Last Roar Car Show in Rockton had almost 200 distinctive entries

Bright sunshine and temperatures in the 70's set the perfect scene for the Rockton Lions Last Roar Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.

Show stopping cars, specialty bikes and custom vehicles filled Settler's Park with 190 participants, 50 more than last year's show.

Categories ranged from the pre-50's, to the 50's , 60's, 70's, 80's through the year 2000 and up. Interesting motorcycles and trucks added to the show.

Car lovers stopped by to show respect and admiration.

An eye-catching pairing called “The Coca Cobra” featured a 1966 Shelby Cobra 351-W.  Behind the car sat a trailer holding a Coca Cola themed cooler, with an umbrella shading the back side. A metal sign gives fuller details of part of this car's story.

The Coca-Cobra

Dennis Jack had his 1939 Ford Deluxe on the grounds. “My father bought this car in 1977. He started restoring it in May of 2002,” Jack said.

“My father passed away in 2009 and I started working on the Ford in January of 2010. Restoration was completed in May of 2011.”

Only 26 of these cars are known to exist.

After many years Dennis Jack finished restoration on a 1939 Ford Deluxe, originally owned by his dad.

Rockton Lion Steve Herringer was joined by a team of volunteers who oversaw registration, placement of vehicles, a fifty-fifty raffle, and other raffles for awesome items generously donated by local businesses.

Steve and Karen Martin of Seek Your Geek played an integral role in the event.

Joe Locke of Hits DJ Service kept the energy rolling as he played tunes and announced the event's action.

Frybabies offered favorites such as hot dogs or chili dogs. At DeeDee's Coffee and Decor's trailer (nicknamed 'Hazel'), a nice array of coffee and drink options included a fall favorite - apple cider.

The first Last Roar Car Show was first held in 2018 and has been ongoing for the past five years. Heather Hulmes was the original chairperson. “I am glad that the Rockton Lions have continued to make this event successful,” Hulmes said.

Spectators joined in choosing winning favorites in different categories. First, second and third place winners were announced.

Earning Best of Show honors were Shawn and Marj Sweeny with a 1981 Camaro Z28. This spectacular car is gold with a matching gold interior and is fully loaded with all options. The transmission is a T-Tops 350 4 barrel automatic. Around four years ago it was restored to full factory specs.

The Sweenys have owned this beauty for seven years after buying it as a rust free Arizona car.

Shawn and Marj Sweeney won Best of Show honors with their 1981 Camaro.

Jake Jacob was voted First Runner Up with his Harley Chopper.

The first 100 cars that were registered received a dash plaque.

“We are hoping to continue increasing the amount of cars we have for next year's event,” Herringer said.

All the money raised from the Last Roar Car Show goes right back into the community through the Rockton Lions Club charities.

DJ Joe Locke thanked everyone who supported the show including sponsors, all of the donors and the volunteers.

Rockton Lion Terrie Garlow said, “The Rockton Lions donated $64,000 back into the community in the last year. Part of this came from various events including the OSD festival.”

The success of the Last Roar Car Show allows the Rockton Lions Club to continue to live by the motto, “We Serve,” while always lending a hand to others.

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