THE END OF AN ERA IN MY LIFE

After much thought and talking with friends and supporters of the car show, I have decided to not do this show again. This show takes a huge amount of time and effort on many friends, and family and I feel like I just can't keep asking them to spend so much time and energy to help anymore. I think our show was a huge success for the amount of years that we did it and I am very proud that we were able to raise so much money for such good causes. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 318-423-0192. Sincerely, Schelley Brown

2010 Cruisin With Bad Weather Reports

Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show & Shine 2010

Click on album above to see pics from 2010
Weatherman Reports Of Hail, Tornados and Rain Hampers 2010 Show

The “2010 Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine” once again is hampered by weather. Schelley Brown show promoter stated, “We had great pre-registration of 79 vehicles. That is usually 1/3 or sometimes ¼ of the number that will actually show up for a show. I knew from the week long weather reports that we may have some problems. People started calling from Mississippi, northern Arkansas and south Louisiana on Tuesday and Wednesday about the weather and if we were going to postpone. You just can’t postpone this type of event because you have no way to contact folks after you do so much wide spread advertising. With the threat of hail and tornados you are going to lose a lot of folks. We ended up with 116 registered by the end of the day. People just can’t take the chance of coming out with these types of vehicles. They have too much money invested to risk any damage. Many still came to the show they just came in the everyday cars. We did still have one group of motorcyclist come from north Arkansas. They ended up trailering the bikes and unloading at the Holiday Inn to attend for the first time.”
The weather turned out fine with the exception of a little rain around 8 a.m. other than that the overcast day was fine for show goers. The silent auction was a big success and the R & V Works fish cooker raffle went over big this year. With the help of show volunteers over 1000 $1 tickets for the cooker were sold and over $3,000 was made with the silent auction. Total numbers are not in for the show with outstanding bills still to be paid but Brown reported that even with the weather issue they could still end up with around $7-8,000 to split.
David Barnhill was the lucky winner of the $500 vehicle prize money. David graciously turned around and presented $300 to Terry Gray the grandfather of Brock Haines Cassell a recent St. Jude patient. The Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association was the $200 club winner for the most pre-registered cars with a total of 8 cars registered before the April deadline. Margaret Evan was the winner of the fish cooker. Margaret graciously donated the cooker to the Dorcheat Historical Association to use in an upcoming September event.
“I have so many people to thank this year. I could not have done this years show without all my corporate and individual sponsors and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Without our money sponsors we could not even start to do a show. Besides sponsors I also have to thank the Hunters and Coca-Cola of Minden for their continued support from the very beginning in 2004, Durwood Blake and Billy Reeves help with sound equipment, Ronnie Sale for his help with the stage and electrical, the members of the Dorcheat Bottom Band with guest Aubrie Stahl and Hunt Powell these folks rocked the fairgrounds, Mike Spillers aka “Elvis” the King of Rock n Roll in Minden, the city of Minden employees, Larry Tims of Fairway Carts, Jimmy Hall and his crew from Party Express Catering with their great food, Wayne Hatfield of Hatfield Ice in Homer, members of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association, members of the Dorcheat Historical Association museum for all of their volunteer help at various task and stations during the day, my good friends Debbie & Barry Warner and Pam Holley for their help with registration since 2004, Joe Morgan for his expertise in fish cooker raffle ticket sales, Mitzi and Mike Madden for all that they do in so many ways, Danny Francis for his constant help and support, John and Melinda Parnell, Eddie and Katie Sangid, Shawn Lewis, Lynn Dorsey, Lou and Terry Snook for lots and lots of extra hard working hours before, during and after the show. All of these people and many more are what make this show work and run smoothly. Without them I would never attempt to do this.”

Radio spot for 2010 show with pictures added.

It Is Just Around The Corner!

Minden Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Vehicle Show & Shine
Just Around The Corner


Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden, Louisiana that antique and classic transportation enthusiasts have rolled into Minden. This show is no longer just a car show it is now a car, motorcycle, tractor and anything that rolls show & shine.
Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 7th annual open class vehicle show and shine. If it has wheels you need to bring it out. This year’s show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing for one lucky vehicle entry, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Dorcheat Bottom Band with a few special guests including Aubrie Stahl to keep toes tapping for most of the day. The chrome will be blinding and the music rocking. Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day!
Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola NASCAR products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, Tractors, and Motorcycles (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! Food vendor this year will be Jimmy Hall and his Party Express Catering from Minden. Their great food will be a great addition to the show! Members of Boo Benefit Rally will be on hand with the 2010 Harley Davidson and trailer that will be raffled off in October 2010 in Jefferson, Texas. Richard Clark from Cruisin’ Style Magazine will be on hand to cover the show in an upcoming issue. Local photographer Jeff Scott Photography will be another new addition to the show. You will be able to have your vehicle photos turned into a work of art. This year the show has added available vendor and swap meet spots. Please call 318-423-0192 if you would like to be a vendor or have swap meet spot needs.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, pre-registration is going great. This year the extra incentive for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky show participant and $200 to the club with the most members pre-registered, Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and just enjoy the day. The advertising for this show is sponsored in part by the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors’ Bureau. This show is a big economic impact for our community. Many of these visitors come for the weekend not just for the day of the show. They eat locally, stay in a hotel, and buy gasoline. They do a lot of spending at our local businesses. I hope the people of Minden welcome them as they visit our area.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that benefit from the 2010 event. Brown commented, “The show has given $73,000 to St. Jude since 2004! Next years plans are in the works to give ½ of the net proceeds to the Susan Komen foundation for breast cancer research in North Louisiana. Giving to any cancer research is something that I feel strongly about. Our local history is something that I am also passionate about. I am proud that the show has been able to give $13,000 to the Dorcheat Museum.
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com .
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. www.mindencruisinforacure.com and www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com .

