Optimism survives coronavirus

HARRINGTON — The 9th Annual Harrington Car Show has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a note of “Remembrance of Allen Jay Barth”, the late founder of the event.

It can be stated quite honestly that Barth’s vision and passion for creating the Studebaker Garage was equal to his dynamism for revitalizing the town of Harrington.

His personality was such that he attracted other like-minded people to participate in the community groups that would awaken Harrington’s potential; and he was successful. People congregated in his “garage” and many then also followed him into meetings of the Public Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce and city council. He had a dream and a plan, and his daughter Jill Barth now invites everyone to honor her father and put forth efforts to energize the town again, to climb over the obstacles created by the COVID-19 restrictions. Speaking of Barth’s contributions, he was front and center in pushing for the fiber-optic, high-speed Internet hub installed throughout the Harrington commercial district, a true economic boost to the town.

Jill Barth must have her father’s blood coursing through her veins. Despite challenges, she could not be restrained from focusing on the original dream to “create and revitalize.” Consequently, she looked at March with compliance in mind and called the Car Show “possibly delayed.” When a May event became impossible due to government restrictions, the date was “postponed” (as opposed to cancelled) under considerable criticism for “doing what needed to be done for when the restrictions were lifted” and to ensure that it was not too late. Restoration work on the signs on her building continues, as does her attention to the state recommendations for gatherings and events. Barth has kept her momentum going. Below is what is planned for the Car Show.

The July 25 event will have an early registration drawing. There will be trophies, dash plaques, a raffle, a 50/50 cash draw, vendors, lunch and a beer garden. Registration is slated to end at 12:30 p.m. with awards presented at 3 p.m. Participants must be present to win! Tentative classifications are: Best Car 1929 and older, 1930-39, 1940-49, 1950-59, 1960-69 and 1970 and Newer; Best Truck 1959 and Older, 1960 and Newer; Best Survivor Car or Truck; Best Motorcycle; Best Tractor; Best Special Interest; Best Pre-War Studebaker; Best Post-War Studebaker; Best Interior; Best Paint; Longest Distance Driven; Participants’ Choice; and Best in Show. Additional information can be obtained by calling 208-882-6563 or sending an email to thestudebakergarage@gmail.com. Barth says all makes and models are welcome. The entry fee per car is $20, and the car show T-shirt also costs $20.