“[Vehicle owners] that come to the show, they always comment about the friendliness of the community…. The entire community supports the show.”--Dan Groman

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bluffton Lions Club Festival of Wheels will fill downtown Bluffton on Friday, June 14, closing Main St. and adjacent parts of Vine, Cherry and Church streets. Participants will begin parking their cars at 1:00 p.m. and will wrap up the show with a cruise down Main St. at 8:00 p.m.

The event spotlights all kinds of vehicles, using Village buildings and businesses as a backdrop. From an early multi-purpose Model T Ford to glossy customized new vehicles, the car show attracts many kinds of cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

The car show is a competition and will take place rain or shine. Judging begins at 5:00 p.m. and the Top 25 plus special trophies are awarded at 7:30 p.m.

Coordinator Dan Groman notes that  “[Vehicle owners] that come to the show, they always comment about the friendliness of the community…. The entire community supports the show.” In addition to drawing spectators, the show has the support of 33 major sponsors.

You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy the Festival. Groman says that, “For small kids, a lot of the car owners will let them, if they ask, sit in the or maybe even honk the horn, and just sit there and dream about the future.” 

Groman, who is not a Bluffton Lion, has become the coordinator because of his life-long love of cars. This year he is celebrating owning his 1954 Chevy for 50 years. He encourages others to support the Lions Club and the event.

For those interested in Lions membership, visit the registration table which will be located on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church.