By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Last month, some local classic car enthusiasts decided it was time for a car show.
They took to the streets and parked on Monroe Avenue in downtown Piedmont for their first night out. And Friday, Aug. 7, they did it again.
It was the second Piedmont car show that City Councilwoman Melissa Ashford, Ward V, recalls in recent times that took the streets. She captured the scene in pictures taken on her cellphone.
“I absolutely loved it and I think it should be bigger,” Ashford said.
The annual Piedmont Founder’s Day features a parade in September, but the event has been canceled this year. So a monthly car show could fill a void.
Steve Bottkol organized the Piedmont car shows. Lenny’s barbecue brought a food truck.
“I’m a car lover,” Bottkol said. “I got to talking with a couple of other guys and we decided, ‘Let’s get together. Everyone wants to get out of the house a little bit and see cars,” Bottkol said.
He said he is hoping to have more car shows on the first Friday of the month.
Ashford said a car show is a good way to get outdoors without having to get too close during a pandemic.
“We’ve all been locked up so it is time for people to get out and not have to stand too close,” Ashford said.
She said one of her favorites was a salmon pink, 1963 Oldsmobile Starfire convertible.
“I’ve always loved cars. My dad always took me to all the car shows.”
Ashford said she once owned a 1965 Plymouth Fury, sold long ago.
She said she looks forward to more car shows on Monroe.