TV SPOT 2010 & Show Info

Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden that vehicle enthusiasts have come together to show they care. Held at the Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss this show & shine, games, silent auction, $500 cash drawing plus other great prizes, live music, good fun, good food, good people and a GREAT time! Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola products. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, TRACTORS & MOTORCYCLES (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)!
After much thought and advice from other enthusiasts I have made a change. Due to the growth of the show, and the cost and time involved there will be NO JUDGING OR TROPHIES THIS YEAR! I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL JUST COME TO HAVE FUN AND SUPPORT THE SHOW! Remember it isn't about winning. We are all winners when it comes to this show. Info # 318-423-0192. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! Web site updated soon!
This car show has given $73,000 for cancer research since 2004 and $13,000 to the Dorcheat Historical Museum. Two great causes that are important to our community benefit from your show support. See you in May! www.mindencruisinforacure.com

2010 Information

Car, Tractor & Motorcycle Show & Shine 2010 In The Works

The club with the most pre-registered vehicles wins $200 and all pre-registered vehicles get in the hopper twice to win $500!

Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden that vehicle enthusiasts have come together to show they care. Held at the Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss this show & shine, games, silent auction, $500 cash drawing plus other great prizes, live music, good fun, good food, good people and a GREAT time! Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola products. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, TRACTORS & MOTORCYCLES (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)!
After much thought and advice from other enthusiasts I have made a change. Due to the growth of the show, and the cost and time involved there will be NO JUDGING OR TROPHIES THIS YEAR! I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL JUST COME TO HAVE FUN AND SUPPORT THE SHOW! Remember it isn't about winning. We are all winners when it comes to this show. You will receive official show flyer in a few months with details and pre-registration form. Info # 318-423-0192. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! Web site updated soon!
This car show has given $73,000 for cancer research since 2004 and $13,000 to the Dorcheat Historical Museum. Two great causes that are important to our community benefit from your show support. See you in May!

Thanks To All Of You!

My Letter To The Editor of The Minden Press

Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show Sends A Big Thank You!

As the show’s creator and promoter I would like to thank the many, many people that came together to help me make the car show a success. Many of these people have been with me since 2004 and this is what now makes it run so smoothly. I am so thankful to have these friends that stand behind me and what I do. They are always there when I ask; it can be for the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk or the Historic Residential District, the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and anything else I come up with. They are always there!

Without Coca-Cola Bottling of Minden, Inc this show would not happen. They bend over backwards to help me in any way they can. I am greatly indebted and thankful to the Hunter family! I am very fortunate that Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsors this event for much of the show’s advertising expense. This show pulls in thousands of out of town visitors and those visitors spend a lot of money while they are here. What they spend on gas, hotel, and food makes a big economic impact on this area and that is what tourism is all about. The City of Minden Departments is another big supporter in all that they do to accommodate me in all my many projects. We work for a week to get the fairgrounds ready and they are there for me with anything I need.

Plans were made last year to change the format of the show to benefit two organizations that are important to children. St. Jude and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum are important causes to me. In the beginning I set this show up to benefit St. Jude Research Hospital because I wanted a way to give back and add to what Minden already does. (To date the show has given $65,000 to St. Jude with another $8,000 estimated to be sent this year.) After the first two years I realized that because Minden already gives so much at the Minden St. Jude auction that it was extremely hard to get sponsors and silent auction items to support the show (a sponsorship for this show is as little as $100 to get your name on the shirts). To put on a show of this magnitude you must have financial support. I have a few loyal Minden sponsors that I can always depend on for any of my many projects I am so grateful to have them. It is because of this that many of my sponsors also come from out of town. These out of town supporters are friends of mine that are a part of the car club community.

I work year round promoting and sending out info on this show. This constant work is why it continues to grow. This year the name of the show was changed to “Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels through Time Car Show” the words St. Jude were left off and the museum logo and information was put on the flyers telling people that the money would be divided. By changing the format I can do the car show in the future for many causes that I feel need funding if I so choose; such as Breast Cancer awareness, St. Jude, Prostate Cancer, Louisiana Burn Camp for Children, and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. In fact the “Boo Bike” Harley that benefits the Louisiana Burn Camp made its 2nd appearance at this year’s show. They have had much success in raising money for the camp by selling the Harley Davidson raffle tickets here in Minden. This show not only benefits our town with an economic impact but can benefit many other causes as well. I look forward to next year, plans are already in motion for another big year in 2010.
Sincerely,
Schelley Brown iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

