26th annual Fabulous 50s Fling, a promising throwback to the good, old days
By Dave Mast
June 2, 2016
677
More than a quarter century ago the community in Sugarcreek decided to try a little something called the Fabulous 50s Fling, a car show that they hoped would generate some buzz within their town.
Now the 50s Fling, which will take place in Sugarcreek June 10-11, is one of the premier car shows in the state of Ohio.
This is a show that has won numerous state and national accolades including Cruisin Times Magazines Best Medium Downtown Car Show 2014.
According to Clayton Weller, who has been a part of the show for a quarter century, the committee has done a wonderful job of creating something special.
I dont think anyone expected this show to turn out like this, Weller said. We went into this thing years ago without having any idea what we were doing, and now its just grown and grown in popularity.
The show kicks off Friday, June 10 with the annual Friday Night Cruise-In. This Open Class event starts at 5 p.m. and features plenty of great cars. The first 150 owners to come in and register will receive a dash plaque, and special awards will be doled out.
There will also be a Wine Country Cruise & Poker Run, a self-driving tour of five local wineries and wine stores. The tour begins as early as 2 p.m. on Friday and starts at the Schoolhouse Winery at 455 Schneiders Crossing Road NE in Dover. Patrons may cruise the tour at their leisure, and each winery will have a deck of cards and will mark the sheets of those participating. Sheets must be turned in by 6 p.m. to be eligible for prizes.
That wine cruise will be even better than last year because we learned a lot, Weller said. Its something different that really adds to the overall experience of the weekend.
The big draw is Saturday when countless classic, muscle and collectible cars line the park area. In the past the 50s Fling has drawn some spectacular old models and some racy and sleek automobiles. There truly is something for every taste in vehicles.
Registration is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and awards will be doled out via a committee of car aficionados. Registration forms can be found on the shows website at www.fab50sfling.com.
If history holds true, this years crop of cars should be an amazing amalgam of everything and anything people could want to see. To get to talk to the owners and chat about the past and the history of their automobiles is also part of the pleasure.
We have a lot of high-end cars coming in for this event, and word of mouth is spreading that this is a great show to come to because of the quality and the experience, Weller said.
As a way of feeding the masses this year the 50s Fling has created a wide array of local organizations to provide plenty of food choices.
Arts On Broadway will provide hot dogs and snow cones; Dennison Foursquare Church will present breakfast sandwiches, French fries and onion rings; the Lions Club will be selling Trail and Swiss sandwiches and hot dogs; and the Sugarcreek Business Association will have pies and ice cream. Those seeking a full breakfast before the car show starts can find one at Sugarcreek United Methodist Church. United Church of Christ will offer bratwurst and kraut, chicken barbecue by the half with carry-out available, and hot dogs. Union Hill United Methodist Church will serve cream chicken sandwiches, gravy burgers and hot dogs.
Last year was the first time we had the churches provide the food, and it worked out so well for both them and for us, Weller said. They provide a lot of food options, and that makes the weekend more enjoyable for everyone.
After perusing the multitude of cars and getting their fill of scrumptious food, patrons of the 50s Fling can sit back and relax under the pavilion for some fantastic 50s music.
Event coordinators have gone to great lengths to capture the flair and style of 1950s music that allows visitors to sock hop, doo-wop and dance, or simply sit back and let the memories wash over them.
This years performers include the Bel-Airs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the high-energy rockabilly band Hi-Views from Detroit, Michigan, which will take the stage from 3-6:30 p.m.
Its a grand time of rockin and boppin to the sounds of the 1950s.
In the past we have really kept it to 50s style music, but this year we wanted to try something different, and one of our committee members heard (Hi-Views) and was really impressed, Weller said.
Its a blast from the past, so make sure to burn rubber to Sugarcreek June 10-11 to check out all of the classy chassis, great food and fab happenings.
We are ready to roll, so all we can do now is sit back and pray for great weather, Weller said, but rain or shine we should have a great time.
For further information email fab50sfling@yahoo.com or call the Sugarcreek Information Center at 330-852-4113.
