By Staff
Organizers of the Dowagiac Rod and Roll Classic Auto Show this Saturday, Aug. 19, will be remembering one of their own, as they present the Harold Primley Inspirational Award in remembrance of Primley, who was one of the original corporate sponsors of the promotion, which is now in its 16th year.
Primley, who had been an auto buff and demolition derby driver for years, and also an avid collector of Dowagiac's beloved Round Oak Stoves, owned Dowagiac Auto Service Center on M-51 South, which his wife, Carol, continues to operate.
A member of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce since 1994, Primley always sponsored one of the trophies, which is presented each year to winners in 16 award categories, from the Best of Show, to antique and custom rods.
"Harold's untimely death on March 30, at the young age of 48, shocked everyone who knew him," said Curt Rohdy, auto show co-chairman.
Rohdy, who owns John and Curt's Brake and Alignment on Pokagon Street, knew Primley for more than 30 years.
"His friends, business associates and race car buddies all agree whatever Harold did, he did with passion," Rohdy said.
"Harold had a big heart," Rohdy said. "He was always good with kids, taking them under his wings, giving them a job if they needed one or just helping them out with their cars."
"Harold was very well thought of by people of all ages," agreed Pam Spivey, co-owner of Creative Vinyl Signs, who sponsors the auto show trophy for the Best Ford.
"When Harold passed away, one of his friends asked us to design a vehicle graphic in his honor that dozens of auto enthusiasts, of all ages, began requesting."
Shortly thereafter the decal, featuring two checkered flags and his trademark number, 2211, began showing up on demolition derby and race cars throughout the region.
"Not only were the decals being requested by his friends, they were also being requested by some of the derby car drivers who raced against Harold, which certainly reflects how much people thought of him," Spivey said.
While Primley was undoubtedly missed at race car derbies this summer, an anonymous donor purchased a bench in his honor at this year's Cass County Fair which also featured his trademark decal.
Rohdy said the Harold Primley Inspirational Award will be presented during the Parade of Winners, which is slated for 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, and will be staged on Front Street, with the announcement of awards taking place in front of the Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand.
Chairing the 2006 auto show with Rohdy and his wife, Debbie, are Ron and Brenda Shrout of Dowagiac.
Organizers said this popular family event promises to attract 200 to 250 classic cars from the early to mid-1900s, as well as motorcycles and custom cycles.
Dowagiac's picturesque central business district is the perfect setting for the highly-collectible vehicles, which is probably why the festival continues to grow in popularity among auto enthusiasts and spectators from across southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana, said Vickie Phillipson, Chamber of Commerce and DDA program director.
"Downtown Dowagiac offers a very clean setting for our show, which, itself, attracts a wholesome and family-oriented audience," Phillipson said.