Hop on Your Hogs and Hot Rods

Looking for a family-friendly event that will leave you with lots of great memories?

Preston Haley, Brad Francis, Susan Erler and Mary Risley of Collinsville Downtown, Inc. invite you and your family to the 9th annual Hogs ‘n’ Hot Rods Car & Bike Show.

Looking for a family-friendly event that will leave you with lots of great memories? Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 12 and make your way to the party on Main Street in Collinsville for a day of old-fashioned fun. The festivities start at 9 a.m. and run until 6 p.m.

The 9th annual Hogs ‘n’ Hot Rods© Car and Bike Show is the largest fundraiser for Collinsville Downtown, Inc. (CDI) – an organization dedicated to business retention, attraction of new businesses, and maintaining the historical feel and architecture of the Main Street business district in downtown Collinsville. Last year’s event won the 2009 Premier Event category from the Oklahoma Main Street Association, and this year’s show is shaping up to be even better.

Brad Francis of CDI, a lifelong resident of Collinsville, shares that what his hometown lacks in size, it makes up for in character. CDI has had a hand in saving the old City Hall building and in streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, trees, landscaping and light poles. They have also worked with the city, county and federal government on improvements to Main Street, benefitting the community year-round with new irrigation, underground electric, and a new highway overlay. Additional water and electrical outlets have made the area a more festival-friendly venue.

With hundreds of classic, custom and vintage cars and trucks and thousands of motorcycles on display, Hogs ‘n’ Hot Rods will keep car and cycle enthusiasts busy for hours. Over 100 awards will be given out at the 4:30 p.m. ceremony, including prizes for Best Paint, Best Engine, Celebrity Choice and Best of Show. Brad says they are expecting between 17 to 30 show bikes this year. Previous years have attracted participants from Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and as far away as New Mexico.

If shiny paint and chrome isn’t your thing, don’t be dismayed. Hogs ‘n’ Hot Rods offers live entertainment, a Kids’ Zone with free inflatables, and great shopping at local stores and boutiques. More than 50 vendors will offer everything from sunglasses and jewelry to arts and crafts. The Collinsville Idol singing contest will offer a surprise celebrity judge and has proven to be a crowd favorite. CDI Board President Roy Weathers is taking applications for the Collinsville Idol singing contest and can be reached at (918) 292-9060.

Susan Erler, CDI Main Street director, said there will also be helicopter rides available this year for $35 each, and a portion of each fee will be donated back to CDI. “We are excited about the quality of vendors and attractions we have to offer,” she said. “There’s really something for everyone.”

Main Street will be closed throughout the day and a variety of events will offer entertainment for all ages. Mary Risley, events coordinator for Collinsville Downtown, has been working on the show for months. “Every year we have more and more people attend, and every year we have great volunteers who step up.”

Brad says that volunteers are fed well and given an event T-shirt and a sincere thank you. “We rely heavily on our board members, but we couldn’t get anything done without our volunteers. There are a few of us who do the long-term planning and the majority who show up and work for the day. It takes both groups to make it work.”  

If all that car gazing and shopping works up your appetite, Hogs ‘n’ Hot Rods offers a variety of dining choices. The locals will be serving up their specialties, and Mary says they will also have a tasty assortment of foods available to purchase on the street. If you are longing for your favorite state fair treats, you can satisfy your craving a few months early. “We will have all the basics such as corn dogs and hamburgers, turkey legs, nachos, and of course, barbeque. Those with a sweet tooth can snack on funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and Edy’s ice cream, plus Indian tacos, taco salads and brat burgers will be available. There will also be beer vendors and wine tasting of selections from Summerside Winery of Vinita.

Preston Haley, a member of the CDI board, said sponsorships are still welcome, and Hogs ‘n’ Hot Rods is a fun event for a fine cause. He encourages everyone to come early and stay late and support the preservation of downtown Collinsville.

For more information, contact

Collinsville ­Downtown, Inc.

(918) 371-5530

www.cvilleok.com/DowntownInc