Record Breaking Attendance For 6th Annual Benefit Car Show

2009 Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show

Click on album to see photos! If you have some photos that you would like to share please send me a disc t0 508 East and West St. Minden, La. 71055. Thanks I would love to add them to our site.
“The final totals and bills are not yet in, but it looks like it should be around $18,000 profit for this years show! We always keep some in the account for the following year, since we work on this show year round we start paying bills for the May show in January. I hope to be able to send St. Jude and the Dorcheat Museum somewhere in the amount of $8,000 - $9,000 each! I am so pleased with this year’s turnout!” exclaimed Schelley Brown.
Saturday May 2nd, 2009 was a huge record breaker for the “Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels through Time Car Show”. An estimated crowd of over 5,000 made their way to Minden’s Fairgrounds breaking the old records of the past. Car entries were also up to the 250 range with car show participants coming from as far away as Louisiana Gulf Coast, Dallas-Fort Worth, Northern Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and even Pennsylvania!
By 6:30 a.m. vehicles of all makes, models, and descriptions were coming in at a steady stream until 11:00 a.m., with lines winding their way down Goodwill Street to the entrance of the fairgrounds. First time car show volunteers were amazed at the numbers coming through the gates. Tourism Director Lynn Dorsey was on hand to greet the out of town guest at the entrance gate as well as Dorcheat Historical Association President Mr. Thad Andress. They helped track where many of the visitors were from that attended this years show.
Show director Schelley Brown stood at the gate for hours directing drivers on the proper class for their vehicle and then waving them on to the next volunteer that would help locate the proper parking spot based on class. This smooth operation is due now to the 6 years of experience with putting on one of the fastest growing shows in the South. Registration is also another smoothed out operation under the direction of Debbie Warner, Pam Holley, Gay Lewis, Mike Deeter, and Vicki Semmes. These long-time car show volunteers have helped over the years and have developed a very efficient system since the first show in 2004.
From T-Shirts to drink sells all ran like clockwork with many first time volunteers from the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum board on hand to help. The museum is one of the benefactors this year from the proceeds of the show, with half going to the museum and half going to St. Jude. “I think my new volunteers enjoyed the experience and they got to see how much work is involved in this kind of event. I can’t do this show with out a huge number of friends and volunteers; they are what make it run smooth for me. That way I can concentrate on getting the cars here and in the right classes. I owe them all a huge Thank You!” remarked Brown.
The silent auction this year was another huge success. Mitzi Madden, Katie and Eddie Sangid have been in charge of this part of the show for several years and have perfected the show’s silent auction. With hundreds of items lined up in the forestry building, this was one of the big highlights of the show for event goers. The silent auction is based on donated items from area merchants, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, friends and many of the car clubs in the area.
“I knew we were going to have a good show this year, if the weather would hold out for us. We had 108 pre-registered cars and most folks don’t pre-register for car show! They usually wait to see how the weather is going to act. The show has had bad weather in the past but has always managed to draw large crowds, which is something to be proud of. Vehicle numbers would have been higher had the Sunday forecast been good. We had many overnight guest that were traveling home on Sunday and didn‘t want to risk damage to their vehicles. One club from Texas came without their cars, due to the predicted storms for Sunday. This club paid to register their cars even though they didn’t bring them! It just goes to show that car people are people that support good causes and care about their communities.” stated show director; Schelley Brown.
The music venue was changed this year to a tent supplied by “Archie’s Tents” set up at the back of the fairgrounds with sound supplied by Durwood Blake. This setup seemed to be a big hit with show goers. Music was provided by Debbie Waters and the Bayou Majic Band with an added singer, Johnny Couch. Topping the day off was the popular performance by, Minden’s own “Elvis” Mr. Mike Spillers. “Elvis” was chauffeured to the stage in a 1959 Cadillac driven by Les Sadler of Sadler Production in Bossier City.
By 3:30 the show barn was packed with a crowd, in anticipation of the drawings for the vehicle registration prizes. The grand prize of $500 was won by Mr. David Barnhill of Keithville, past president of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association and owner of a 1977 LTD Starskey and Hutch car. David promptly gave $200 back to the show! Partner in Hope booth; headed up by Cora Lou Robinson had some big prize drawings. 1st place $1000 diamond and sapphire ring donated by D.C. Pawn won by Kerry Bryce of Minden, 2nd place R & V Works fish cooker won by Ruth Ellen Hanna of Dubach, 3rd place Dr. Pepper bike donated by Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden was won by Lou Snook of Minden.
Many new folks come in this year, in fact one couple from Little Rock said they could now scratch the Minden Show off their “Bucket List” they said they had always heard a lot about the show and always wanted to come but had never be able to make it. They loved the show and promised to be back next year! That is what putting on a good show is all about. 2010 plans are already in the works. For more pictures and information keeping checking the site http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

100 PRE-Registered!!!!!!!!!

As of April 29th we have 100 pre-registered! Not many folks ever pre-register for a show so you know what that means! A BIG SHOW! Weather looks like it is going to hold out for us too. Looking for 200-300 cars maybe more. Come out and support the show.

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

BIG SHOW EXPECTED THIS YEAR!

