Saturday’s Car Show to raise money for RLC Auto Tech program

MT. VERNON, Ill. (May 6, 2015) - It’s nearly time to rev up the engine of your classic or show car for the 3rd Annual Car Show at the Rend Lake College MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, locals are invited to spend a day in the sun and help RLC raise money for future students.Vehicle registration lasts from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the east parking lot of the MarketPlace for $10 per entry. All of the money raised by the Car Show will go toward RLC student scholarships in the Automotive Technology program.

Nigel Thompson, RLC Automotive Technology Professor, said the fundraising for student scholarships continues to help countless students as the event grows.

“The Car Show has helped raise about $2,500 for students in the Automotive Technology program,” said Thompson. “It’s a great way for us to get out into the community and host something that the whole family can enjoy, while also helping our students. All of the registration fees go toward the scholarships, so we’re hoping for a big turnout again this year.”

Car-enthusiasts flocked to the 2nd Annual Rend Lake College MarketPlace Car Show last year from all over Southern Illinois, including this 1950 Mercury 2-Door Sedan owned by Keith Ward of Sesser. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The first 100 registrants will be given a dash plaque. Around 10:30 a.m., judges will begin inspecting cars for the 2 p.m. trophy presentation. In addition to the new Best Rat Rod award this year are some old favorites: Best of Show, Best Ford, Best GM, Best Mopar, Best Street Rod, Best Truck, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Motor, Top Five 1995 and Newer, Top 15 1974 through 1994, and Top 25 1974 and Older.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Food and soft drinks will also be provided by LoneStar Steakhouse with music services by WDML.

Across the street in the MarketPlace, patrons can also take advantage of great steals at a number of restaurants and retail shops in the RLC MarketPlace. Some of these deals include 10 percent off a meal at LoneStar Steakhouse, sale items at BonWorth, a free haircut and style with chemical service at Studio RLC, 10 percent off any purchase at Helen’s Coffee Shop, 20 percent off regular price shoes or 10 percent off sale price shoes at Shoe Stop, and 15 percent off a purchase of $100 or more and buy one get one half off all clothing at the RLC Golf Outlet.

In the event of inclement weather, the Car Show will be cancelled. For more information about the Car Show, contact Nigel Thompson at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1806 or thompson@rlc.edu.