Murphy – Even with the possibility of rain, local residents and visitors came out for more than just a car show at Valley River Chevrolet on July 20.
The second annual event, with nearly 50 beautiful vehicles on site, was coupled with a pet adoption, which had some cats and dogs wagging their tails all the way to their new homes.
It’s more difficult for an older animal to be adopted, as many folks prefer younger ones. However, one dog who has been a resident of the Valley River Humane Society’s animal shelter in Marble for three years found himself so loved by his new owner that she spoke of him through tears.
Charlotte Kilpatrick of Cherry Log, Ga., came for a car show but left with far more than she expected.
“I’m scared at night to stay by myself. I had to give my animals away a while back and after I gave my dog away; he kept people from messing with me, I needed another dog to protect me,” she said of her new friend, Axle.
“That’s how come I found this one. I feel safe, and I feel like he’s going to protect me and help me emotionally.”
As Axle sat by her side, Kilpatrick showered him with hugs and tears thanks to the humane society. It appeared both owner and canine found their happy place with each other.
By the end of the car show, three cats and one dog found new places to call home. In addition, lunch was served to attendees, and there was entertainment with a dunk tank.
One show participant brought his red 1966 Ford Fairlane out for the first time since his father passed away.
David Mason of Murphy is used car manager at the dealership. He purchased the car in 1996 as a project he and his father could work on together.
However, two months into the project, his dad got sick and passed away. Mason lost interest in continuing without him.
Mason later picked up the project again to keep it from going to waste. The 289 Cobra Jet was entered into the car show for the first time, winning a trophy for Best Engine.
Mason’s bright red classic beauty on wheels sat among other show entrants, including classics, hot rods, those with souped-up engines and even a military Humvee purchased from SWAT. Sounds of revving engines permeated the grounds of Valley River Chevrolet, as spectators’ heads turned in admiration of the vehicles before them.
Thomas Crane, 16, of Cherokee County, Ga. , said he likes to play golf, but appeared to have the arm of a baseball pitcher. He repeatedly hit the bulls-eye on the dunk tank, landing those sitting in the suspended seat straight into the murky water below.
Odin Rea-Gutierrez of Blue Ridge, Ga., after pulling himself back out of the water several times at the throwing hand of Crane, exclaimed, “I’m having a great time.”
When searching for someone willing to be put into the tank, Rea-Gutierrez’ father, the service manager at the dealership on U.S. 64 West, volunteered his son for the task.
The event ended as loudly as it began. Who would expect anything less from show cars?