Throngs turn out for All Wheels Weekend
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-Chronicle photo by Charlotte Baker
The return of Dayton Chamber of Commerce's All Wheels Weekend, after a one-year hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, was met by a glorious weekend of blue skies, sunshine, music, delectable food and the roar of internal combustion engines. Hundreds of people came to town to see nearly 400 cars, trucks and other wheeled vehicles on display along Dayton's tree-lined Main Street.
DAYTON–After 2020's All Wheels Weekend car show was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 edition of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event exemplified what "small-town America" is all about, according to All Wheels Chairwoman Bette Lou Crothers.
"It was the total epitome of what small-town America is all about," Crothers beamed in the aftermath of Dayton's return to normal. "Sitting there Friday night, watching people at the Courthouse, families under the trees, kids playing with Hula Hoops, people dancing-everyone from babies to the very aged all having a great time...I wish I could have a snapshot of that."
"I'm not sure if people were just ready to get out and see other people or simply tired of the restrictions of COVID but what a crowd!" exclaimed Belinda Larson, Manager of the Dayton Chamber. "We had over 370 registered participants with many more cars attending that weren't registered. We heard a lot of compliments on cars and for the show itself."
"It was so wonderful to see so many smiling faces," Crothers said. "People from out of town enjoying Dayton, people from Dayton enjoying Dayton. It was truly perfect in every way."
Estimating the number of people who ventured to Dayton for the show is difficult, Larson said. "I'm really not sure I could quote an estimate of crowd size. We really have no way of knowing."
-Chronicle photo by Charlotte Baker
Dazzling in the bright sunshine was Chuck Hawman's 1936 Ford Coupe, customized to literally hug the ground.
"The 'Drag Races,' which are always fun, delighted a whole new crowd," Larson continued. "The Outlaw Lawn Dragster Races were also an event that was not to be missed.
"Both Friday and Saturday night concerts were well attended and although the Demo Derby had to be postponed until July 17, people have already started to purchase their tickets," she said.
Sunday's events, the Gravis Law Golf Tournament and Skyline Juniors Father's Day Breakfast, were well attended at the Fairgrounds, Crothers said. "We had great weather for it and everyone enjoyed the putting contest at the end," she said.
All Wheels means "all wheels." There were cars, trucks, pickups, motorcycles, bicycles-almost one of everything. Muscle cars, foreign two-seaters, rat rods, a turbo-charged Jeep-something from just about every manufacturer...and then some.
