Region Rides September

September 2014

Volume 2 Issue 6

LAST ISSUE OF 2014

Max Brizuela’s

‘69 Mercury Cougar Region Renegade:

Mr. Blue’s Upholstery

$F REE

$

Tim Abner’s Wrangler TJ

September 2014 This month’s cover, features Max Brizuela’s ‘69 Mercury Cougar (Jerome Hindmon) & Tim Abner’s ‘98 Jeep Wrangler TJ. Inside cover image of David Peterson’s custom ‘79 Yamaha (Jerome Hindmon).

Our Team

In This Issue A Thank You from the Editor A Photographic Retrospective Show & Cruise Schedules

Founder • Publisher

One Cool Cat

Publisher

The Prowler

Mark Halliar

Rolando Martinez

Senior Writer Ray Saez Jr.

Contributing Writer Danny Vega

Contributing Photographer Jerome Hindmon

Contributing Photographer Cary Robertson

Region Rides is a monthly publication by Region Rides LLC. All rights reserved.

Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Region Rides Magazine.

Got a Cool Ride?

Send pics to Rides@RegionRides.com

Interested in Advertising?

Sales@RegionRides.com or Call: 773.416.0665

5 26-27 28

Max Brizuela ‘69 Mercury Cougar David Peterson’s Chopped ‘79 Yamaha

All Out Jeeping

Tim Abner’s ‘98 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Hoosier’s Hottest Garage Gouger Racing Engines

Region Renegade Mr. Blue Upholstery

Region Events:

Sunflower Fair & Car Show Cruisin’ for Critters Car Show Scarecrow Fest & Car Show

Visit our Facebook page to see extra content!

From All of Us at Region Rides,

THANK YOU!

6 10 14 18 20 22 24 25

THANK YOU That’s right, Region Riders. You read the cover correctly... the final issue of the 2014 Season. But have no fear, we will be back in the spring with continued feature rides, shops and events. Plus, we’re currently working on a new t-shirt design and will have t-shirts available for sale at the cruise nights and car shows we attend, as well as, a HUGE batch of stickers!

It’s been an awesome season and we can’t thank you enough for welcoming us back and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

I don’t tend to get very personal here, but I’d like to take a moment to thank some people personally. First and foremost, our advertisers.

Please, please please, shop local and support our local businesses because they’ve supported us! Second, something you might not know is, that everyone of us here at Region Rides is a freelancer and we do this for the love of the culture. So it takes a special group of TALENTED people to pull this off and I’d like to personally thank them. First, our awesome group of photographers: Jerome Hindmon & Jessica Halliar have been with us from day one. They do an awesome job and continue to impress not only me, but you guys as well. This year we picked up a fellow Region Rider who I met at one of the events, Carry Robertson.

Carry has since proven himself to be another diamond in the rough photographer.

Then there’s the people I admire because articles like this, take me entirely too long to.... formulate. Just there... that word I had to search for. Our writers. Ray Saez Jr, Danny Vega and William Matthews... without your combined talents, we’d be just a book full of pictures (which would cool too but kind of defeats the whole “magazine” idea).

Then there’s Rolando Martinez, who’s not only my business partner but good friend. Thank you for believing in “...I just want to do something cool.”

Finally last, but certainly not least is my loving, understanding, wife.

She’s my rock and my partner and I wouldn’t be able to do this without her. Thank you for all of your love and support and I promise, I’ll get the lawn cut this weekend!

So with that I’d like to thank you, our loyal readers and fans! We do this for the love of it and we hope you enjoy it too. Thank you again and we’ll see you in the spring!

Cheers!

Mark Halliar Mark@RegionRides.com

from THE

EDITOR

Advertisers of 2014 All American Decorative Concrete

Kniola Automotive

219.921.0861

4775 N 1100 W Michigan City, IN 46360

Alternative Power Initiative

Monster Performance Center

Race for the Future

Blue Top

8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN 46322

Calumet Harley Davidson

1762 S Dixie Hwy Crete, IL 60417

Van Senus/ Auto Value

2930 Highway Ave Highland, IN 4632

10350 Calumet Ave Munster, IN 46321

6920 Kennedy Ave Hammond IN 46323

Cartronix

Pat’s Frame & Axle

Christenson Chevrolet

Pick-Ups Bar

2105 Laporte Ave Valparaiso, IN 46383

9700 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN 46322

Classy Chassis

1000 Axe Ave Valparaiso, IN 46383

Color Craft

677 W State Road 130 Hobart, IN 46342

510 E Ridge Rd Griffith, IN 46319

3720 Ridge Rd Lansing, Illinois 60438

Pro One Polishing 219.759.5501

Schepel Cadillac Buick GMC 2929 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, IN 46410

