A car show in the park

By Editor | July 9, 2025 |

Photos by Shari Harris
Jim Stevens, of Salem, took home the Best of Show trophy for his 1957 Chevy truck.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Saturday began with cars, trucks and bikes filling the Old City Park and ended with crowds at Deer Lick Park. The Route 63 Car Club held their 41st Annual Car & Bike Show, beginning just before 8 a.m. on Saturday, at Licking’s Old City Park beneath the shade trees.

Eighty-eight vehicles registered in the show, but at least 99 were lined up to allow others to admire their beauty. Car club members from other communities and individual collectors brought their prize possessions to the event. Many visitors attended the show as well, admiring the vintage vehicles, and some newer ones as well.

Dustin Dooley, of Salem, left, holds a first place trophy and Licking Mayor Scott Ogden, right, holds the Mayor’s Choice Trophy won by Dooley for his 1972 GMC pickup.

All vehicles registered received a trophy, with first, second and third place trophies handed out around two p.m. Three special trophies were also awarded. The Police Chief’s Choice this year was a 1932 Ford Roadster, owned by Mark and Wanda Etchason, of Houston. The Mayor’s Choice was a 1972 GMC pickup, owned by Dustin Dooley, of Salem. A 1957 Chevrolet truck, owned by Jim Stevens, of Salem, was the winner of the coveted Best of Show trophy.

Wanda Etchason and husband, Mark, of Houston, won the Police Chief’s Choice trophy for this 1932 Ford Roadster.

The Route 63 Car Club raises funds at the car show to give back to the community, supporting charitable organizations every year in December. Congratulations to the Route 63 Car Club for another fabulous car and bike show, and thank you to all who brought their vehicles to the show and shared them with the community!