Bluegrass legends car show returning in August

Scott Hagerman, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.
·2 min read

After a highly successful debut last year, Bluegrass Legends Experience II will return August 16-18 to Moreland Park and the Owensboro Sportscenter.

Jimmy Allyn, co-organizer of the event, said this year’s show — which is presented by the Moore Automotive Team — is expected to have nearly 1,000 cars on display, which would be almost double last-year’s turnout.

“We’re going to work to pack that park just as full as we can,” said Allyn, who noted the front Sportscenter parking lot will also be utilized for displaying cars. “I think we can get quite a few more (in there).”

The headline attraction this year will be a display of vehicles and memorabilia used by daredevil Evel Knievel, including a three-wheel jet cycle he used in the late-1960s to early-1970s, and a Skycycle X-2, the steam-powered rocket he used in his attempt to jump Snake River Canyon in 1974.

The attraction is expected to fill about half of the Sportscenter floor.

“This attraction is going to be the star for us to fundraise off of with the donation jar,” said Allyn, who donated $30,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital last year from proceeds from the two shows he stages, including the Owensboro event.

The car show is open to all makes and models, including Rat Rods. Allyn is also planing to bring in a couple of specialty vehicles to be displayed.

The entry fee to show a car is $25. More than 200 show awards will be presented, along with hourly prizes.

While vehicles are the headline attraction, there will also be plenty of opportunities to eat and listen to music.

Allyn said more than 25 food trucks will line Hickman Avenue — which runs between Moreland Park and the Sportscenter — and there will be live music in the park all three days.

The musical lineup is expected to be announced by the end of next month.

Beer will be sold in the Sportscenter.

The event also includes a swap meet and Sunday morning church service.

An awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, August 18 to close the show.

“Last year was really successful,” said Mark Calitri, president of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have big hopes for this year.”

For more information about the show, including how to register to be a vendor, sponsor, or to show a vehicle, visit www.legendscarshowobky.com.