Published: July 05, 2008 12:17 am      

Cool cars, motorcycles this weekend

ASHLAND — Depending on this morning’s weather, Summer Motion 2008 organizers predict crowds could have a chance to see a record number of antique, custom and vintage cars and motorcycles in Central Park this weekend.

“With the car show we have over 100 cars every year and this will be the 19th year for it,” said volunteer Cade Mahan, explaining the car show gets underway today, and the motorcycle show is Sunday. “This is the third year for the bike show and it has been growing every year. We started out with 35 or 40 motorcycles and then we had 60-some last year and we’re hoping for around 80 this year.”

While the field of cars remains a mystery until everyone has parked and registered at 9 a.m. today, Mahan said he expects there will be something of automotive interest for everyone who visits Saturday.

“We should have several really nice antiques and several classic Corvettes,” he said. “It should be a nice diverse crowd, a good mix of vehicles.”

Sunday’s motorcycle show will also include an impressive display by sponsor Charlie’s Harleys, Mahan said, encouraging anyone with an interesting two or four-wheeled vehicle to get involved with the show.

“Everyone is more than welcome,” he said, noting there is a $10 registration fee and trophies for car show winners will be presented at 4 p.m. today.

Central Park will also be the place to find everything from a petting zoo to science displays and health screenings to hand-crafted arts and merchandise.

Vendors under tents along the park’s central artery will offer candles, hairbows, overalls, ribbon tees, bandana dresses, diaper cakes, flip-flops, doggy bows, jewelry made from silverware, jewelry created with crystal, glass and semi-precious stones, soy candles, large steel landscape flowers, sauces, quilted purses, sand-carved glassware, doll clothes, adjustable magnetic picture frames, hand-woven baskets, salsa, strawberry/jalepeno pepper jelly, dichroic glass jewelry, yard signs, bonnets, baby blankets, rustic teak root furniture as well as other items created on-site by the artisans.

The arts and crafts vendors are expected to be ready for the public early this morning and remain open into the evening hours.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.