Autofest 2010 at the Choctaw Casino in Stringtown
July 17, 2010 will be remembered by most as the absolute hottest show of the season. Fear not, plans to avoid this next year are already in the works. Temperatures reached 3 digits before the day was over. You could look in any direction and see someone coming up with a new way to block heat. Almost as if “Creative Hat Day” were being held in conjunction with Autofest. Despite all of the heat, it was still a great day and everyone made the best of it.The day really had a lot going on for everyone who attended. At most Autofest Shows the kid zone is filled with kids running around and bouncing on inlfatables. In Stringtown however, once water was introduced into the kid’s zone it became an instant hit with everyone. Kid’s, adults, and pets alike were taking their turn in the sprinkler. It was a great relief enjoyed by many.
Other entertainment included the live performance by the Jimmy “Preacher” Ellis Blues Band. They are a blues group based in Dallas, TX who has an extensive history of playing to crowds all over. The band has played with legendary artists such as B.B. King. They even opened up for Chubby Checker at the Choctaw Casino in Durant. In 2008 Jimmy
"Preacher" Ellis was inducted into the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame. Also to their credit are three CDs in the United States and Europe. They really put on a great show and we are glad to have had them out for the Autofest Show. If you would like to find out more about them you can do so by visiting www.jimmypreacherellisbluesband.com.Other entertainment included the burnout competition. This is usually one of the biggest events of the show, always sure to draw a crowd. There were people even pulling over on the side of the road to watch. It was exciting to watch and was even more exciting for the competitors due to the prizes.
First place in this event, taken by Jordan Waddell in his Ford Lightning, won $300.00. Second place was taken by Richard Kelly in his Chevrolet pickup. He was awarded $200.00. Third place was awarded $100.00 and was taken by Jimmy Thacker in his Z28 Camaro. Everyone in the competition put on a great show.We would like to give a special thank you to the two sponsors that made the prizes in this event possible. James Frazier, Choctaw Tribal Council District 12 and Brad Miller & Richard Green of Lake County Carpet Cleaning. Your support greatly contributed to the success of this competition.
Stringtown was the last event leading up to the finale at the Choctaw Casino in Durant.
This whole season has been very exciting for everyone on the Autofest Team. We have really enjoyed meeting so many new competitors from across the U.S. It is our sincerest hopes that you have enjoyed the Choctaw Challenge Series. We are looking forward to having you take part in Autofest 2011 where you will see we have made many positive changes based on feedback provided by
everyone. If you liked 2010 you will love 2011!