Valpo Trailer

Deviant Designs & Fabrication

861 W Morthland Dr Valparaiso, IN 46385

Hamilton Machine

3365 Willowcreek Rd Portage, IN 46368

219.241.3796

2715 Central Ave, Lake Station, IN 46405

HBS Mobile Blasting 219.406.0786

High Performance Dentistry

Verona Pizza

Winfield Ace Hardware

11702 Randolph St Crown Point, IN 46307

250 N Main St Crown Point, IN 46307

From Everyone at Region Rides

Thank You!

One COOL

Written by: Ray Saez, Jr.

We love the hot rods and the resto mods just

the thinking behind Max Brizuela’s 1969

half, but in that time, Max and his brother Flo-

like everyone else, but sometimes it’s really

Mercury Cougar convertible, and we think

rentino have basically restored the majority of

nice to see a car put back to how it was when

it’s pretty bitchin’.

the car. He didn’t always have his heart set

He’s only had the car for about a year and a

out on doing a restoration, and he didn’t even

it left the factory all those years ago. That’s 68 RegionRides.com | Like us on Facebook

OOL CAT Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

necessarily have a Cougar in mind when he

the rest is history.

original shade of blue that was on it when he

was shopping for his first toy car. All he knew

In restoring the Cougar, Max decided to keep

got it. The interior is all new, and was done

was that he wanted a convertible, but this

it as original as he possibly could. In April

by Chapas Upholstery in a blue vinyl material

cool cat found a home with this cool cat, and

2014, he had the car painted, but kept the

that’s as close as you can get to the original

stuff this side of a time machine back to 1969.

and bikes. He’s been riding motorcycles since

unique experience.

The only things that were replaced on the car

he was 17, but once he settled down and

When he’s not out cruising in the Cougar with

were basic maintenance items, like front sus-

started a family, he decided that maybe four

the family, Max works as an owner/operator

pension pieces, and a new convertible top

wheels would be safer than two. He still owns

local truck driver for the steel mills. Either that,

and frame to replace the rotted and rusted

a 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster, but it’s a

or he’s being coerced by his wife to take the

one that was on the car when he bought it.

little easier to get his wife of 15 years, Elly,

Harley out for a ride – she prefers it over the

Heck, even the radio is original to the car –

and their two daughters in the Cougar for a

car. I’m not so sure I agree with her on that

an 8 track player. Max says he’s looking for

cruise. That’s one of the main reasons Max

one – this is one cool Mercury that anyone

tapes now so he can enjoy it more.

loves it so much – he can drop the top (power

would be proud to drive. - RR

Max has always been interested in fast cars

top, too!) and take the whole family out for a

Ride Specs Who: Max Brizuela Where: Chicago, IL What: 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible Engine: 351 Windsor – bone stock Numbers matching Transmission: 3-Speed FMX Auto

Interior: Blue vinyl – restored to look like original – power convertible top – replaced top and frame Paint: Painted April 2014, re-paint of original shade of blue Other: Original 8-track radio. Restored back to stock – looking for 8-track tapes

The Prow Written by: Ray Saez, Jr.

14 RegionRides.com | Like us on Facebook

wler Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

All of us involved in Region Rides are passionate people. The photographers, writers, publishers, and even you – the readers. It’s why we own the vehicles we do, and spend the time (and money, admit it) to make them into what they are.

David Peterson of Highland, Indiana is no exception, but his bike isn’t the image that comes to your mind when you think “1979 Yamaha.”

That’s what makes it special.

David’s XS650 is, in his own words, a “low, loud, hot rod bike.” It’s name is The Prowler.

He’s wanted something like this for a while now, and one day while browsing for sale ads, he found the bike that would become his donor out on Michigan, pulled the trigger, and brought it home in the bed of a pickup on June 11, 2012.

