Ken Gross is the guest of honor at the car show set for June 25 through June 27. (Photograph courtesy of Mr. Gross) Television actor John Schneider and automotive television host Ken Gross will headline the St. Ignace Car Show this year. Despite recession estimates that many car shows across the country may see a 20% drop in entrants this year, organizer Ed Reavie is optimistic that early registrations will pick up for the St. Ignace event as the show date nears, because this show offers several advantages that others don't, he says. Participation for the antique tractor show, in its second year this September, is expected to be strong, as is participation for the annual truck show, a favorite with big rig drivers across the country.

Still, the anxiety of a poor turnout is daunting.

"Every year, probably for the last 30 years, I wake up Saturday morning thinking" about it, said Mr. Reavie. In my dreams, "I drive down Truckey Street, I show up downtown, and there's nobody there. I wake up literally screaming. I hope that doesn't happen this year. It's really nerve-wracking."

John Schneider is the honorary chairman of this year's St. Ignace Car Show. (Photograph courtesy of Mr. Schneider) Ed Reavie has been organizing and promoting vehicle events in town for 34 years. The events have brought hundreds of cars, trucks, tractors, and thousands of spectators to St. Ignace in the summer and fall each year. The shows have drawn residents and visitors from all over the country to fill hotel rooms, pack restaurants, and keep shop owners busy.

This year, the annual car show begins Thursday, June 25, and runs through Saturday, June 27. Older cars will parade across the Mackinac Bridge Thursday. The popular Down Memory Lane Parade will be Friday evening. On Saturday, State Street will be closed downtown and show cars will line the street.

This year, car show organizers elsewhere are seeing about a 20% drop in early show reservations, he said. Early numbers for the St. Ignace car show are similar, however, Mr. Reavie is expecting them to pick up closer to the event. St. Ignace, he said, has several advantages over other vehicle shows, including free admission, parades across the bridge, a beautiful downtown location along the water, special guests, and many car-related displays. Everything is free.

Each year, Mr. Reavie brings entertainment personalities and automotive experts to town to ride in the parade, meet with fans, and answer questions. John Schneider, who will be honorary chairman for this year's 34th Annual St. Ignace Car Show, is best known for portraying Bo Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard" television show. The weekly series ran from 1979 to 1985, with Bo and his cousin, Luke, played by Tom Wopat, driving an orange 1969 Dodge Charger named General Lee. A replica of the car will be at the show.

Mr. Schneider, who has been to the Straits area before, is looking forward to his return trip and the show.

"I have wanted to come back to Mackinac ever since I rode through there on my motorcycle in the very good old days," he told The St. Ignace News Friday, March 6. "Truly the most beautiful place in all of this great country, and that's saying a lot from someone who lives in California. Can't wait."

The Guest of Honor will be Ken Gross, an automotive television host, hot rod historian, car show judge, and hot rod collector. Mr. Gross also is an automotive writer and the author of a new book, "The Art of the Hot Rod," which profiles 20 of the world's top hot rod builders.

A new event planned this year during car show will bring the Street Rodder Road Tour to town. The California-based Street Rodder Magazine offers eight-week-long tours around the country and St. Ignace will be one stop.

Jerry Dixey, the road tour director, estimates 20 to 30 street rodders will arrive in town Thursday, June 25.

Not surprisingly, said Mr. Reavie, longtime sponsor General Motors (GM) will not have a display in this year's show as the company struggles to survive. Negotiations now are underway with several automotive-related businesses to help fill GM's void. "I never thought that I'd see times like this," he said.

Tractor Show Planned in September

Economic conditions are not affecting those planning to drive their tractors across the Mackinac Bridge, said Tractor Show organizer Bob Baumgras of Owosso Tractor in Owosso. Six months before the event is scheduled, more than 400 tractor owners from 18 tractor clubs already have signed up to participate in the show. Tractor club membership, which provides insurance coverage, is required for the parade.

The Owosso Tractor Parts 2009 Antique Tractor Parade/Show is set for Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20.

By the time registration is closed, Mr. Baumgras is estimating between 600 and 800 tractors will be taking part in the parade. Last year, 607 tractors paraded across Mighty Mac.

Originally planned as a one-time event last year, the tractor parade across the bridge, followed by the tractor display at Kewadin Casino, is becoming an annual activity as enthusiasm and participation continues to grow. The tractor display at the casino is free to the public and gives tractor fans a chance for a close-up look at the antique farm equipment.

Last year, parade requirements restricted tractors to 1961 and older. This year it will include tractors made in 1966.

"It looks like it's going to be a great event," said Mr. Baumgras.

Some participants, he said, are considering driving their tractors to the Straits from their hometowns, and 25 members of one Michigan family already are planning to visit the area to watch their family tractor cross the bridge.

Truck Parade of Lights

To Be September 19

Semi-trucks will cross the bridge during the Parade of Lights Saturday, September 19.

Bo Trout, president of the National Association of Show Trucks, is estimating between 80 and 100 big rigs will roll into St. Ignace Friday, September 18, for the 14th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show.

The economy may limit truck participation this year, although he thinks St. Ignace will remain on most truck owners' event lists. Participants like the fact St. Ignace is a family-friendly town, he said, and appreciate the downtown location of the event, which places restaurants, hotels, shops, and the waterfront within walking distance. Some participants plan their annual vacation around the truck show.

Other shows, he said, place trucks on the outskirts of towns.

"The town loves us there and they really make us feel welcome," said Mr. Trout. "And that doesn't happen a lot with trucks."

For more information on the events, call 643-8087.

Schedule of Events

June 19-20, 13th Annual Antiques on the Bay: Featuring Chrysler Corporation and original vehicles from private collections that are 1984 and older

June 25, Kewadin Casino Cruise Night: Cars cruise starts at the casino and takes a 17-mile route through St. Ignace

June 25, Street Rodder Tour: Cars arrive in St. Ignace

June 26, 28th Annual Down Memory Lane Parade: Cars and floats parade through St. Ignace

June 26-27, 34th Annual St. Ignace Car Show and Swap Meet: Cars on display in downtown St. Ignace

September 18-20, Owosso Tractor Parts 2009 Antique Tractor Parade/Show: Tractors parade across the bridge and are on display at Kewadin Casino

September 18-20, 14th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show: Big Rigs parade through St. Ignace, cross the bridge, and are on display on State Street and Little Bear East parking lot

September 18-20, 18th Annual Mackinac Sales On the Waterfront: Car show, swap meet, and pedal car competition