Legion fundraiser a success despite weather

Last Saturday, the American Legion held its inaugural car show, poker run, and smoked dinner fundraiser at Klingensmith Park. Although the chilly, overcast Oklahoma weather dampened turnout, attendees and participants enjoyed the day. Members of the “Mannford Mavericks” auto club danced, rubber-legged and disco styles, and joked with each other and visitors amongst the cars throughout the event. The group provided laughter and added their own spin on fun to the breezy, chilly day. Legionnaires and auxiliary members manned the smoker, information center, dessert and craft area, and car show table.

Legion Service Officer Vane Bell said the group will host the events around June in future years in hopes of avoiding a repeat of weather interference. He and other Legionnaires present noted the event’s success despite the cool breeze as attendees and participants came out to enjoy the day and good company with friends old and new.

Car show entrants included owners from around northeast Oklahoma. Entrants included (asterisk denotes best in class winners): Nicole Crawford of Bristow, Purple Holographic 2001 Ford Mustang “Candy” *James Titus of Sapulpa, Majestic Blue 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air “The Mistress” *Larry Stephens of Sapulpa, Cinder Red 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Richard Johnson of Sapulpa, Red Line Red 1969 Dodge Charger Curtis Gillis of Bristow, Rangoon Red 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 XL Roy Stubblefield of Sapulpa, Artesian Turquoise 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS “Jubal” *Kim Stubblefield of Sapulpa, Black 1985 Chevrolet C10 “John B.”

**Gary Satterfield of Sapulpa, Red and White 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air David Claybrook of Mannford, Atomic Orange 1969 Chevrolet CST pickup *Harold Tate of Mannford, Baby Blue 1965 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible “Hubba” Delbert Stroup of Mannford, White 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air “Debone” Dale Varnell of Mannford, Candy Apple Red 1965 Ford Fairlane “Pops” Steve Pitts of Hominy, Cosmos Red 1973 Chevrolet Camaro SS “Red” Orville Tarkington of Cleveland, Gypsy Red and White 1955 Bel Air two door hard top Wayne Wright of Amarillo— now Bristow, Flat Black 1969 Volkswagon Beetle “The Cat” Steve McNew of Bristow, Hemi Orange 1970 Plymouth Road Runner *Ted Runt of Bristow, McNew Black 1951 Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck Craig Longacre of Bristow, Turquoise and White 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air David Riise of Bristow, Hugger Orange 1966 Chevrolet El Camino *Chris Jones of Bristow, Go Mango 2017 Dodge Challenger Hellcat *Jay Compston “JJ” of Bristow, Black 2007 Harley-Davidson Motor Trike “Elvira” and custom, owner-built trailor Shane Barrett of Bristow, Black with flames 2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide John Greenwood of Bristow, Victory Red 1964 Chevrolet Impala “Chief ” *Roger Meyer of Collinsville, Trophy Blue 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray *Virgil Romine of Cleveland, Grey and Red 1950 Ford Massey Ferguson tractor, First Issue, “Chopper” Keith Breckenridge of Bristow, Candy Red and Black Issue, “Chopper” Keith Breckenridge of Bristow, Candy Red and Black 1999 GMC Yukon *Bryan Sams of Kellyville, Screamin’ Yellow 1934 Dodge pickup truck *Randy Danner of Bristow, Black 1931 Ford Model A “Coupé de ville” Les Covey of Mannford, Olive Drab 1943 Willys MB Jeep, WWII Issue, “Miss Wyoming” Gary Satterfield won the overall Competitor’s Choice Award for his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. Vane Bell and Connie Wilson rode away winners of the Poker Run event.

As the event came to a close, the American Legion expressed its gratitude to the City of Bristow for use of the park, to all sponsors for their support, and to all attendees and participants for making the event an enjoyable, memorable, fun day for the community in support of the Legion and Veterans.

courtesy photo