2009 Minden St Jude Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show Expecting A Really BIG Show.

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 will be the 6th year in Minden, Louisiana that car enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 6th annual open class car show. This years show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Debbie Water’s Bayou Majic Band will also be performing and keeping toes tapping for most of the day,
Lots of goodie-bag items, t-shirts, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS (over 300 cars have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! In the past five years this car show has given $65,000 for cancer research. This year two great causes that are important to our children will benefit from your car show support. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that will benefit from the 2009 show.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, over 90 cars are pre-registered at this time. Brown commented that most folks don’t pre-register for car shows they wait and see what the weather is going to do. This show has had weather issues in the past but surprisingly has always been able to pull off a very successful show. In fact this show is one of the fastest growing shows in the Southern region. This year the extra incentive for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky car show participant. Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a car show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. So far we have several cars registered from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Northern Arkansas, South Louisiana and Texas. Cruisin’ Style Magazine and Southern Cruising News will be on hand again to cover this event for me. We have been featured several times in these publications as well as Antique Car Times. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars and just enjoy the day. We have a few rare cars that will be on hand for the show. One in particular is a 1936 Auburn Convertible this is something you don’t see everyday and is a rare automotive treat.”
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ and http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ .

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

2008 Car Show Pictures On Web Site

http://www.carshow-photos.com/index.htm Check out the 2008 show pictures on this site.

2009 St Jude Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show Plans Are Already In The Works

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 will be the 6th year in Minden, Louisiana that car enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 6th annual open class car show. This years show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Debbie Water’s Bayou Majic Band will also be performing and keeping toes tapping for most of the day,
Lots of goodie-bag items, t-shirts, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS (over 300 cars have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! In the past five years this car show has given $65,000 for cancer research. This year two great causes that are important to our children will benefit from your car show support. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that will benefit from the 2009 show.
If you would like to be a sponsor for the 2009 car show please let Schelley Brown know as soon as possible. This year we plan on the show being bigger and better than ever! With your help the possibilities are endless. For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ and http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ .

Look at some magazine pictures from last years show click on this link http://www.carshow-photos.com/2008Mindencarshow.html

2009 Car Show Plans Are In The Works

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 will be the 6th year in Minden, Louisiana that car enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 6th annual car show, silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, live music, good fun, good people and a great time. Lots of goodie-bag items, t-shirts, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS (over 300 cars have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)!
In the past five years this car show has given $65,000 for cancer research. This year two great causes that are important to our children will benefit from your car show support.
You will receive an official car show flyer in a few months with a lot more details and your registration information and form.
But for now just SAVE THE DATE!
For more information please call me at 318-423-0192. We still have lots of details that we are working on for this show. We hope that it will be bigger and better than ever! With your help the possibilities are endless. Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

Dear Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show Participants,

First of all let me say ALL of you are WINNERS in my book and I am sure St. Jude’s too. This show is about saving children and finding a cure. Thank you all for coming to Minden to the 5th annual Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show. This show could not take place without all of you. I couldn’t have done this show without all the support from my local sponsors and my car buddies from area clubs. I also couldn’t do this show without good friends that bend over backwards to help the week prior to the show. There is a lot of hard work that goes on the week before the show, day of the show and then the clean up after the show! I want to thank each and every one of these people. Without all of these folks this show could not and would not happen!” Because of all of you I will be able to send at least $10,000 again to St. Jude maybe even a little more, when the final bills are paid and all the money comes in. That gives us a total of $65,000 in 5 years! I think that is pretty good for a town the size of Minden, Louisiana.
If the weather had been good on Friday in a 300 mile radius we would have had at least 300 cars show up this year. With tornados all around us in the southern region on Friday, I started getting calls. Folks were waiting it out before they left to come to Minden. I had one man that waited until 3 A.M. Saturday morning to leave Houston, Texas to get here in time. He had planned on coming on Friday but was scared of running into hail and tornados. I also had numerous calls from Arkansas and Missouri about weather concerns and possible cancellations of plans on coming to the show.”
This show is a labor of love and a work in progress. When I started this show 5 years ago I had never put on a show before in my life. We learn something new every year. We especially learn what not to do again. The ballot voting this year did not run as smoothly as the past year due to the added number of classes. I forgot that I had added more classes and did not allow for enough time to count that many votes. I have decided next year on a different judging system that will be much faster. Each class will judge their own class next year. I know myself that a Mustang person knows the Mustangs better than they know the Model A’s, or MOPAR class etc. This will speed up the process a lot and also give everyone more of a chance to enjoy the day and all the cars instead of walking around filling out ballot sheets. This will also not take others away from the show for hours counting votes! I think this is the best remedy for time and fairness. I will also add a few more classes next year by possibly splitting the truck classes and antique car classes down more. I will do away with the Domestic Class all together. I think this will give more folks the chance to win and make more people happier at the end of the day. I definitely want ALL of you happy at the end of the day.
We will have bigger prizes, more car games and just more fun things for everyone. I wanted to do away with trophies all together but I know that for many that is an important part of the show. I personally don’t like to dust them! Ha! Ha!
Thank you all for being patient with the folks helping me and especially for being patient with me. I get a little keyed up on show day! After working on something for a year you want everything perfect and when you are dealing with that much stuff it never is. I really wanted the NASCAR simulator to work and that didn’t happen due to a major problem. I am sure next year they will be back and running with something even better.
Please check out the blog http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ for pictures and press release of all the shows. A 2 disc set of video and pictures is available if you would like for $15. Just let me know and I will get you one in the mail ASAP. Just mail your check to Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure 508 East and West Street Minden, La. 71055.
Hope to see you all next year on the first Saturday in May!
Schelley Brown
318-423-0192 cell

5th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure For St. Jude Car Show Draws Large Crowd!

