Crazy Days of Christmas brings in shoppers and car enthusiasts

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City drew a crowd this weekend as people came in for cars and Christmas decorations during the Christmas in July event.

“It’s been busy,” said Rustic Corner owner Tami Vetter. “We got people from as far away as Algona and Waverly.”

The Christmas in July event coincides with the release of this year’s selection of new Hallmark ornaments, which Vetter says is the biggest day of the year for her shop as people come from far and wide to pick up their favorite Christmas decorations.

Getting in on the early holiday fun, other Charles City businesses from Cardigan to Otto’s Oasis gave visiting shoppers more to do with clearance items and sidewalk sales to browse through.

Also synergizing with the shopping event was the fourth annual Santa’s Shine and Show by the Charles City Rotary Club, bringing in a big selection of cars, trucks and motorcycles for spectators to view.

With Santa on hand to distribute presents donated by area businesses, the car show serves as a mutually beneficial draw for the community.

“It works out good for both of us,” said Rotary’s Dennis Donovan. “This car show couldn’t be what it is without the businesses in town that support us.”

Traditionally set downtown along Main Street, the ongoing construction this summer resulted in the show setting up at a new location this year, lining up cars just off of Main Street at the Hot Shots Billiards parking lot.

“It’s perfect,” said Donovan. “We filled up the lot.”

Nearly 100 cars registered for the show, with registrations and sponsorships raising about $5,000 for the club to go toward scholarships and projects.

Awards were given out to several entries, with Best in Show going to Wayne Jordahl and his Boss Yellow.

In the Top Five were Steve Gil’s 1996 Shelby Cobra, Rick Parker’s red Ford pickup, Jason Daniels’ 1964 Chevy Impala, Wayland Bean’s 1970 AMC, and Jim Rausch’s 1962 Chevy Nova.

The Top Truck of the show was Al Schroeder’s 1941 Chevy and the Top Motorcycle was Chad Lindquist’s 2000 Harley-Davidson.

Paul Burnham’s 2010 Corvette was the top Rotarian vehicle.

The Top 20 featured Roger Bach’s 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, Joy Wickerson’s 1968 Chevy Camero, Dennis Kohls’ 1963 Chevy Nova, Jim Rausch’s 1968 Chevy Camero, Mick Hilger’s 1957 Ford 300, Jay Swaroff’s 1934 Ford, Kevin Wood’s 1970 Mach, Deanne Knapp’s VW, Greg Townsend’s 1939 Master Coupe, Joe Becker’s 1965 Grand Prix, Jim Raush’s 1957 Chevy Truck, Ronald Endelman’s 1925 Star, George Nash’s 1967 Chevy Nova, John Teepe’s 2007 Ford Mustang, John Farrell’s 1970 Chevy Nova, Scott Tusher’s 1972 Chevy El Camino, Jason and Patty Goecken’s 1932 Ford Sadan, Jerry Ott’s 1964 Chevy Impala SS, Chuck Knapp’s 1959 Ford Fairlane Skyliner and Robert Hillegas’ 1974 Trans Am.

Along with the cars for spectators to enjoy, Dave’s Restaurant was on site with hot dogs and hamburgers while a new food truck, the Spud Bus, was set up with hot potatoes.

While this year’s show wasn’t directly on Main Street, the benefits of being able to go inside Hot Shots to escape the heat, get a drink or use the restroom was appreciated by both attendees and Rotary volunteers.

“It took a lot of work off the Rotary having it here,” said Donovan.

Some have suggested that the car show continue to be held at the parking lots, which the Rotary club will discuss down the line.