Bob Lillard Memorial Antique Car Show (Parade!)
By Jan Burdette
“Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and take what comes,” was my Dad’s mantra when faced with a situation with an uncertain course or outcome. I took that to heart, while contemplating plans for the annual Bob Lillard Memorial Antique Car Show, to be held at the Citizens Rehabilitation and Care facility in Frederick, MD, September 12, 2020.
Prepare for the worst – In this, indeed, unusual and uncertain year of COVID-19 restrictions, the Activities Director of the facility proposed that a parade for the residents would be the best plan to keep everyone safe. While residents could watch from windows and doors, the Activities Director also proposed recording the event, to broadcast over the facility’s in-house network. So, the Bob Lillard Memorial Antique Car Parade was sanctioned.
Hope for the best – The breezy, slightly chilly day was conducive to cool radiators and comfortable traveling for the eight antique vehicles that participated in the event. Masked and socially distanced, the drivers and passengers assembled at the rear of the facility. Each owner was interviewed and filmed, providing interesting stories about their vehicle and their love of the hobby. The unusual circumstances provided a perfect opportunity to give extra details about the vehicles and owners.
Take what comes – As the parade proceeded along with all angles of the facility, we could see the residents smiling and waving from windows and doorways. A few residents braved the chilly air and greeted us from the sidewalk. The Activities Director filmed the parade and we were cheered on by the facility’s auxiliary members. Many thanks are due to the Heart of Maryland Model T Club for sponsoring this event and to those who participated: Tom Anderson with passenger Ben Givens (1925 Model T Pick-up Truck); Gary and Jan Burdette with driver Bill Hahn and passenger Lucille McDonald (1922 Model T Touring); Frankie Easterday and passenger Karen (1915 Model T Speedster); Mike and Mary Grear (1931 Model A Pick-up Truck); Donnie Jenkins (1929 Modal A Sedan); Bob and Cookie Snouffer (1927 Model T Touring); Walter and Joyce Stone (1926 Model T Pick-up Truck); and Harry Wellens (1926 Model T Touring). The heart-warming event concluded with the traditional lunch at the Airways Inn, at the Frederick Municipal Airport. We enjoyed our meal and company at COVID- appropriate outdoor picnic tables.
We are hopeful that conditions will allow the event to return to the traditional car show format, next year. Until then, I recommend that we heed my Dad’s sage advice as we continue to navigate these unprecedented circumstances.
