Hot rods and nostalgia return to Waynesburg during 50s Fest
The 50s Fest traditionally brings classic and hot rod motorcycle, truck and car enthusiasts together with their admirers in the streets of downtown Waynesburg for the daylong event that will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 200-plus persons entering their rides in the 50s Fest are treated to a personal photo with their wheels and a dash plaque marking the occasion.
Making this an event for the whole family, the 50s Fest includes classic movies being shown in the Waynesburg Theater, music and contests provided by WANB Radio during a live broadcast, shopping and dining options and opportunities to win one of four specialty toy pedal cars.
The cars were designed by Chuck’s Collision Shop in Waynesburg, T&A Auto Services in Carmichaels, Wade’s Body & Frame Shop in Waynesburg and one in tribute to the late George Kelly, who was the owner of Point Auto Repair.
Kelly was a part of the affectionately titled “Grumpy Old Men of Greene County” group.
The car, fashioned like a Jeep, depicts a cartoon image of Kelly on the hood painted by group member and Kelly’s friend, Dave Maset.
All four cars will be auctioned off in front of the Greene County Courthouse, starting with the Grumpy Old Men Jeep at noon, followed by the other three cars starting at 1 p.m.
The first of the three, a sporty hot rod customized by T&A Auto with a flame paint job, can be viewed prior to the auction Hot Rod’s House of Bar-B-Que on South Washington Street, a primary sponsor of the event.
Grumpy Old Men member Glen Kinsey, who also serves as a member of the 50s Fest Committee, is quoted as saying “George was one of our group, and he was the brains and the good mechanic. We really miss George. He was one of us for so many years. He’d do anything for anybody.”
The idea for the customized Jeep pedal car was inspired by the 1940s Willys Jeep that Kelly had restored.
“We bought a pedal car that looked nothing like a Jeep and modified it to look like a Jeep,” Kinsey said, adding that the group spent between 20 to 30 hours customizing the pedal car.
Raffle tickets for the Jeep pedal car may be purchased for $2 each or three for $5 from Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful, the GreeneSaver or from 50s Fest committee members.
During the 50s Fest, High Street from Morgan Street to Morris Street will be closed.
For more information on the 50’s Fest, call Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful at 724-627-8119.