Wizard Run takes show on the road

About 90 cars, ranging from antique to custom-made, jammed Massachusetts Street Saturday for the Wizard Run car parade.

The parade, in its first year, was an addition to the Fourth Annual Wizard Run, which continues today at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. The Lawrence Street Rod Assn. sponsors the events.

Tom Wilkerson, event chairman, said the group wanted to expand the car show into the community.

“You have to give these guys an opportunity to show off those cars,” Wilkerson said.

Daniel Denton-Weber, 5, was in town visiting his aunt and got to see the real versions of his favorite Matchbox cars. Daniel’s Matchbox collection numbers more than 100.

“I liked the old cars the best,” said Daniel, Estes Park, Colo. “I also liked the ones with the big engines.”

Ron and Mary Heberling, Overbrook, drove their blue and yellow 1940 International pickup in the parade. Their truck was among 131 other vehicles at the fairgrounds.

“The show is so eclectic,” Mary Heberling said. “That’s what makes it so fun. Everyone is into something different. Thank God not everyone likes the same things.”

Steve and Sue Hastings, Tecumseh, brought their red 1929 Ford Model A to the show and drove it in the parade. Steve Hastings said the parade was a great addition to the car show.

“These cars were built to drive,” he said. “We like to see them get dirty.”

About 500 people attended the Wizard Run. Profits go to Lawrence Humane Society. Lawrence Street Road Assn. members also were collecting money for Sarah Miller, the Lawrence woman whose purse was stolen at a cemetery on Memorial Day.

Awards will be handed out at 2 p.m. today for the top 25 cars, best paint, best interior, best engine, best of show and ladies’ choice. A small group within the Lawrence Street Rod Assn. selected the winners.

Lawrence Mayor Sue Hack also selected her favorite car for the mayor’s choice award during the parade; her selection will be announced at the ceremony. All winners will receive a plaque.