Saturday, July 5th, 2003, Barbara and Larry Pettigrew held an Open Car and Truck Show at the USA Fleamarket in Port Richey, Florida. It was a special 4th of July affair, and included Top 100 trophies as well as Best Paint, Engine, Interior, Club Participation, and Overall Best Of Show awards. They also had dash plaques, a 50/50 drawing, and a large selection of door prizes. For the children there were games, awards, and even free pony rides with your picture taken. Food was provided by USA Pizza & Subs outside, and for those who wanted to go inside and sit or cool off The Garden Cafe was also open.

Now anyone who has been going to car shows for a while knows there is always going to be a little problem somewhere along the way. Well, that would be a severe understatement at this show. Just as the first 8 or 10 cars were parked in the main paved lot, the head power pole with three transformers decided to break in half, sending huge sparks down the lines to the next pole with three more transformers....which promptly caught fire. Of course this brought out the Fire Department and power trucks, which meant moving all the cars to different places and rerouting the entrance to the show. It also meant no power for the band (The Bel Aires), or for the DJ, Jack At Night.

But the car show did go on with about 100 entries, with everything from ‘23 T-Buckets to a 2001 Pickup with four televisions and two Playstations. Also seen were drag cars, fuelies, customs, rails, great hot rods, and even some lead sleds.

I mention the lead sleds because when I was growing up that’s what we called the early 50’s cars that weighed a ton, but were customized to look cool. To me they still look cool, and I admire them. Not a lot of chrome, not a lot of flash, maybe chopped, or channeled, frenched, bobbed, nosed or decked. That’s it - and usually black or white. You didn’t have to raise the hood because you already knew what was under it; a souped up flathead. But I digress.

Bob and Larry put on a great show, the weather held up with just a few sprinkles after the awards, and the second band (Velt Walker) played for all who stayed for the entertainment. After the music a spectacular fireworks display was put on. It was a real shame for the Pettigrews that their whole program couldn’t have been enjoyed by all, but Barb has already promised that there is an even bigger and better one in the planning as I write this story. You can bet I will be there to see it around the next 4th of July.

Until then you can check out their monthly show at the USA Fleamarket, held the 3rd Sunday of every month from 8am to 2pm. It includes a Top 25 plus Best Of Show, dash plaques, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and plenty of stuff in the swap meet and fleamarket. For more info give them a Larry or Barb a call at 727-857-2317. CN