The 5th annual car show that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the first time in its 5 year history had a NO RAIN day! Car show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown stated, “We had a huge turnout this year. The final numbers are not in yet, but I already know that I can send at least $10,000 again to St. Jude. This making our total in the last five years $65,000! We had over 200 cars ranging from a rare $200,000 Aston Martin to a 1919 Ford Speedster.”
Brown was very pleased with the crowd which was estimate to be around 3000 - 4000 at the fairgrounds site this year. Everything went fairly smooth considering the number of cars and folks coming in less than 3 hours between 7 A.M. and 10 A.M. on Saturday morning. Schelley commented, “I couldn’t have done this show with out all the support from my local sponsors and my car buddies from area clubs. I also couldn’t do this show without good friends that bend over backwards to help the week prior to the show. There is a lot of hard work that goes on the week before the show, day of the show and then the clean up crew after the show! I want to thank each and every one of these people. Without all of these folks this show could not and would not happen!”
Ms. Brown said, “If the weather had been good on Friday in a 300 mile radius we would have had at least 350-400 cars show up this year. With tornados all around us in the southern region on Friday, I started getting calls. Folks were waiting it out before they left to come to Minden. I had one man that waited until 3 A.M. Saturday morning to leave Houston, Texas to get here in time. He had planned on coming on Friday but was scared of running into hail and tornados. I also had numerous calls from Arkansas and Missouri about weather concerns and possible cancellations of plans on coming to the show.”
The added attraction of the Reunion Band and the birthday performance of Minden’s own “Elvis” aka Mike Spillers was a big crowd favorite. Mike’s arrival in a mile long black Cadillac was a real thrill for the crowd and for “Elvis”! Mike was then surprised with a birthday cake from his family. Local antique tractor enthusiast had a wonderful display of some early farm tractors for the crowd to admire which was a new attraction for the show. The food was great from Gumbo Daddy’s and the silent auction items were a big hit with the crowd. The only glitch in the day was the NASCAR simulator malfunction.
If you didn’t make it out to the fair grounds on Saturday you missed your opportunity to support St. Jude in a unique and fun way. You also missed some beautiful automobiles, antique tractors, some great silent auction items and wonderful entertainment. Dates are already set for next year so plan ahead. The show will be held again the first weekend in May of 2009. For more information on the show you can contact Schelley Brown at iluvoldcars@yahoo.com or 318-423-0192. You can also visit the blog site to see this years pictures and updates at http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/

St Jude 2008 TV Spot

2008 Lets Top Them All

Press release:
What: 5th Annual Minden Cruisin’ For A Cure May 3rd, 2008
When: May 3rd, 2008
Where: Minden, La. Fairgrounds 802 Goodwill Street
Time: 9:00-5:00
Cost: $5.00 Adults $3.00 Children under 12
Contact: Schelley Brown 318-423-0192 @ iluvoldcars@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/

NASCAR Simulator to be the highlight of the 5th annual

Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show!

Gentlemen and gentlewomen start your engines! The 5th annual 2008 St. Jude’s Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure open class car show is right around the corner. May 3rd, 2008 is the day for this annual event. This show is held in memory of little Stanton Haynes an

d so far has given $55,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The show has brought in cars from as far away as California and Florida and is one of the fastest growing shows in the south. This year 300 cars are expected with thousands of car enthusiasts from all over the Ark-La-Tex and beyond coming to participate and view the gleaming works of chrome and metal. The show has had so many cars registered in the past that this year more vehicle classes will be added. All of this and so much more will once again be held and the Webster Parish Fair Grounds located off Pine Street at 802 Goodwill Street in Minden, Louisiana.

This year the major highlight of the show will be a 43’ Coca-Cola Racing Team branded trailer with the “Coke Zero Racing Experience”, a virtual reality simulator equipped with five NASCAR driving stations featuring authentic seats, steering wheels, and gas and brake pedals set on a 3-axis motion simulator. Now you can feel what its like to crawl inside a NASCAR. This is trailer is equipped with a high- tech sound system so you will hear, see and feel all the sights and sounds of what an actual race is like. This is a rare opportunity to race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Drivers on an authentic virtual track!

This simulator exhibit is sponsored by Coca Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc. The Hunter family and the great folks at the 100 plus year old Coke Company in Minden always strive to help the annual car show to be a huge success. In past years they have sponsored authentic NASCAR’s for the show’s display. “This year tops them all with this special equipped 18-wheeler simulator truck!” “These simulators bring in thousands of people whenever they are set up at venues and we anticipate a huge crowd turning out for the opportunity to experience the thrill of NASCAR racing in a new way.” stated Schelley Brown car show organizer.

“The Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure car show is always held the weekend after the Pate Swap meet in Texas. This usually is the first weekend in May but does sometimes fall on the second weekend.” stated Brown. “I started this show because of my love of cars and wanting to give more to St. Jude but it has evolved over the years in to a love of not only cars but for the people that own the cars.