Within a week, the bike looked nothing like it did the day it entered his possession. It was stripped down to the frame… and the frame was cut in half. There was no going back.

Drawing inspiration from the rat rod culture, where form is valued far above function, David sent the bike out to TC Brother’s Choppers in Ohio for a hardtail back half conversion. Once it returned, Coating Specialties got their hands on it and powder coated the whole bike satin black. Then he began reassembling it.

The engine is the same stock 650 that came with it, but the exhaust is different, cut short, and super loud. David says, “It’s louder than anything else on the street.” If you can believe it, The Prowler is the first bike David has ever built, but it’s not the only one he’s got. He also owns a Yamaha R6.

He grew up riding motorcycles, and seeing his uncles ride their bikes as a young boy led to the passion that he has today. He was only 14 years old the first time he rode alone, and that was on a Kawasaki KZ600.

The Prowler was entirely assembled inside the garage at David’s father’s house. There was no fancy shop, no full set of tools. Just a man, his vision, and his spare time. The result is one kick ass bike with a whole slew of custom features

you won’t find anywhere else. Notice

forts it DOESN’T have – things like sus-

The Prowler is definitely a show piece,

the cut and louvered rear fender, a total

pension, front brakes, and turn signals.

and there’s not much out there more

throwback to 1950s hot rod styling. The

Who needs those things? That’s all add-

showy than a flamethrower. Despite

cool wheels are factory stock, and they

ed weight and nonsense. The bike still

that, David does still ride it, but not very

fit the bike perfectly.

uses a kick starter, and only takes one

far – the 2.5 gallon gas tank is a pretty

Even though it looks pretty bitchin’, Da-

kick to start. Why mess with perfection?

big limiting factor. If he could, though?

vid says the bike is “even more hard-

By far, the coolest and most unique mod

We’re sure he’d ride it from here to Tim-

core than it looks.” When I asked what

the bike has is its exhaust flamethrow-

buktu.-RR

he meant by that, he laughed and start-

ers. With no suspension at all, and

ed rattling off the list of creature com-

about four inches of ground clearance,

Ride Specs Who: David Peterson

Wheels: Stock wheels – repainted

What: 1979 Yamaha XS650

Wheels and Tires: 19” front wheel and Shinko whitewalls

Where: Highland, IN

Paint: None – it’s all powder-coated by Coating Specialties of South Chicago Heights, IL

Engine: Stock Yamaha 650 V-twin

Seat: Upholstered by Vos Upholstery

All Out Written by: Ray Saez, Jr.

Meet Tim Abner. He’s one of the most

crew as often

dedicated

you

as he possibly

are ever likely to meet. So dedicated,

can. Tim pre-

in fact, he co-owns an off-road shop

fers rock crawl-

(which we’ll be featuring next year)!

ing, but he’s up

Tim is definitely a man with his Jeep on

for anything – trails,

the brain almost all the time. As an en-

mud, sand, swamp…

thusiast, I can completely understand.

whatever. He tries to stay

When I called, actually, he was at a

out of mud, but if it’s not on pave-

cruise in at the Blue Top Diner enjoying

ment, chances are he’s interested.

the company of his local Jeep buddies.

Recently, Tim converted his former 4-cyl-

Tim tries go to off-roading, or do SOME-

inder Wrangler to a bulletproof 4.0 in-

THING with his Jeep or with the local

line 6 setup that he yanked from a do-

off-road

enthusiasts

14 RegionRides.com | Like us on Facebook

nor Cherokee. The Cherokee got cut up and turned into a lifted off-road camper, while its powertrain lives on in his Wrangler. From start to finish, including pulling the motor, rebuilding it, wiring

Jeeping Photos provided by: Tim Abner

it, and re-installing it in the new vehi-

it definitely won’t be his last. It’s his dai-

they love: wheeling.

cle, Tim says he was able to complete

ly driver, too! “Except for when I break

These days, he says there isn’t QUITE as

the job in about a week and a half. No

it and it goes down for a week…. Then

much time to go out, thanks to tending

wonder he started his own shop with

I take the wife’s gas saver, or my other

to the new shop, but also his fiancée

skills like that!

lifted truck.”

