The “Rain Gods” were very good to the Jacksonville Rod Runners as they kicked off their 32nd Annual Memorial Day Rod Run on Friday night, May 23rd, 2003 at the Holiday Inn Orange Park host hotel on Highway 17 South. Despite weather reports that were forecasting for scattered showers, only one quick shower appeared as a free BBQ dinner was enjoyed by all registered participants. New and old friends swapped stories, and there was much anticipation for the following day’s show.

Saturday morning, May 24th, a total of 372 rods, classics, customs, street machines, sports cars and trucks rolled onto the grass adjacent to the Orange Park Mall shopping center. Many serious car enthusiasts enjoyed viewing the show vehicles, visiting the flea market vendors and tasting a variety of refreshments provided by the food vendors. DJ’s Butch and Jennifer Johnston did a great job of entertaining the crowd by spinning tunes and taking music requests throughout the day.

Everyone registered received a dash plaque, goody bag and a large commemorative mug. Many great door prizes were given out all day, plus a whopping $3,000 in cash and a 350 Chevy small block were given away at the end of the show. As you might imagine, the respective winners were plenty pleased. There were plenty of awards presented at the end of the day, including a Top 40, plus 37 Specialty Awards in various classes (see the results box below for Specialty winners).

The Jacksonville Rod Runners once again did a great job hosting another fun event, and they would like to send out a big “Thank You” to all of the participants and spectators that came out. They look forward to hosting another exciting show next year. So mark your calendars for the 33rd Memorial Day Rod Run on May 28th and 29th, 2004 and make plans to be there. This is one show that has been going strong for a long time, and always attracts many faithful regulars and newcomers alike. CN

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Specialty Awards

Best Of Show: Ron Hassel • 1932 Muroc Roadster
Best Engine: Steve & Sandra Twiss • 1970 Plymouth Duster
Best Paint: John & Gail Policella • 1964 Chevy Corvair Van
Best Interior: Joe Mateychick • 1937 Ford Slantback
Best Under Construction: Jeff Millikan • 1932 Ford Roadster
Best Steel Body Car: David Wade • 1938 Ford Coupe
Best Use Of Color: Edward Phillips • 1936 Ford Truck
Best Flames: Pam & Bill Edmundson • 1934 Dodge Coupe
Best Graphics: Alan Switzer • 1939 Ford Sedan Delivery
Best Corvette: Mike Haynes • 1963 Corvette Split Window
Best Chevrolet: Tim Paulette • 1962 Chevy Belair
Best Chevelle: Wayne Swindle • 1967 Chevy Chevelle
Best 55-56-57 Chevy: William & Karen Moore • 1956 Convertible
Best Classic Camaro: Bruce Arnold • 1969 Chevy Camaro
Best Chevy Street Rod: Randy Copeland • 1931 Chevy Vicky
Best Impala SS: Jim Richardson • 1962 Chevy Convertible
In The Weeds: Jerry Wheeler • 1954 Ford F-100 Pickup
Best Ford: Ken Parker • 1951 Ford F-100 Pickup
Best Classic Mustang: Jerry Joiner • 1964 Mustang
Best Contemporary Mustang: Don Walters • 2003 Cobra Coupe
Best Ford Street Rod: John Cato • 1929 Ford Roadster
Best Sport Truck: James Ashley • 1968 Chevy Pickup
Best Mopar: Mark Becker • 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda
Best Roadster: Greg Brantley • 1932 Ford Roadster
Best Street Rod: Ken & Helen Elkinds • 1937 Ford Club Cabriolet
Best T-Bucket: Carl Bowles • 1925 Ford Speedster
Best Nostalgic: Larry & Janet Burkhart • 1931 Ford Coupe
Best Modified Suspension: Rowland Haddock • 1941 Willys Coupe
Best PT Cruiser: Les Houpt • 1999 PT Cruiser
Best Mercury: Bob Odom • 1950 Mercury
People’s Choice: Bruce Perrault • 1951 Ford Woody
Long Distance: Jim Lyons • 1971 Convertible
Club Participation: North Florida Street Rods
Ladies Choice: Larry & Paulene Thomson • 1940 Ford Sedan
Hard Luck: Bill Czap • 1934 Chevy 3-Window Coupe
Cruisin Style Pick: Ricky Grant • 1954 Ford Station Wagon
Goodguys Rep Pick: Jason Davis • 1953 Pontiac Catalina
Goodguys Rep Pick: Rachel Blakeley • 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible