Nearly 2,500 people visit downtown for annual auto show

LANDRUM — Polished fenders of bright, bold colors,  and hoods lifted to show off motors cleaned to a shine filled North Trade Street, from the depot to Rutherford Street, on Saturday.

The parking area behind the Hare and the Hound and the Shops of Landrum was filled with classic cars as well, all in town for the Dark Corner Classic Car Show.

Car enthusiasts drove from as far away as Kentucky to show off 250 cars in the annual event. Nearly 2,500 tourists strolled through the blocked off streets,  talking horsepower and camshafts and comparing designs.

In addition to the cars, eight food trucks were on hand, selling everything from turkey legs to lemonade. Area businesses set up booths and gave out gift bags for the first 100 car owners who registered.

Tom Furey, of Tryon, was there with his 1932 red Ford Sedan.

Furey is a member of the Automotive Club of America, and has been a judge for car shows for 30 years. He said a judge looks for cleanliness, originality and craftsmanship.

They also consider the work done on the car.

“You know when it looks good,” Furey said.

Kenneth Burrell, of Tryon, brought his 1934 Ford five-window coupe to the show. Burrell has been involved with classic cars for more than 30 years, and has attended national shows as far away as Oklahoma, Minnesota and Ohio.

“This is the same kind of car Bonnie and Clyde were driving when they were killed,” said Burrell, pointing to the brown and buff painted coup behind him.

The show was also success for the Landrum Rescue District 11. Paramedic Lt. Grant Cogdell and Lt Marcus Armstrong manned the grill, while Lt. Rick Howard served up the plates filled with pork barbecue sandwiches, chips and soft drinks as a fundraiser for the rescue squad.

The Landrum Area Business Association organizes the car show each year. LABA President Dianna Winkler said it is always a great revenue opportunity for Landrum businesses as well as for the city itself.

“This is great event and great exposure for Landrum,” Winkler said. “They keep coming back and telling others to come back.”