and their two kids, Connor and Bri, who

Since the swap was finished, he’s put

Speaking of breaking things, Tim’s

are three and six years old, respective-

about 8,000 miles on the Wrangler,

Wrangler was semi-broken when I inter-

ly. If you’ve got your own off-roader and

and taken it on a 300 mile road trip

viewed him, but that wasn’t enough to

want it to be fixed by someone who

out to Silver Lake, Michigan. For Tim,

stop him from going out and hanging

knows what they’re doing from first-

the Jeep thing isn’t just about having fun

with his crew. Not much will stop him,

hand experience, visit Tim and his busi-

– it’s about family, too. The local group

either. Recently, due to flooding in the

ness partner April at All Out Automo-

consists of about 8 vehicles, but they’re

area, he had the Jeep all the way up to

tive, located at 1215 Birch Drive, Suite

loaded with wives, kids, and everyone

the hood in mud and water, but it didn’t

B, in Schererville, IN – or give them a

else. He’s owned this Wrangler for two

matter. While everyone else was inside,

call at 219-322-1766 - RR

years, but it’s his 6th Jeep product – and

Tim and his friends were out doing what

Ride Specs Who: Tim Abner

Gears and Driveline: 4.88 front/rear with upgraded axles

What: 1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Suspension: 6 inch lift kit

Where: Hobart, IN

Tires: 35 inch

Engine: Formerly 2.5 4 cylinder – now 4.0 Inline-6

Paint: Green and Black two-tone

Transmission: Automatic conversion

Gouger Raci Hoosier’s Hottest Garage

Joe Sr. sure looks like a proud dad, doesn’t he?

Written by: Ray Saez, Jr.

Photo by: Sting Ray Photography

Gouger Racing Engines isn’t your typical

purchased a Kawasaki KZ900 from Mr.

away from it, but shortly after, at a party, he

race shop, or race team, for that matter. For

Norm’s Kawasaki, and told Joe that when

dove into a pool, and the doctors say that

one, they’re fast. Damn fast. But, for two, Joe

he turned 16, he could have the bike. Dad’s

the pressure from the water broke his neck.

Gouger, Jr. has one of the most interesting

a racer, too, and he had the bike running a

The rest is history. He doesn’t have stomach

stories we have ever come across. If you ever

low 10-second quarter mile back in the 80s,

or chest muscles, but he’s got limited move-

feel like you CAN’T do something, all you

which was (and still is) pretty damn fast.

ment in his hands and arms – enough that he

have to do is look at Joe and witness the

Before it was given to Joe, the bike was re-

couldn’t be stopped from driving and racing.

power of human resolve.

turned mostly back to stock.

It’s in his blood. His dad has been racing

You see, Joe, Jr. is a quadriplegic. When he

But, that didn’t mean it was slow – not by

since the 1960s. Even his mom got involved.

was 17 years old, he had a bit of a streak

any means. Joe got into a pretty bad acci-

“Mom was pregnant with me, and pulling

of bad luck. His father, Joe Gouger, Sr., had

dent where he rear-ended a car. He walked

dad home at night from the drag strip. Me

ing Engines “I’m the fastest Quadriplegic in the county... as far as I know.”

Joe Jr. asked his father and Red if he

rable. “I don’t go racing without him,” says

could drive. They agreed, and after two

Joe Jr. He’d like to thank his father for always

years of work, and a custom-made set

believing in him, and also the folks at US 12

of hand controls, Joe Jr. was ready to

Speed and Customs for standing behind him.

get behind the wheel – and he did. He

It’s amazing with a little courage, determina-

cut his teeth racing the Dart for about

tion, and good help can accomplish.

four years, before switching it up to buy

Gouger Racing Engines is equipped to do

a 1985 Dodge Daytona.

damn near anything you can imagine for

The Daytona ran the quarter mile in 8.2

the engine in your street/strip machine all

seconds, which is damn respectable,

the way up to your fully built drag racer. You

but then… the Gouger boys wanted

want to go fast with the help of people who

more. He was in his mid-20s the first

have been-there-and-done-that? You need to

time he sat behind the wheel of the race

get on down to Gouger Racing Engines. Joe

car, and it’s been going ever since.

These days, the

and my sister practically grew up at US 30,” he recalls fondly. At the shop, Joe started out just hand-porting cylinder heads, but he always wanted more – even after his accident.

