Two largely successful events that attracted hundreds to the Route 66 Summerfest last year were the Downhill Derby and the Fire Truck Pull, and
those events will make an encore performance in 2009. “They were so successful last year, we’re bringing them back this year,” said Route 66 Summerfest Co-chairman Nick Barrack. “Tell those participants to get going on (building) those cars,” Barrack said recently. This year’s event kicks off Thursday, June 4, with the Miss Route 66 Summerfest Pageant followed by two days of activities Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6. The pageant will be held 6 p.m. at the Middle School Auditorium. Sheriff’s Department Detective Andy Davis said the agency already is making plans to defend its Fire Truck-Pulling title. “We’ll be ready, and we challenge all newcomers,” Davis said. The inaugural Downhill Derby similarly attracted several-hundred people who lined Eighth Street for the event won by 9-year-old Gerrick Lonning in his car No. 50. Gerrick defeated his sister, Annie Lonning, 6, to win the children’s title. From all indications, there figures to be more cars entered this year.
“From what I’m hearing, there are expected to be three times the cars this year as there were last,” said Dawn Smith, who co-chairs the event with Barrack.