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Annual World of Wheels show hits Big Sandy
Ryan Ervin shows off his 1977 Cherry Wood Bronco to Hayden and James Owens during the 33rd annual World of Wheels Classic Car Show held at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena on Friday, March 5, 2010, in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- When you've tattooed "World of Wheels" on your bicep, you know it's serious.
Custom pin striper Darin Allen, 45, started his "wheel" addiction 33 years ago. Even though he has earned acclaim nationwide in the auto industry, securing striping jobs from Jay Leno and KISS's Gene Simmons, it is the "World of Wheels" that is near to his heart and under his skin -- literally.
"Growing up, it was my dream to be here. I set goals and this was my goal," said the son of a mechanic father and mother who was a drag racer, showing off his tattoo. "I've been to shows with 7,500 cars, but I would not miss this show for anything. It's like a reunion. I've grown up here."
The 33rd annual World of Wheels -- a mix between a classic car show, antique car sale, cruise-in and one-stop vendor shop, continues throughout the weekend at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children 3-12 and free for children younger than three.
"It's like an addiction," said Don Stewart of Ashland, who brought a 1927 Dodge Brothers and 1944 Chevy truck to exhibit -- two of his 25 showpieces. Stewart has been participating in World of Wheels for 24 years. "All these years I've been doing this and when I walked through the doors this week, I still felt that excitement and thrill of being here."
Show presenters Richard and Jo Wheeler forged ahead with this year's show, despite the death of their friend and show partner, Earl Davis. Davis' widow, Jerry, continued on with the Wheelers. World of Wheels, according to Jo Wheeler, will not disappear anytime soon.
"Richard started years and years ago and he and Earl got together on it about 25 years ago," said Jo, whose husband is on dialysis and has health concerns of his own. "We handled the inside work, Earl and Jerry handled all the sponsors.
"Jerry and I started in this because our husbands loved the sport. It just becomes part of your life."
Nearly 150 cars are on display inside the arena, ranging from a 1960's-style Volkswagen bus painted in watercolors to a 1948 Anglia Coupe. Also on display? A Cushman scooter, modern Corvettes, motorcycles and a Ford Bronco made entirely of cherry wood that consumed 12 hours a day, seven days a week for nine months to complete.
"We've never missed in 15 years. It's different every year," said Moe Wells of Ashland. Wells and car buddy Mike Sturm, also of Ashland, said cars are a common interest and attending World of Wheels is a must.
"We don't own anything like these, but we'd sure like to," Sturm said.
Stewart said pride is the driving force behind the exhibitors' -- who travel from as far away as Cleveland -- showmanship.
"These folks are very dedicated. There's pride in building and designing these cars and every car has memories associated with it that mean a lot to its owner. We all just want to share our cars with the people who appreciate them and we want people to enjoy themselves," he said. "The day I worry about a finger smudge on a car from someone visiting the show is the day I quit doing this. That's not what it's about.
"It's like people with Kentucky Basketball. It's that passion," he continued. "It's friendship, it's family."
