Camp Jack column: Cruisin’ For Vets

First, I want to congratulate Matt Bell and the entire gang at Explore Harrison for an amazing Balloon Festival. The sights and sounds are memories thousands of families will cherish forever. Very few know the amount of hard work that goes into planning a successful event like this. It’s taking care of the hundreds of small details that makes it all work — so thank you all.

I am not a “gearhead”, but I still appreciate the beauty of a 1957 Chevy or a classic T-bird. It brings back memories of Saturday nights in my small hometown when dozens of muscle and sports cars cruised the main drag between the Dairy Queen and the Dog & Suds. It was only a few miles, but if done right it could take an hour or more to make the loop. It was a scene right out of “American Graffiti” where looking cool was king and all things seemed possible.

You are invited to take this trip down memory lane on Saturday, Sept. 30, when Camp Jack and Builder’s Car Club will host the 2nd annual “Cruisin’ For Vets” car, truck and bike show at the Boone County Airport. Even if you are not a car fanatic, this event will be fun for the entire family as there will be a “Kids Zone” complete with a bounce house, face painting, entertainment, games, great food, pageants and lots of dogs. No — I am not talking about the ones you eat, but those with four legs and a tail. We also have over 30 vendors signed up and there will be silent auctions for some really groovy stuff.

Registration for classic cars, trucks and bikes is the day of the event from 7 to 10 a.m. and costs $25. There are 21 trophy classes and lots of prizes, so jump in your jalopy and cruise on down. Last year we have over 150 vehicles and all indications are this year will be bigger and better.

The show opens to the public at 10 a.m. Admission is free as is the parking, but a $5 donation per car would be much appreciated. Come early so you don’t miss Harrison’s own Ridge Runner Cloggers who perform at 10 a.m. This amazing group won numerous first place awards at the national clogging championships held a couple weeks ago. At 11 a.m., Arkansas Extreme will perform showcasing their extraordinary group of cheerleaders and tumblers. These young, local athletes train hard to become champions.

At noon is the “Most Patriotic Pooch” parade and pageant. Registration begins at 10 a.m., costs $10 and all dogs are welcome. During the Pooch Parade the judges will pick five finalists. We still haven’t settled on criteria for judging, but one judge said they would be looking for the right attitude. I have no idea what that means. Another said they can’t describe the most patriotic pooch, but I’ll know it when they see it. Seems like a dog of any size, color or mix has a chance. The winning dog will receive the title of “Camp Jack 2023 Most Patriotic Pooch,” a crown and a sash. They will also be featured in the Veterans Day Parade in November, as well as other events.

The 2023 Miss Camp Jack Pageant will begin at 1 p.m. The theme this year is “Let’s Go to the Hop” where contestants are encouraged to dress up in outfits from the 1950s and 1960s. Think poodle skirts or any outfit from the movie “Grease.” This wholesome pageant is family friendly, and women of all ages are encouraged to participate, but you must be at least 16 years of age. The winner gets a beautiful crown, a sash and will represent Camp Jack in the coming year. To register, go to Camp Jack’s Facebook page under “events” or drop by Camp Jack.

At 2 p.m. we will be announcing the winners of the car, truck and bike competition and awarding prizes. Did I mention the food? Pappy’s Smashburgers, Belle Ela’s and Paradice Homemade Ice Cream will be on hand, plus yummy lots of baked goods, fresh popcorn, shaved ice and cotton candy.

All proceeds go to help local veterans and their families, but Cruisin For Vets is more than just a fundraiser. It’s entertainment for the entire community and provides a venue to have a good time with friends and family. It draws tourists which helps our local economy, supports the Boone County Regional Airport and lets veterans know that their neighbors honor their service. So come on down to the airport on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and go “Cruisin For Vets.”

Matt Russell is a USMC Vietnam combat veteran and president of the Jack Williams Veteran Resource Center. Matt can be reached at matt.russell@campjack.org, 411 South Pine Street, Harrison, AR 72601 or by calling (870) 517-5044. Follow Camp Jack on Facebook at campjackvrc or visit campjack.org .