie Elks.

“We had over 80 entries total in all the categories,” Elks noted. “We had entries from Beaufort County and surrounding areas and from as far away as Virginia Beach.”

Proceeds from the event help the fire department purchase equipment and supplies throughout the year, Elks added.

“With the money we cleared, this was probably our best show,” he said. “It was really nice. The fire department thanks the car owners, vendors, sponsors and everyone who came out to the show.”

The day’s festivities also included children’s activities, vendor booths, swap meet, music, hot dogs and chicken plates.

This year’s show was dedicated to the late Neal Titus, who passed away earlier this year. Titus, a car enthusiast, was a longtime principal at Chocowinity Primary School before his retirement and was the 1998 Principal of the Year for Beaufort County Schools.

During the awards presentation, the judges named Kenneth Beacham and Wayne Dills as owners of the “best truck” and “best car,” respectively. The sponsors’ choice trophy was claimed by Pat Mahanes. “Best interior” honors went to Rudy Gue, while Kim Smith received the award for “best engine.” A trophy for “best paint” was won by Danny and Gloria Moore.

For a complete list of awards, visit the 10th Annual Spring Heat Show page on Facebook.

SUMMERTIME FUN: A 1965 Ford Mustang owned by Kathy Robinson of Washington evokes memories of cruising along country roads with the top down.

TERRIFIC TRUCKS: A 1941 model owned by Kenneth Beacham of Washington and a 1969 model owned by Doug Young of Greenville represent two different decades of Chevy pick-up trucks.