About 1,000 people turned out Aug. 28 at Arnold VFW Post 2593 for its first-ever Car Show for Veterans, hall manager Jamie Hodge said.
“It was packed,” she said. “It was unreal. The entire day people were coming and going. There was not a spot left in our parking lot. Our club room was full. The hall was packed. It was so good.”
The event raised money to help the post’s members and their families as well as other veterans throughout the area, Hodge said.
She said some of the funds also will be used to hold events for the post’s members and the post’s auxiliary club members.
“We will have a members’ appreciation day and a nice cushion for any problems that arise for members or their families, if they need help,” Hodge said.
Commander Arla Tweedy said the amount of money raised from the event had not been tallied as of Monday, Aug. 29.
However, Hodge said the fundraiser was successful.
The car show had about 130 entrants, she said.
Charles and Darrel Hunt received the VFW Commander’s Pick award for their green 1949 Ford pickup.
A Rock Community firetruck, a Rock Township ambulance and an Arnold Police cruiser were on hand at the event. A children’s hula hoop contest was held and drew 12 entrants, Hodge said.
“Every kid entrant received toy prizes, and the last two finishers received gift cards for Imo’s Pizza,” she said.
Hodge said the Auxiliary Club sold barbecue meals, too.
“The auxiliary barbecue did amazing,” she said. “There was a line of 10 to 12 people at all times. It was unreal.”
Hodge said she was happy with the turnout.
“I truly appreciated everyone who came and hung in there with me because it was our first one,” she said. “It can only get better from here. I hope it was enjoyable enough that they return.”
Hodge said a lot of people helped organize and pull off the event.
“I had a great team behind me,” she said. “They were awesome. The commander (Tweedy) was everywhere. I probably called her name 200 times, and she was always asking what she could do. She helped me out tremendously, as did everyone else.”
Hodge said the post plans to hold the car show again next year, but the event likely be held in September.
“It wasn’t super hot on (Aug. 28), but everyone said we should push it back a little bit to get some better weather,” she said.