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We
have to admit that for a while, the
Friday night Block Party Event looked a
little iffy. Black skies, thunder, and
rain coming down in torrents - but, fate
smiled on us again, and we persevered.
There were a few little mix-ups, not
enough space for the cars, or chairs for
people to sit and enjoy the music that
didn't happen, because the band "The
Gnarly Fingers" didn't show up.
Despite all the mistakes, we had a
perfect night. The food was fabulous,
the friendship was terrific, the rain
cooled off the evening, and the
camaraderie among the car owners
couldn't have been better. We all had
fun, and that is the name of the game.
Saturday, August 7th dawned not to
bright, but at least cool. The
Cruisers had all the tents up,
vendor spaces assigned, show car parking
spaces roped off, and a special area
just for Fords by the original name
of "Ford Corner". This special day
was In Tribute to our recently departed
member Billy "Gopher" Nelson. Gopher was
a North Georgia native, raised in Union
County. He will be remembered for his
quick wit, and readiness to lend a hand
to anyone who needed it. After his wife
Angie and his daughter Katie his best
love was his 1963 Ford Galaxy. He will
be greatly missed.
The vendors who took part in the
Taste of
Blairsville were
ready to go by noon. The food presented
was unimaginable, everything from
seafood to bar-b-que, to ice cream to
kettle corn. Nothing was over a $3
ticket. Back-A-Yard Cuisine came from as
far away as Atlanta to show off their
wares of Caribbean Cooking. There was
Dan's Grill Cuban Cuisine; Jim's
Smokin' Que, Vinny's Famous Hot
Dogs, kettle corn and fresh squeezed
lemonade, hand made jewelry and crafts,
Copperhead Lodge, Mike's Seafood,
Roosters Wing House, Popie's Rib
Shack, Hilltop Cafe, Amazing Grace
Catering, JT's Pit Stop Cafe, Sicily's
Pizza, and the Owltown Market. We
sincerely thank each and every one of
you.
Check out the
website to see the winners!
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C&S Gold Sponsor Award
Driver's Choice Trophy
Billy "Gopher" Nelson Trophy
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Cars of all years, kinds and
conditions were there, more
than 60 at the last count.
The voting for the very best
was difficult, however the
winners were:
Community
and Southern Bank's Gold
Sponsor Trophy for Best
of Show was presented by
Sarah Floyd to Skip and
Robin Thomason of Ellijay
for their 1949 White
Plymouth Business Coupe and
the
Drivers Choice Trophy was presented by Cruisers President
Tom Bruce to Raymond Morris
of Morganton for his
Custom Black/Brandy 1966
Chevelle.
The highlight was the 50/50
Drawing. The pot was
$1070.00, by far the largest
pot ever raised, half of
which went to Blairsville
High School Auto Shop to
purchase much needed
equipment. The other half
was won by Jim Woods of
Asheville, N.C. who was not
available, but Mike Plott a
friend of Gopher Nelson's
accepted the $535 for him.
Mr. Woods requested that his
portion of the drawing also
be donated to Union
County High School Auto
Shop. Robin Roxbury, auto
shop teacher and Abe
Kiernan, student, accepted
the money from Faye Herd who
was in charge of the 50/50
ticket sales and did a
marvelous job.
« Winner of the first annual
"Billy "Gopher" Nelson Ford
award, presented by Jackie
Jones (L) to
Ray Yarber of Riceville,
Tennessee
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The
new, Annual Gopher Nelson Trophy for The
Best Ford in Show went to Ray Yarber of
Riceville, Tennessee for his Red 1964
Galaxy. The trophy was presented by
Gopher's wife Angie Nelson and his
daughter Katie. Mrs. Nelson thanked
everyone for such a wonderful tribute by
his friends and associates, especially
Mike Plott, Robby Turner, Jimmy Jones
and Jacky Jones. She said they were
invaluable in their support both before
and after Gopher's death. Also, R.B.
Brown of ProFlame Gas presented the
Annual Award Plaque which will be placed
near the front of Gopher's favorite
restaurant, The Blairsville Restaurant.
Each year, the name of the Best Ford in
Show winner will be placed on the
plaque. Also,
Robert Turner gave the trophy and Jacky
Jones presented a Ford Racing Trophy
License Plate to the winner. What a
great tribute.
The Blairsville Cruisers would like to
personally thank all those who made this
day possible. The vendors, the workers
who sold tickets (DDA, and the Chamber),
the D.J. (Larry Swanson), the GreasePit
Misfits from Murphy, all the public who
attended, and the wonderful people who
work behind the scenes to make each
Cruise-In special. THANK ALL OF YOU
SO MUCH.
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