By Marilyn Miller
The 15th annual Car and Bike Show in historic downtown Minden will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 beginning at 11 a.m. “in and around” the Minden Civic Center parking lots. Registration is free and is available online at www.vintagemindencars.com, via hand-outs from members of the hosting Vintage Car Club of Minden, or from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. on-site the day of the show.
“This is a fun event, very family-oriented,” said club president, Antoinette Quarles, adding that in addition to cars and bikes of all vintages, the show will include concessions (featuring turkey legs and pork chops), competitions like hula-hooping and a Dance-Off; and bouncy houses, face-painting, live entertainment, and much more.
While judging in half-a-dozen categories begins at 11 a.m. sharp, the show begins at 10 a.m. with a ceremony near the water fountain featuring a welcome by Minden Mayor Nick Cox, the Star-Spangled Banner by Angela Wills, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of the car club who are military veterans.
“Not only is registration for the show free, but attendance is free of charge,” said club member Larry Gipson. “And we have the largest trophy presentation in the area,” he added, with awards given in first, second and third places for entrants; and special trophies for the “Oldest Car Entrant,” “Youngest Car Entrant,” “Farthest Traveled,” “Best of Show,” and the “People’s Choice,” which the crowd chooses.
Ron Swafford, secretary of the car club, pointed out that everything from Corvettes and Mustangs to tractors, jeeps and rat-rods will be on show. Everything from domestic cars to foreign imports will be vying for the trophies, he said.
The trophy presentation will be at 2 p.m. near the fountain.
In addition to business and individual sponsors and the Vintage Car Club, the 15th annual Car & Bike Show will be presented by the Minden Main Street Program and the Webster Parish Convention & Tourism Commission. “The Heat Is On” is this year’s theme, so bring your children, teenagers, and grandchildren out for a truly family-oriented day of fun, food and festivities in downtown Minden.
For more information, contact Antoinette Quarles at 318-707-5362, Larry Gipson at 318-347-9558, or Lakeyla Williams at 318-505-8922.
