FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   CONTACT: Galen Muller (319) 465-5119

www.rodandcustomcarshow.com

January 27, 2023                    galenmuller@rodandcustomcarshow.com

A February Midwest tradition continues as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show Returns Feb. 25-26 in Monticello, Iowa

For the 54th consecutive year the KCRG TV9 O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show will help chase the Midwest winter blues away providing affordable family fun while showcasing unique and classic cars and motorcycles.

A new selection of show entries including street rods, custom cars, street machines, hot pickups, race cars and custom motorcycles — featuring some never seen before — will be competing for trophies from McAllister Electrical Services and Citizens State Bank cash prizes. The vehicles come from exhibitors throughout the Midwest.

This winter family fun event again will be held at the Monticello Berndes Center, 766 North Maple Street in Monticello, only 35 miles from Cedar Rapids or Dubuque on U.S. Highway 151.

A popular feature of the yearly event is a celebrity appearance and this year Anson Williams, “Potsie” from the enduring hit TV show “Happy Days,” travels from his California home to meet and greet fans during the event. Williams is also a singer and director and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on “Happy Days.” Williams will be available for autographs, pictures and conversation Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to the vehicles, added attractions include:

·       3-D Sound Company DJ Dave Palmer returns to provide music and commentary and serve as awards MC Sunday for the 24rd year.

·       Balloon artist “Papa Balloon” Mark Garvey again will be making free balloon creations.

·       Wisconsin caricature artist David Fliss, of Flissart Entertainment, will provide entertaining commentary while drawing free portraits for attendees.

The 38th Annual Model Car Contest will feature a new selection of scale model cars that will compete for trophies and model kits. This competition is open to all ages with categories for 12 years and under, 13 to 17, and 18 and over.

Spectators actively participate in voting for three awards: People’s Choice car/pickup, People’s Choice Motorcycle and People’s Choice Model car. Guests also become eligible for door prizes.

Special souvenir items including posters and T-shirts will be available.

Back this year is the popular Saturday “Date Night” where all ladies will be admitted free (with date or without) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Once again the Monticello Eagles Club Ladies Auxiliary #4466 will be serving their famous turkey dressing sandwiches in addition to other food items — with profits going to community projects.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Awards presentation is set for 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Get $1 off by bringing a can of food to benefit Four Oaks family programs. Parking is free.

For more information visit www.rodandcustomcarshow.com or phone (319) 465-5119. Show weekend phone is (319) 465-6640.

The legacy and vision of show founder Ralph G. Muller (1940-2020) continues to be carried on by Ralph’s younger brothers Galen and Tom Muller and the show’s many friends.

Photo: Anson “Potsie” Williams of “Happy Days.”