LIMA — After a two-year absence, the Rebel Run car show is back at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
It’s the 38th year for the event, but the last two years it was held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Sidney.
Leroy Roby organized the event for the past 18 years but stepped down after suffering some health issues.
Max McCluer, who ran Max’s Trader Days and Waterdog Races over the Labor Day weekend, has taken over.
“Well it kind of came as the other fellow (Roby) had had it. He was wanting to get out of it. I’m not new to putting on shows … we took it on to see how it would work out,“ said McCluer.
The Rebel Run features a wide variety of cars, both old and new. On Friday, nearly 380 cars were on site and they were expecting more today. The event continues through 6 p.m. today.
“Oh yeah, we got classics, we got the muscle cars, we got the rat rods. We didn’t limit it. They can bring in the newer cars. We’ve got classes for the newer cars and classes for the older cars,” McCluer said.
Bob Dunlap, of Defiance, was there with his 1955 Chevy. It’s his first year showing at the Rebel Run.
“My very first car was a ‘55 Chevy. This is the sixth or seventh one I’ve ever owned. I just like ’55s. I had another one last year that looked just like it,” Dunlap said.
Dunlap is a veteran of the car show circuit.
“We go to all of the national shows all around all over the country. This car won twice at two different shows last weekend,” Dunlap said.
Dunlap and his wife are among the hundreds of people staying at Allen County motels. The economic impact is not lost on McCluer.
“For Allen County, the city of Lima, yes. All of the motels are full. People have come a long way. Between the filling station, motels, eateries, yep, they’re all benefiting by it,“ said McCluer.
McCluer says they’re receiving great cooperation from Allen County Fairgrounds management in bringing the Rebel Run back to Lima.
“The new management, Mr. (Bob) Fricke and the new maintenance supervisor, we’re getting along great. They love us. We love them,” McCluer added.
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