With help from some good friends, he made his own set of hand controls and learned to drive. Nothing was going to keep him from doing what he loved: going fast.

His dad raced first as a successful pro stock racer in the 1960s. He drove a well-known car – the Vagabond – for a number of years.

The three men, Toby, Miller, and Gouger, worked together with Joe Sr. as the driver, and won the Pro Stock championship at US 30. Joe Sr. drove a Dodge Colt outlaw car for Red Sullivan for a bit as well, but eventually ended up in a 1973 Dodge Dart Sport with a big-inch HEMI under the hood. In that car, Joe Sr. won the UDRA Pro Stock championship.

After that, though, the car sat for a few years.

Daytona a

572

cubic

all-aluminum

runs inch HEMI

V8. It makes over a thousand horsepower (1,060, according to Joe), and behind that is a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission with a 7200 RPM stall converter, and 5.14 gears in the

Check out Joe’s appearance on Pinks All Out on YouTube.

rear. They’ve been on PINKS All Out, and together, the father-son

Jr., always modest despite years of success,

team has done more than most. Joe Jr. is, in

says, “We do pretty good for a pap and sap

his own words, “The fastest Quadriplegic in

team.” Visit them at 1545 North Main in Por-

the county… as far as I know.” He’s got both

ter, or give them a call at 219-926-7395.-RR

NHRA and IHRA racing licenses in the Top Sportsman class, and they don’t kid around.

These days, they’re still hitting the track. Joe Sr. is 70 years old, and the two are insepa-

Region Renegade

Mr. Blue Uph

Written by: Ray Saez, Jr.

Here at Region Rides, we’re obviously a

After Danny retired from Bethlehem

himself. Danny bought his own sewing

fan of the old school local shop vendors

Steel, he was bored. He needed some-

machine and started working out of his

for our projects. Why order something

thing to do to occupy his time, and it

garage. Mr. Blue Upholstery is a one

online from some huge corporation

just so happened that he’s a man that’s

man operation that churns out some of

when you can help support your local

handy with a needle and thread. As a

the nicest work around.

businesses, families, friends, and econ-

kid, he would spend time sewing with

To add to his street cred, he, of course,

omy? It’s an old school way of thinking

his mom, and there were many quilters

has his own custom car. In fact, he

that really drives us, and it’s part of the

in his family. “To shut me up, they’d

named his business after his car – a

reason why the magazine is free, de-

give me a piece of string and a crochet

1953 Chevy named Mr. Blue. It’s got a

spite the effort that goes into producing

hook,” he laughed. So it was only natu-

full custom leather interior. Danny also

it each month.

ral that, after coming out of retirement,

has a 1940 Ford that he’s working on

If you want old school, though, look no

he’d find his way to an upholstery shop.

when he can – but spare time doesn’t

further than Danny (last name?) at Mr.

He worked as an employee of another

come easily when you’re a one-man

Blue Upholstery. I’ve interviewed doz-

shop for six years, and while he enjoyed

operation, especially in the custom car

ens of people for Region Rides, and oth-

the work, there was something that just

scene.

er car-related publications, but I’ve nev-

wasn’t right about it. So, like any true

Mr. Blue Upholstery is much more than

er run across someone more genuine.

enthusiast would, he decided he’d do it

cars, though. At the time of this writing,

holstery Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

there are three vehicles in queue at the

chine in his own garage, these days

shop, sure, but he also does boats,

he’s got an off-site shop where he can

furniture, and really anything else you

focus on his work. If you want some of

can ask for. He’s not afraid of a chal-

the highest quality work done the old

lenge. When asked about his craziest

school way, pay Mr. Blue Upholstery

job request, he recalled the story of

a visit at 3100 Central Avenue in Lake

something even I’ve never heard of – a

Station, Indiana. Or, give him a call

1926 Hamalog cycle car. He was ap-

at 219-628-1934. You won’t find a

proached by a man at the Union Hall

website, though. Remember – he’s old

car show, they met, and he decided to

school. Stop in, say hi, and he’ll be

take on the project.

glad to show you around.

Since starting his own shop just over three years ago, Danny and Mr. Blue Upholstery have both grown exponentially. Instead of working with one ma-

Written by: Danny Vega It looks like everything is coming up roses – or in this case sunflowers in LaPorte for the 16th Annual Sunflower Fair. This yearly event brings out fair go-ers from all across the region and this year promises to be no different. Car enthusiasts love this event, as it’s a chance to look at a variety of breathtaking beauties.

