Lavonia’s Classic Car Show and Main Street Music earned two thumbs up from visitors who enjoyed the daylong events July 17. Sponsored by the Chamber and the Northeast Georgia  Mustang Club, the car show drew 59 entries covering the spectrum from seriously restored to whimsical autos from 1930 to present day.

The first place winner was a 1969 Camaro owned by Phillip Shields, 2nd place went to Richard Groont and his 1968 Mustang Bullet, 3rd to a 1936 Chevrolet owned by Mickey Archer and 4th to Ernie Schetzel and his 1969 Mustang.

Chamber president Al Goldsmith said he received many favorable comments about Lavonia’s appearance, the location of the show, promotional publicity, food vendors, shops and restaurants. The Downtown Café reaped an economic benefit from serving 100 diners during the afternoon an employee said. Goldsmith appreciated the generous donations from Auto Zone and the local banks and credit union for contributing items for the goody bags for show entrants.

Show chairman Lionel Michaud said it was a good show and there was a steady flow of enthusiastic visitors coming through. He added he was pleased that the older models received top votes.

Volunteers assisting were Jan Burgess, Ruth Davis and Mary Michaud handling registration and the tally of votes. Steve Michaud, Darby Cannon, John Poole and Andrew Dunn handled set up and parking.

The Holman Autry Band capped off the perfect summer day with a southern country-rock concert highlighted by their performance of “Sweet Southern Wind,” title track from their recently released CD. Based in Madison County, the band won the 2006 Battle of the Bands in Athens and is acquiring a following throughout Georgia and in Europe. They expressed appreciation for being invited to perform and for the air time given them by WLHR radio station.

Visit the Gallery to view more pictures.

Winners of the Classic Car Show are (left to right) 1st place 1969 Camaro owned by Phillip Shields, 2nd 1968 Mustang Bullet owned by Richard Groont, 4th 1969 Mustang owned by Ernie Schetzel and 3rd 1936 Chevrolet owned by Mickey Archer

Local businessman Bob Goff restored this 1968 Mercury Cougar which was owned by actor Ben Jones who played Cooter in the Dukes of Hazzard TV show.

Some of the volunteers who helped make the show a success are John Poole, chairman Lionel Michaud, Mary Michaud, Ruth Davis and Jan Burgess.

The Northeast Georgia Mustang Club sponsored the show bringing 11 Mustangs from their membership and drawing in a total of 17 Mustangs. Club president is David Osborn of Winder with his daughter Brandi and his 2005 Saleen supercharged glass top Mustang. Members were very complimentary of the show’s organization and the City of Lavonia’s hospitality.

1st Place Winner

2nd Place Winner

3rd Place Winner

4th Place Winner

Ralph Satterwhite of Stone Mountain owns this 1948 Ford which competes as a “Rat Rod.”  Some of its distinguishing features are a regular light bulb for a dome light, faucet knobs for radio controls, a rubber rat for a gas cap, a large fire extinguisher between the front seats and a glass knob for the door handle.

Toccoa residents Eddie Evans and Tom Payne brought their brightly restored autos being admired by Al Goldsmith. At left is Evans’ 1932 Ford and at right is Payne’s 1930 Model A which was in a tie for fourth place.

Main Street Music presented the Holman Autry Band made possible by a grant from the Grassroots Art Program. Members of the band based in Madison County are (left to right) Brodye Brooks, Josh Walker, Brandon Myers, Casey King and Daniel Sartain.