By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Larry Day of Granger, Ind., vehicle 117 in a field of 154, won Best of Show Saturday at the 15th annual Rod and Roll Custom Auto Show in downtown Dowagiac. Day entered a 1939 Ford standard coupe. Ed Kazlauskas of Jim D's Body Shop presented his trophy.
Sun shined eventually on Rod and Roll, although two dozen Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce volunteers braved rain and lightning during Saturday morning's set-up, then panted through a humid afternoon.
The only event which had to be scratched was Encore Performing Arts because dancers would have been at danger.
One gentleman told organizers he attends two shows, Dowagiac and Sturgis, because hosts are friendly and take good care of exhibitors.
A record 93 vehicles pre-registered. Usually that number falls in the 70s.
Best antique
(pre-1950s)
Allen and Michael Heminger of Dowagiac, No. 109, a 1941 Graham Hollywood.
Second: Cheryl and Ken Clark of Cassopolis, No. 29, a 1931 Ford Roadster.
Sponsored by: Steinman's Shell.
Best street rod
Glen Meek of Nlies, No. 127, a 1939 Opal convertible.
Second: Jan Richcreek of Dowagiac, No. 14, a 1993 Dodge four-door.
Sponsored by: Flint's Auto Repair.
Best custom car
Jay Mead of Mishawaka, Ind., No. 104, a 1948 Chevy coupe.
Second: Chris Weaver of Cassopolis, No. 113, a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire.
Sponsored by: Barry's Automotive.
Best '50s/'60s classic
Dwight Zimmerman of South Bend, Ind., No. 48, a 1951 Mercury two-door coupe.
Second: Don "Flint" Myers of Dowagiac, No. 12, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible.
Sponsored by: Sunray Restorations.
Best old truck
Allen Bernth of South Bend, No. 105, a 1929 Ford pickup.
Second: Don Richcreek of Dowagiac, a 1938 GMC COE.
Sponsored by: John and Curt's Brake and Alignment.
Best sports car
Ronnie and Brenda Shrout of Dowagiac, No. 85, a 1960 Chevy Corvette.
Second: Ken Clark of South Bend, No. 20, a 1964 Chevy Corvette.
Sponsored by: Mr. K's Wearhouse and Embroidery.
Best motorcycle
Mark Campbell of Mishawaka, Ind., No. 90, a 2005 Cass County chopper.
Second: Laurie Kinzler of Benton Harbor, No. 31, a 2005 Ridley Autoglide.
Sponsored by Laurie Anne's.
Best '70s/'80s
Bob Agostino of Niles, No. 27, a 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo.
Second: Gary Butler of Niles, No. 46, a 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo.
Sponsored by 3G's Body Shop.
Best Jeep
Deb Rohdy of Dowagiac, No. 10, a 1949 Jeepster.
Second: Rick Larson of Dorr, No. 45, a 1979 Jeep CJ 7.
Sponsored by Heartland Chrysler.
Best altered vehicle
John Stephenson of Granger, Ind., No. 102, a 1927 Ford Roadster.
Second: James Foster of Dowagiac, No. 30, a 1983 Dodge pickup.
Sponsored by: Butler's Tree Farm and Campground.
Model car contest
Ethan Wiersma, 6, of Dowagiac. The winner receives a trophy sponsored by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.
Scavenger hunt
Sandy Nimtz, No. 34, Watervliet. The winner receives a book of local history, "Images of America - Dowagiac," sponsored by the Chamber and featuring 11 downtown businesses.
The Marshall Shoppe
word scramble
B. McKesson, Mishawaka, Ind., No. 139, receives a Brighton Christmas ornament.
Grocery cart guess
Bob Hartline of Dowagiac, No. 75, came closest to Harding's Friendly Market's cart of groceries valued at $112.60 with a guess of $98.25.