The Michiana Antique Auto Club is putting on their annual car show at the Sunflower Fair on Saturday, September 20. Car show registration begins at 9:30 and registration is $15 per vehicle that enters. “We accept all vehicles – all are welcome,” said Fred Sachtleben. “We will give out 75 dash plaques, and the first 50 will receive a goody bag.

Every year, the Sunflower Car Show sees in excess of 50 vehicles. Entrance to the car show will be at extreme south end at Osborn and Michigan. Cars will be displayed between Osborn and Harrison (on

22 RegionRides.com | Like us on Facebook

Michigan Avenue). “There are no classes – all cars in a singular category,” explained Sachtleben. “Voting is by participant. You get a ballot when you enter and they choose winners.”

Each ballot has three choices, so each individual will make one to three choices. The top 20 votes

LaPorte, IN

9:30am • $15 Registrations

will receive a trophy. “In addition to that, we are asking our Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Chief and LaPorte County Sheriff to select a vehicle,” Sachtleben said. “And then those who are visiting the fair at large have the privilege of receiving a ballot and choosing a vehicle of choice, the Spectators Choice trophy. We will award 25 trophies in all.”

Proceeds from this event will be do-

nated to various groups in the area, including the Deserving Children’s Christmas Fund and the Salvation Army. The Michiana Antique Auto Club is a nonprofit 501c4 that got started in 1969. “We have more than 70 members in our club,” Sachtleben said. “It is not a requirement that a member own an antique vehicle, though many of us do have one or more. We have a club meeting once a month. We meet at the Swanson Activity Center in the city of LaPorte. We are always accepting new members.”

The Michiana Antique Auto Club is excited to present the Sunflower Car Show once again, and wants to thank all their sponsors who have helped make this event possible.

For more information on the club and the car show, go to clubs.hemmings.com/michianaaaci/index. html. - RR

Third Annual

Cruisin’ for Critters

Written by: Danny Vega

If you’re looking for a car show or a cruise night in the summer time here in Northwest Indiana, your chances of finding one are pretty good. There are a ton of car shows that give back to the community, donating proceeds to local charities and organizations. But there’s one local car show that gives back to another part of our community in need – those of the four-legged kind.

The 3rd Annual Cruisin for Critters Car Show, rain or shine, is scheduled for Sunday, September 21 at Pav’s Restaurant in Hebron. Pav’s, located at 642 North Main Street, has been the home to this event every year, and gets the party started with breakfast before firing up the grill. The show begins at 9:00am and runs through 2:00pm. “This is such a great event,” said Jill Andrews, Event Organizer for Cruisin for Critters. “And we welcome cars, bikes and rat rods to our show.”

The cost to enter a car is $15 dollars and trophies will be awarded to the top 50 entries. The first 100 cars to enter will receive goodie bags too. “We will have door prizes, trivia and more,” said Andrews. “There will also be a DJ providing music.”

Andrews, a Crown Point resident, is the owner of a 1966 Chevelle and has always been into cars. Her husband Arnie owns a 1970 Chevelle and together the couple attend about 20 to 25 car shows a year.

24

The couple belongs to “R Rides Car Club”, an organization of about 30 members that has been around since 1999. “We have fun a lot of fun as a group,” she said. “We have meetings once a month, we go to cruise nights as a group, and go to various dinners. We love putting on events and raising money for different causes like St. Jude, the Boys and Girls Club of America,

Sun, September 21st

Pav’s Restaurant • Hebron, IN 642 North Main Street • 9am and local food pantries. We pick a cause and do it.”

But it was a few years ago when Andrews daughter told them about what her neighbor was doing that the couple realized they needed to do something to help our furry friends. “She told us about her neighbor, Sue who was rescuing ‘reject’ dogs. Dogs that were used in experiments, abused, and ones with special needs,” she explained. “Nadone started up the Trio Animal Foundation and after hearing her story we knew we wanted to help.”