“I wanted to do something for St. Jude to go along with what Minden already does (Minden is the #1 volunteer community, giving more money per-capita than any other city) our money is added into the total of what Minden gives. The people that own these classic and collectable cars strive to contribute to worthy causes. Most of these causes are related to children such as the Louisiana Burn Camp for Children, homeless shelters, and toy drives are just a small part of what these car clubs get involved with. I have been involved with local car clubs and the Louisiana Car Council for many years and these folks are great! When you ask them to do something they do it. They show up and say put me to work! That is what it takes to put on something of this magnitude.”

This show is covered by several car enthusiasts’ magazines. This year’s show will have some old and new highlights. The limited edition Chris Broussard Car Show print will be on sale. You will see a special birthday performance of Minden’s own “ELVIS” Mr. Mike Spillers. Mike’s show will take place around 2 o’clock. Mike’s “Elvis” performance is always a crowd favorite and Minden is so fortunate to have someone as talented as Mike Spillers. The show will offer a special photography station where car owners can get custom pictures and posters of their pride and joy. Kerry Easley http://www.easleyfineart.com/ will be on hand to offer this added attraction for the show this year. Don’t forget to bring your appetites to the show. Food this year will also be something to look forward to with the addition of Gumbo Daddy’s catering on hand. They will have breakfast items for the early birds and lunch items to follow. Silent auction will be held again this year in the forestry building. Don’t forget the fun and games for the kids. The show always has something for everyone.
Web site is updated with the 2008 information
http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/

Stanton Haynes and the Car Show Print

Stanton Haynes

Feb 14, 2001-Feb 13, 2005

Kristi RichiePress-Herald Staff

One day shy of his fourth birthday, Stanton Haynes lost his hard-fought battle with neuroblastoma. Just after 2 a.m. Sunday, Stanton left a life of cancer and went home safe in the arms of the Lord.“We were blessed to be his parents for the few years that we did,” Stanton’s mother Tina said. “We know he’s in a better place, and it’s going to be hard for us not to be selfish and hold on to that. He did things his way up until the very end and went very peacefully in the middle of the night.”The Haynes family is now back home in Minden after their extended stay at St. Jude with Stanton. Tina will post arrangements on the Web site, www.caringbridge.org, once they are finalized.“I want to thank the community for the support. Minden is incredible – that’s all we’ve heard the entire time we’ve been there at St. Jude,” Tina said. “I cannot believe what the town has done for St. Jude as well as us personally. The community that we live in is incredible.”Stanton was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2003 as Stage IV. He had been through six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, a stem cell transplant, radiation and nine rounds of Accutane until finally classified as “no evidence of disease” until April 15, 2004.The disease returned, and Stanton and his family continued to battle until nearly two weeks ago when they received news that the cancer had spread throughout his entire body.Stanton spent his last days being made as comfortable as possible by the staff of St. Jude’s. When he was feeling well, he was able to play, but then he had his feeling not-so-well moments too.Last Wednesday was special as Stanton got a very special phone call. As he was unable to go on his Make-A-Wish trip, he was asked to wish for anything that might come to him – Dora, Mickey, Spiderman – but his answer was “Michael Waltrips,” the NASCAR driver he bonded with during a trip to North Carolina.“I want him to play race cars, and I will be 15 (Waltrip’s number), and he can be Jeff Gordon,” Stanton told his mother and nurses.Domino’s Pizza, a major advocate of Stanton, got word of Stanton’s wish, and within a couple of hours, Waltrip was on the phone. Waltrip did say only for Stanton would he be Jeff Gordon.Saturday was extremely tough as Stanton began to suffer from multi-organ failure. Then it was only a matter of hours before the little fighter took his last breath.Tina will continue to post on the Web site.“For everybody that I haven’t gotten to thank personally, I want to thank them for their support and their continued support over the next few weeks because this is going to be so difficult. And St. Jude up until the very end and then some was absolutely fabulous,” she said. “All I can say is thank you, and we’ve been very humbled by what Minden has done for us personally as well as for St. Jude.”

