Howdy, Fellow Addicts!
Hope all are well, despite COVID and other stuff going on. Things are good here, although I’m running a little behind in sharing about our adventures at Ribs and Rods 2020. Oh well, life happens and one just has to take care of the “Gotta Do’s” before the “Wanna Do’s.”
So, I’m going to be honest, I’ve not attended Ribs and Rods until this year. Why? I don’t know why all these years. In mid-May 2018 life, as I had known it, blew up on me. Things finally settled down and I planned to attend Ribs and Rods this year, but . . . it was put on hold. Luckily, those in charge decided to go ahead and set a date, and put on the event.
When I heard, I registered, so that my Sweet Heart, Christine, and I could take my 1965 Impala Super Sport (“Double S”). After prepping Double S for the trip, a final confirmation of good weather, and we headed out Saturday morning.
So, what is Ribs and Rods? Here’s a bit of info from the show site:
Ribs & Rods is one of Temple’s most popular and fastest growing events, joining the community’s love for live music, classic and custom cars, and BBQ, all in support of our local Ronald McDonald House.
Past events have brought in over 500 show vehicles, 75 top notch cooking teams, many vendors, plus family-friendly, fun events and contests.
Bend ‘O The River is one of the most beautiful car show and BBQ cook off sites with sprawling grass and shade trees suprisingly located right off I- 35.
www.ribsandrods.org, 2020
I can’t vouch that Ribs and Rods is one of Temple’s fasted growing events, but folks sure seemed to enjoy the live music, vehicles, food, and supporting Ronald McDonald House. Not sure how others feel about attending events that provide for a cause, but I sure do. Even if we couldn’t have made it, the funds would have helped a good cause.
As the name implies, one would expect that the event would feature ribs and rods. Well, it normally does, but due to COVID, the cook off was cancelled for 2020. Look for it’s return in 2021. Even though the cookoff was cancelled, there were still a few other contests, such as Beer Chugging, Kids’ Contests, and the Car Show “Contest.”
As usual, I didn’t enter to win, so I wasn’t disappointed when Double S didn’t take a trophy. Heck, that’s not what I go to shows for.
What was Ribs and Rods 2020 like?
Well, for us, three words: IT WAS AWESOME. In visiting with and observing folks, I think that the opinion is is shared. EVERYBODY seemed to be having a great time. We sure did.
The venue, Bend ‘O The River, is beautiful and a great place for a car show. Trees and grass abounded, so the heat of early November was not multiplied by asphalt or concrete. Egress in and out of the grounds was great. Even arriving behind most of the entries, we found a nice place to park Double S, in the company of a number of very nice GM products.
The shade was definitely welcome, as it was clear skies and warm on Saturday. Folks who arrived early were able to claim spots amongst the trees.
So, vehicles is what the show was really about, so let’s take a look at some.
Cool classics, with a little custom.
Not your Father’s original ride.
So sweet as Stock.
Something you don’t see often.
Long time Vehicularly Addicted friend, Melissa Turintine’s ’68 Cougar.
New Vehicularly Addicted friends, Carlos and Martha Ballard’s, ’56 Ford Victoria.
In September of 1955, Carlos Ballard was a 23 year old Marine, just home from Korea, when he bought a brand new 1956 Ford Victoria. At that time he was dating a young lady, by the name of Martha. She liked Carlos a lot, but LOVED his new car. In March of 1956, Martha and Carlos married, beginning a life together, that included 3 married kids, 8 grandchildren, and 11 great grand children.
The ’56 “Vicky” was there family car until the first child came along. That addition, and the addition of a house payment made the care payment an issue. The Vicky was sold, replaced by a less expensive used car.
Fast forward. Carlos and Martha missed their “Vicky,” so they decided to get another. It was to be their 64th wedding anniversary gift to each other, and it HAD TO BE just like the original. They found one in Canada, and after much work had it delivered to their home. It showed up on a car hauler, accompanied by Ferraris, Porsches, and BMW’s. In their eyes, the Victoria was the most “Priceless” car on the transport.
I had the pleasure to visit, in depth, with Marth, Carlos, and family members. It’s obvious that the “New Vicky” is just as special as the original “Vicky.”
Ribs and Rods 2020: Wrap Up
Ribs and Rods 2020 was an awesome event, and I have SO many more pictures and stories, but there’s only some much space in a post. Actually, there’s not, but who’s going to read through a “Miles Long” post? Not many folks, I’m sure.
With that, I’m going to post more photos on a gallery page, which you can check out HERE.
I have to say that Ribs and Rods 2020 was an awesome event, despite COVID. Those that made it happen did a great job, and you can bet that I plan to be there next year. Hopefully, you can make it too, bringing your ride out, or just come and enjoy the fun.
Until next time, Peace!
Keith “Shin” Schindler
