‘The Hulk’ set to appear at Monticello car show

     One of the Midwest’s longest running winter car shows returns to Monticello for the 50^th consecutive year to brighten up a cold February weekend. KCRG-TV9 Presents the O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23 and 24. It’s affordable family fun featuring a new selection of street rods, custom cars, street machines, hot pickups, racecars, and custom motorcycles.

     The vehicles will all be competing for trophies from Magic Dry US and cash awards from Citizens State Bank.

     Featured celebrity this year is actor and champion bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno. Ferrigno was only 21 when he won his first Mr. Universe title, a Guinness Book world record that stands to this day. After retiring from bodybuilding, Ferrigno created the TV role of “The Incredible Hulk.” He has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. Most recently, he and his family started Ferrigno FIT, a community focused on positive habits, lifestyles, and ideas.

     Lou Ferrigno will be available for autographs and photos Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

     The show is just as much about the spectators as the cars. Attendees can vote for People’s Choice Awards in the following categories: Cars and Pickups, Motorcycles, and Model Cars. Attendees can also win gift cards from O’Reilly Auto Parts, Magic Dry US, and Citizens State Bank.

     There is a lot to do at this year’s car show:

     • Richard Petty impersonator Ron Hill will bring a little bit of NASCAR to the show, mingling as “The King” with attendees Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

     • 3-D Sound Company DJ Dave Palmer will provide music and commentary and serve as awards emcee at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday

     • Caricature artist David Fliss of Flissart Entertainment will provide free portraits for attendees

     • Balloon artist Wes Little, “Wes the Best,” will entertain young and old with his unique inflatable creations

     • ABC Supply Company will display the A.J. Foyt IndyCar

     • A new selection of scale model cars will compete from trophies and model kits in the 34^th Annual Model Car Contest

     • The Monticello Eagles Club Ladies Auxiliary #4466 will be serving food and beverages, with profits going toward community projects

     • Racers for Christ and Rodders for Christ will host a non-denominational chapel service at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with Team RFC Chaplain Dave Lupella as speaker

     Show hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The awards presentation is set for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Bring a can of food to benefit Four Oaks family programs and receive $1 off admission. Parking is free.

     For more information, visit www.rodandcustomcarshow.com. Show weekend phone is 319-465-6640.