The Stanton Haynes Car Show Print

This original art work was painted by Minden artist Chris Broussard to help raise money for the 2nd annual Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show & Sock-Hop to be held May 14th, 2005. When Schelley Brown; the car show promoter, first mentioned it to Mrs. Broussard she hoped that Chris’s talent and love of children would inspire her to do this special painting. Without any hesitation, in less than one month she had created a beautiful tribute, to the car show, the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden and also to Stanton Haynes a former St. Jude patient. Prints from this original painting will go on sale soon and also at the May 14th car show. Without Chris’s help and enormous talent, the amount of money given to St. Jude from the car show would be much less. This print will make a huge difference in the 2005 show as well as the 2006 auction.
Minden gives more money per-capita than any other city in the world. For over thirty years Minden has given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It is the one thing that the people in Minden do best. In 2005, so far Minden has given over half-a-million dollars.
The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden is the perfect backdrop for any event. This plant has been in operation for over 100 years and owned by the Hunter family. This is one of last independently owned Coke facilities in the country. This year the Hunter family celebrates 100 years with the Coca-Cola franchise. This facility houses one of the most incredible coke and sports museums in the area. The history of Minden lies within these walls. Hunter’s have been giving to Minden for over 100 years. Without the graciousness of the Hunter Family this car show would not be possible.
St. Jude has a special place in the heart of Minden, because of the many families from our area that have to make that journey to the Memphis hospital for treatment for their children. One such child is depicted in this print. The small little boy holding the balloons is Stanton Haynes. The 2005 show is in Stanton’s memory. He touched so many lives in his few short years. Stanton Allen Haynes was born on February 14, 2001 to Tina and Jeff Haynes and older brother Hayden. On January 2, 2003, a mass was found in Stanton's abdomen. Neuroblastoma Stage IV was the diagnosis and the five-year survival rate was about 59 percent. During the time of January through September 2003, the Haynes family lived in Memphis while Stanton underwent six rounds of high dose chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, autologous stem cell transplant and 12 rounds of radiation. They went home with Stanton classified as "No Evidence of Disease". On April 15, 2004, the Haynes’s experienced the worst day of their lives. They were told the cancer was back and very aggressive. Stanton participated in a research study and the Haynes family found out first hand what the research that St. Jude's does is all about. Stanton in his short life did incredible things. He brought many together, from all over the world, thru his family’s faith. Stanton loved cars and with his older brother Hayden’s help were chosen to design a NASCAR for Domino’s and Michael Waltrip. This is just one of the ways that this tiny warrior inspired so many. February 13, 2005 one day short of his fourth birthday, Stanton left his pain and made his journey to heaven. His fourth birthday was spent racing his tricycle on streets of gold.
Thank you in advance for you purchase of this print. As Danny Thomas said, “Let no child die before his time.” With your help maybe one day that dream will come true! If you would like to purchase this limited edition “Minden Cruisin For A Cure for St. Jude” print please contact Schelley Brown at iluvoldcars@yahoo.com or 318-371-2913.

2007 New Location $55,000 So Far!

Wheels and Chrome

Means Lots of Money For St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

The 4th annual Minden Cruisin For A Cure For St. Jude was a huge success. The new location at the Minden Fairgrounds was a hit with the crowds. Schelley Brown the shows organizer and promoter stated, “We had lots of room and parking for everything.” We missed the nostalgia of the Coca-Cola Plant but we still had the antique replica Coca-Cola truck in the background as well as full support from the Hunter family with Coca-Cola of Minden.”
Unique Performance with the Chip Foose creations was on hand with the Foose Challenger valued at over $100,000. This car will be given away later this year by Good Guys you can register on line at the Good Guys web site. The Michael Waltrip NASCAR was also on display all these special show cars were big hits with the crowd.
An estimated crowd of 4000-4500 came to Minden from as far away as the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Alaska, and Florida. Brown stated, “We had people calling from all over the country. I think if we had not had the threat of bad weather earlier in the week the crowd would have been twice the size and we would have had over 350 cars.” This is the first time in the four years of this show it has not had weather issues. Many participants were new to this show and all commented on the fact that they would be back. This makes this show one of the fastest growing in the south. Car magazine coverage in Cruizin’ Style Magazine also is a big factor in the growth of the show.
Over two hundred cars of all makes and models started rolling in around 7 a.m. lining up on Goodwill street to enter the gates of the Minden fairgrounds. Volunteers arrived long before that to get everything prepared for all of the day’s activities. The highlight for everyone was the performance by Minden’s own “Elvis” aka Mike Spillers. A large crowd filled the show barn as Mike preformed a moving show (just as the real Elvis did in 1957 in Minden on the back of a flat bed trailer).
The final count is not in yet but an estimated amount of over $15,000 will be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Several St. Jude families from Minden were on hand to help folks remember the real reason for the show. Tourism Director Lynn Warnock Dorsey seemed to be pleased with the large turnout at this years show. Bringing people in from other areas is the main goal of tourism and that was achieved in a large way for the 4th annual Minden Cruisin’ For A Cure For St. Jude Car Show.
Brown commented, “Next years show is already in the works and will be bigger and better than ever. Without the help of the local car clubs this show would not be possible. This is a lot of work and you have to have lots of folks behind you to do something of this magnitude. The bigger the show the harder it is to handle without a lot of volunteer support.” Plans are already underway and anyone that would like to help as a volunteer is asked to contact Schelley Brown.

May 2006 If I Plan It, Plan On Rain!