So they held their first show in 2012 and had 111 cars participate. Then last year, the race brought in 159 cars. But what surprised Andrews the most was the out-

pouring of donations they received for the dogs themselves. “It’s amazing the hearts these people have. We put on our flyers that donations of pet supplies would be accepted and we couldn’t believe what people brought,” she said. “We wound up with 3 pick-ups full of supplies. Everything from dog food and cat litter to paper towels and cleaning supplies were donated.

Seeming all these donations really left us with a warm and fuzzy feeling.”

In addition to the pet supplies, the show brought in about $2000 in financial donations. Andrews hopes this year’s show will do the same. And new to this year’s event will be the Pet Pantry – an organization offering help for families in need.

“If someone donates a 40lb bag of dog food, they divide it up for animals so they can have say a months’ worth of food,” explained Andrews. “This organization helps out people who are in need of help with feeding their dogs.”

Three different animal shelters will be in attendance including the Lake County Animal Shelter, and once again donations of cat food, dog food, blankets and other supplies are encouraged. This R Rides Event couldn’t be done without the help of the club. - RR

19th Annual Wanatah

Scarecrow Fest & Car Show Written by: Danny Vega The 19th Annual Wanatah Scarecrow Fes-

150 vehicles. There are no classes – all

Participant, and Dewey’s Auto Supply Inc.

tival is back and better than ever! The 3

cars in a singular category. Voting is by

Trophy,” said Orcutt. “Then there’s also a

day event, beginning Friday September 26

participant – each will get a ballot when

Wanatah Festival Trophy.”

and ending on September 28 will feature a

they enter to choose winners. “We see all

During the show there will be breakfast

variety of events and activities. One of the

makes and models at the car show,” said

and lunch served, but people are encour-

big events car enthusiasts will love is the

aged to check out the pancake breakfast

annual Car Show. The Michiana Antique

at Sacred Heart Church. Proceeds from this

Auto Club is putting on this annual event on Sunday, September 28. The car show is from 9:00am-3:00pm. Registration is

Sunday, September 28 9am to 3pm • $15 Registration

$15 per vehicle that enters – preregistra-

event will be donated to various groups in the area, including the Deserving Children’s Christmas Fund and the Salvation Army.

tion is not required. We will give out 130

Orcutt. “When it’s open to everyone you

The Michiana Antique Auto Club is a non-

dash plaques and the first 50 will receive a

don’t know what’s going to come – that’s

profit 501c4 that got started in 1967. For

goody bag,” said Kathy and Jerry Orcutt,

what’s so great about this show.”

more information on the club or car show,

Organizers for the Car Show. “And the

The Top 60 vehicles will receive trophies

go to clubs.hemmings.com/michianaaaci/

event will go on – rain or shine.”

and there are four special trophies that

index.html. - RR

Every year, the Wanatah Scarecrow Fes-

will be given out. “We give out a Presi-

tival Car Shows sees between 120 and

dent’s Choice, Chairman’s Choice, Club

Photos by: Jerome Barnes, Jessica Halliar, Carry Robertson and Rudy’s NWI Cruise Night & Car Show Appreciation Page

We’ll see ya in the spring!

Show Schedule Community Baptist Church Car Show Saturday, September 6 8651 W. 93rd. Ave. • St. John 10am Registration • Free More Info Call 219-662-8336 Donations of non-perishable food items being accepted for local food bank Munster Marching Mustangs • Car & Bike Show Saturday, September 6 Munster High School • 8am $25 Registration • Free T-Shirt MunsterCarShow@yahoo.com FREE Valpo Car Shows Sponsored by Region Rides Porter Co Fairgrounds & Expo Center Sunday, September 7th 9am to 2pm • Valparaiso, IN Car Show • Swap Meet • Prizes 50 Awards • Vendors • More Must Register by 10:30am For More Info - 219-464-9918

Iron Horse 4x4 Truck Show Sunday, September 7 Schererville Buddy & Pal’s Cruisin’ for Critters Car & Bike Show Sunday, Sept 21 • 9am to 2pm Pav’s Restaurant 642 North Main St • Hebron, IN Door Prizes & 50/50 Bags for first 50 $15 Registration Fee Breakfast will be Served!

All proceeds will benefit local animal shelters & rescues.

Donations appreciated.

Dog & cat food, blankets etc.

