The Fabulous 50s Fling is back for its 21st year and has something for everyone. Its a car show, in fact, the second largest of its kind in the nation. Its a music festival that celebrates the sounds of a bygone era. Its a family event that you wont want to miss. This years fling will take place June 10-11 in downtown Sugarcreek.
Dick Lahm serves as the quarterback, while a group of nearly 100 volunteers make the plays necessary to create an annual festival that revisits the cars, the fads and the music of an unforgettable era. We have something for everyone, said Lahm. The Fling is a family event that is affordable and a great way to showcase our community.
The event features homemade food reminiscent of the soda shop era. Barbecued chicken and ribs, along with fresh cut shoestring fries and hand dipped onion rings are always a crowd favorite. Fifty cent hot dogs, bratwurst and kraut, Sloppy Joes and root beer floats will make you feel like youve stepped back in time. The regional favorite, a gravy burger made famous by the former Sugarcreek Hotel, will be available, as well as a host of locally made pies and desserts.
As many as 600 cars have registered in past years and this year should prove to be no exception. Friday nights car show will feature an open class cruise-in with all makes and models. Five custom, scroll-cut awards designed by Dave Borter will be given out. On Saturday, the true classics will be showcased, with all cars being models from 1975 or older.
The professionally judged car show will award a $1,000 Napa tool chest to the Best of Show, sponsored by Weaver Heritage Communities. The top 50 winners will receive an over-sized Wind Tamer umbrella. Three-hundred cars will receive dash plaques and a custom designed T-shirt commemorating the show.
Those interested in registering a car may do so the day of the show, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or by visiting the website at http://fab50sfling.com.
We have top-flight, genuine fifties music, said Lahm. Entertainment begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday with the band, Remember When. Later in the afternoon, audiences can enjoy the sounds of Tailor Made Classics. People come out and have a blast, said Lahm. When you see older people doing the twist, it reminds you of how much they miss the 50s.
Seating is limited and guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.
Ring toss and cornhole games will be available for the kids. The model car show is a great opportunity for kids and adults to participate in the show even if they dont have a full-size car. Registration will be at the corner of Main and Broadway, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, with a cost of $1 per entry. There are two categories, kit models and handmade models. For each category there are three classes based on the age of the builder: 6-12, 13-17, and 18 and up. There will be an award for first through third in each category and age group. The model car and truck show is sponsored and conducted by the Community Arts Council.
Downtown Sugarcreek shops will be open for business, as well as the Alpine Hills Historical Museum. People come from all over, said Lahm. Not everyone comes for the cars. We have one couple who stumbled upon the festival and now return each year for the music and the food.
The Fabulous 50s Fling is intended to promote the community, increase tourism and create revenue for the many businesses that make the region so unique. Parking is free and is available at Garaway High School and at Belden Brick across from Holmes Lumber.
