MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A red and white 1962 Corvette Roadster pulled into his father’s gas station when Jim Gruver was about 10 years old. He got to help with the car, and the memory stayed with him.
“That was the greatest thing ever,” Gruver said.
Now the organizer of the Downtown Hutch Rod Run, Gruver helps bring hundreds of cars to Main Street for an event built around that same enthusiasm. The 19th annual Rod Run begins Friday, Oct. 2, and continues Saturday.
Gruver has been involved since the first show, when he signed on as a volunteer. The Rod Run was created after downtown streetscape improvements as a way to bring visitors back to Main Street and introduce them to its businesses.
“That’s really what it was all based around, was just helping develop downtown,” he said.
The show now draws about 300 vehicles a year, Gruver said. Its largest turnout was 502 in 2012. While other car shows compete for participants, he said the Hutchinson event has maintained a steady following.
Vehicle registration opens at noon Friday at Auto Body Team, near the show entrance at Walnut and A streets. Judging can begin as soon as owners park and display a card showing their vehicle is ready. Students and instructors from the Hutch Career Tech Ed Academy help judge the entries, while students also volunteer during setup.
Friday evening includes a Rod Run cruise and a free concert by Big Fat Fun near First and Main. On Saturday, visitors can take part in a poker walk organized by downtown businesses. A pinup contest and the vehicle awards ceremony are planned for Memorial Hall, followed by a free concert featuring Wabash and Lake Band.
Families will also find activities around DCI Park. B and B Barnyard Exchange is organizing a kids zone with a petting zoo, photo booth, rock and pumpkin painting, and a cardboard car show. A magic show is planned for Saturday afternoon, with a screening of Cars that evening.
The Rod Run supports local causes, too. Gruver said proceeds benefit Hutch Career Tech Ed Academy and Reno County first responders. Last year, the event gave more than $3,300 in scholarship money.
Gruver encouraged visitors to bring chairs for the concerts and make time to browse the stores and sidewalk sales while they are downtown.
“We want people to walk the sidewalks,” he said. “Take a look around and see some of the new stuff that’s going on downtown.”