Call 219.663.2565

Wanatah Scarecrow Festival &19th Annual Car Show Sunday, September 28 • 8am to 3pm Wanatah Lions Club Park Registration 8am to Noon Sponsored by Michiana Auto Club $15 Entry Fee • Dash Plaques Goody Bags • Rain or Shine Call Kathy or Jerry 219-326-8365 or visit Scarecrowfest.org 16th Annual Sunflower Fair Car Show Saturday, September 20 Downtown LaPorte on Michigan Ave 9:30am to 3pm • Registration ‘til Noon $15 Entry Fee • All Cars Welcome For more info call 219-778-2285

Finnegan’s Pub Car Show Sunday, September 21 12pm to 6pm • Dyer, IN

Cruise-In/Bike-Night Schedule Monday Night

Blue Top • 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN • 5pm ‘til Close Zels • Rt 30 & Cline Ave • Merrillville, IN • 5pm

Tuesday Night

Blue Top • 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN • 5pm ‘til Close Southlake Auto Mall • Every 1st and 3rd Tues May thru Sept • 4pm to 8pm with Burnouts!

Hebron Cruise Nights • Every Tuesday Patz’s Market Parking Lot Downtown Monticello • 5pm Around the Square Call Ken • 574.583.1101

Thursday Night

Pick-Ups Bike Night • 21000 Torrence Ave • Lynwood, IL Every Thursday Night • 7pm to Close Food & Drink Specials • Live Music “Full Throttle Thursdays” Shenanigans Pub Starting May and Every Thursday 2:00 PM till Midnight 6121 Melton Rd • Portage, IN 46368 All cars and bikes welcome! Full menu & drinks available Big parking lot and outdoor dining For more info call Chastity at 219.309.4550 Ryan’s Tavern • 6340 Melton Rd • Portage, IN Every Thursday Night • 5:30 PM FREE FOOD! Crown Point Square • Every Thurs Night • 5pm to 8pm May through September Blue Top 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN • 5pm ‘til Close

Cheers 1942 45th St • Munster, IN Starting May • 6pm to 9pm

Friday Night

Michigan City Al’s Supermarke • 3535 Franklin St • Michigan City The corner of Barker & Franklin 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Simon Sez Cruise Night • 2250 W 81st Ave • Merrillville, IN 7pm to Whenever!

Glenwood Oaks Rib & Chop House • 106 N Main St • Glenwood, IL 60425 Every Blue 82 • Cruise Night 8209 Wicker Ave • St John, IN Every Tuesday Night • 5pm Food & Music All cars,trucks and motorcycles are welcome!

Blue Top • 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN • 5pm ‘til Close

Valpo Harley Davidson Cruise Night • 1151 US 30 • Valparaiso Live Entertainment, Beer Garden, Lighted Parking Lot, Food by Susie’s Café Hammond Home Depot Cruise • 1624 E 165th St, Hammond, IN Last Friday of Every Month

Wednesday Night

Saturday Night

Whites Pit Stop • 330 E US Hwy 30 • Schererville Every Wednesday Night 4pm to 8pm

LaPorte’s Cruise In • Staples Parking Lot • Every Saturday Night Hwy. 2 E. • 5pm to 9pm

Downtown Whiting • 3rd Wednesday of the Month Downtown Whiting119th Street • 5pm

Downtown Lowell Mill Street Cruise First Saturday of the Month

Quakersteak & Lube Bike Night • 6245 Ameriplex Dr • Portage • 5pm to 12am Live Music Vendors Food & Drink Specials • Much More

Lansing Cruise Nights • 6pm to 9pm • 119 Street in Lansing For more info call Norb 219.384.7147 Blue Top 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN • 5pm ‘til Close

Blue Top • 8801 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN • 5pm ‘til Close

28 RegionRides.com | Like us on Facebook

Simon Sez Cruise Night • 2250 W 81st Ave • Merrillville, IN 7pm to Whenever!

Hilltop Vintage Diner • 20508 Wicker Ave • Lowell, IN Every Third Saturday of the Month Cruise Night Dinner Specials • 3pm to 9pm Carhops Provided by Lowell Cheerleaders All Tips Donated to Lowell High School Cheerleading

D’ya Like Region Rides?

Get Your Exclusive Region Rides Gear, Now!

CafePress.com/RegionRides Men’s T-Shirts

21

$

Starting at

59

.

+ tax & delivery

Women’s & Kids’ Sizes Also Available!