I have always been a car guy. Growing up in Hueytown, Alabama the love for cars and racing just came natural. Some of my fondest memories are Sunday afternoons with my Dad at BIR (Birmingham International Raceway). We watched the Alabama Gang from the old wooden grandstand. I can still smell the burning fuel and rubber, mixed with the smell of hotdogs and popcorn. Those memories as well as, the fact that my Dad and his twin brother always had some cool cars around fueled my passion for four wheels.
I bought a 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 in April of 2002 and a few years later my Dad (Tiger) bought a partially restored 57 Chevrolet Pick-up. We started working on it and going to shows together with my wife Rene, and my Mom (Mattie). It was always a great family outing and we met some really great people along the way. I still have that bright red 57 Chevrolet pickup, sometimes it’s a difficult decision as to which to drive to a show.
Cars by the Creek was founded in 2002. The first event was a Cruise In only. We approached the City of Montevallo about using Orr Park as a venue for a car show. The open field near Shoal Creek is a perfect setting for the event. For many years the event was held on Labor Day weekend or the last Saturday in August. Over the years we have raised money for Kid One Transport, Montevallo High school cheerleaders, majorettes, and the marching band. Every year we also donate a portion of the proceeds to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
In 2017 we partnered with the Montevallo Bicentennial Committee to help celebrate the City’s 200th Birthday. This show was our largest ever with over 200 cars on the field.
Over the years we have raised money for Kid One Transport, Montevallo High school cheerleaders, majorettes, the marching band and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
This year we are back for the 21st show in conjunction with the Tinglewood Festival, Alabama’s Premier All Wood Working Event, featuring a chainsaw carving exhibition, live music, wood crafters and a free children’s area with a balloon artist, games, a painting activity, plus critters from the Wildlife Center.
