The town of Tomball enjoyed a blast from the past on March 12 as almost 200 classic cars and more than 40 motorcycles brought the Third Annual Oilfield Helping Hands Classic Car & Motorcycle Show to life.
But the annual event was much more than an entertaining showplace of buffed chrome and flashy wheels or a mere display of shining examples from one of the automotive industry’s proudest eras, when T-birds, Camaros, ‘Vettes and an array of other models ruled the streets in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Even more importantly, the show was a way to extend a lifeline to workers in the oilfield industry and their families who are in financial crisis. This year’s show netted more than $13,000 for OHH, which will be distributed to approved applicants.
“This is a record for the event,” said Mitzi Flowers of Newfield Exploration Company and one of the event organizers. “I was overwhelmed by the turnout and participation at the event. “The number of entrants is a record, too. To give you an idea, we had 25 cars the first year and 75 cars the second year. We more than doubled that this year with almost 200 cars!”
Attendance set a new mark, too, with more than 500 registrants and spectators. Two-time International Blues Challenge winners Steve Krase & the In Crowd also kept the crowd entertained during the event.
More than 40 motorcycle riders rumbled off earlier in the day as part of the OHH cycle rally. The majority of the participants were members of the Rig Riders, an organization of cycle enthusiasts that supports OHH.
Meanwhile, back at the show in Tomball, enthralled spectators flocked around the array of vintage cars aligned around the Historic Train Depot Plaza. The cars ranged from original, virtually unaltered classics to refurbished and rebuilt beauties. Best in Show winner was Jack Broussard and his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Easily one of the biggest hits at the show was a shiny old jewel of the Tomball Fire Department — its vintage fire truck. Fire Chief Randy Parr said the truck was acquired long before he joined the department in March 2004. The truck dates all the way back to 1948. Like most complete restorations, this one is seemingly never complete. Not that it’s nuisance, though, Chief Parr said.
The record turnout and increasing popularity of the OHH event doesn’t happen on its own. Organizers and volunteers put in untold hours of preparation, not to mention the work on the day of the event. And once that last car pulled out and tables and tents were stowed away, there was still the accounting for the funds raised and compiling attendance figures and prize category winners. Thanks to all the sponsors and those who volunteered to make this event so successful!
“We had a great committee this year,” Mitzi said. “They were committed to making this event a huge success, which I think we accomplished. Despite the exhaustion and hard work, I can hardly wait until next year.”
The contest winners were:
No. / Name / Category
18 / John Norwood / Favorite Import – Austin Healey (Year Unknown)
27 / Thomas Martin / ”Wish I Had One” Award – ZR1 Corvette
35 / Tucker Sheard / Favorite Convertible – Also Won the 9MM Pistol
39 / Ron Schindler / Favorite Customized
42 / No. 42 Voucher / Favorite 2-Door Coupe
54 / Robbie Pentilla / Favorite Motorcycle
56 / Jack Broussard / Most Chrome & Best in Show – 57 Chevrolet Bel Air
58 / Randy Roberts / Favorite Daily Driver
69 / Bill Swendsen / Favorite Replica
74 / Steven Hall / Favorite Special Interest & Most Unique – Zombie Killer-Mobile (Rat Rod)
92 / Stephen Adair / Favorite 4-Door Sedan
113 / Rob Alled / Favorite Truck
137 / Unavailable / Favorite Flames
140 / Unavailable / Favorite Make-Out Vehicle