May 8th, 2006---
They say in everyone’s life a little rain must fall. The annual Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure for St. Jude Car Show in Minden, La. has had its share of bad weather. Last year over 275 cars and 4000 people attended the show with the rain holding off until the end of the show. This year was pretty much a washout until around noon. The show promoter Schelley Brown said, “I was up all night watching the radar on the internet praying that we would miss the bad weather.” At 5:00 a.m. the rain and thunder were rolling into the Minden area. Opening the gates of the coke plant at 6:00 a.m., Brown said, she knew that it was going to be hard to reach any kind of goal when the weather man said 100% chance of strong storms and possible hail. At 8 a.m. we had a few cars show up but we were all just standing there wondering what we would do with all the silent auction items and all the t-shirts. The phone started ringing telling me what the radar was showing. These calls weren’t form local people they were from people in Jefferson, Texas and Arkansas that wanted to come to the show! Around 9 a.m. the rain started to slack up and the cars started to roll in. The 18-wheeler from Unique Performance with its expensive cargo of Chip Foose and Carroll Shelby cars opened up and rolled some amazing cars out for everyone to see. By 11:00 a.m. the show actually resembled last year with the people coming thru the gates and the cars lining up to register. When the engine fired up on the #6 Mark Martin Car the crowd cheered as if they were at a NASCAR race.
The cars were fewer in number but only due to the weather. Brown said she anticipated over 300 cars this year in fact she had 74 pre-registered. Anyone that goes to car shows knows that very few people pre-register. This means that if you have 74 pre-registered you can figure that you will have over 300 cars for the show. This is one of the fastest growing shows in the south and draws cars from a 300 mile radius. Brown said every year it just gets bigger and bigger. In fact it has gotten so big that she has decided that the show may have to be moved to the Minden Fair Grounds next year. Also a possible later date into the summer may be a possibility to try to keep the show DRY!
The antique and classic car folks showed what they were made of Saturday. These cars are normally not driven in bad weather or even possibilities of bad weather. Brown said that these folks come out to support the cause not to show the cars. Many came without there cars but showed up to help and to spend money at the silent auction. One of this years participants came all the way from San Diego, California. His award winning 1957 Chevy Nomad was one of the amazing cars on hand Saturday. This particular car is the cover car of the May issue of Cruisin’ Style Magazine. The Minden show continues to draw some top cars from all over the country and this year was no exception.
When it was all said and done Brown said she was pleased to report that she could at least send St. Jude a check for $10,000. This was not the $30,000 that she wanted to send but considering the weather she was excited to reach this amount. All we can do is look forward to next year and pray for NO RAIN! You can http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ or contact Schelley Brown at iluvoldcars@yahoo.com and 318-423-0192.

May 2005 Huge Success $20,000

Huge success is the only words that can describe the 2nd annual Minden Cruisin’ For A Cure for St. Jude Car Show! Schelley Brown, the show promoter said that the response was overwhelming! At 7:00 AM cars were already rolling down the streets of Minden, La. and they were all headed to the Minden Coca-Cola Bottling Company on Pine Street. Eighteen wheelers loaded with show cars were lining Pine Street as other cars were unloaded at the fair grounds. With a car count of close to three hundred and cars of every era being represented. Attendance of an astounding number of around 4,000 people from a six state region attended the event that raised an estimated $20,000 plus for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
National car magazine editor Larry Crain told Brown that he had been to a lot of shows this year and none compared to the size or quality of the show held in Minden. With such great attractions as an Orange County Chopper, Carroll Shelby Mustangs, and a Dale Earnhardt Sr. NASCAR the reason is easy to see!
The car show brought in over $20,000 but the continued revenue from the Stanton Haynes commemorative 11x14 print will bring in an estimated $70,000 to be added to the car show total for the year. Prints will be available at Minden Building and Loan soon and also from Schelley Brown. The response to the prints is amazing and they have already been mailed to several states. The http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ web site will be updated soon to include information on how to purchase a print.
The 11:00 AM opening ceremonies included an opening prayer by Tina Haynes mother of Stanton Haynes. The crowd listened as several St. Jude families told their stories of what St. Jude means to them. This started the day off right and set the mission for the day to raise a lot of money for cancer research.
At noon the crowd came to a standstill as the King of Rock-n-Roll made his come-back appearance in Minden. Elvis made his way to the stage in his 1958 black Cadillac escorted by his entourage. After a spine tingling performance by Mike Spillers aka Elvis a look back to the 1950’s was seen by everyone as the poodle skirts and greasers paraded across the stage. This was followed by hula-hoop and the every popular fan belt toss. Myra Hasty of Unique Performance was the best with the fan belts and she probably gets a lot of practice at the shop in Texas with the Shelby Mustangs.
The Bayou Majic Band along with Mark Wise and his Big Dawgg Music set the mood for the day with that old time rock-n-roll. Doug Olson of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association kept folks guessing with a dollar a try Parts Guessing contest with his old car parts tent. River Cities Corvette Club and Corvettes of Northeast Louisiana made a huge showing of Corvettes. Over 20 car clubs were represented from all over the country to make this one of the biggest events in the history of Minden. This show not only helps St. Jude but also the city of Minden, with over 50 of the car owners staying in staying in local motels and hotels plus purchasing food and gas in Webster parish.
The weather was great right up until the very end with only a 10 minute rain to dampen the spirit. The show wrapped up after the awards were given out around 4:30 but many are already planning their trip to Minden for next year. The date has not been set yet but plans for next years show are already in the works said promoter Schelley Brown. “I already have some commitments from some big venue cars to make an appearance”, she stated.
If you missed it this year you missed out. But you do still have a chance to make a difference with your purchase of the limited edition print by Chris Broussard. As Danny Thomas said, “Let no child die before his time.” With your help maybe one day that dream will come true! If you would like to purchase this limited edition “Minden Cruisin For A Cure for St. Jude” print ,please contact Schelley Brown at iluvoldcars@yahoo.com or 318-371-2913 or 318-423-0192.