By Joan C. McKinney, director, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years, with the emphasis on years, are sought for this year's Homecoming parade at Campbellsville University on Saturday, Oct. 28.
“In honor of Campbellsville's Bicentennial, the cars and trucks that are so important to our lives are being recognized,” Stan McKinney, associate professor of mass communication at Campbellsville University and chair of the annual Homecoming Car Cruise, said.
This is also the 25th anniversary of the cruise. The theme for this year's Homecoming is “Honoring the Past, Preparing for the Future.”
“We are going to feature all of the vehicles in chronological order,” McKinney said. “The Cars of the Centuries will end with new vehicles.”
The cars will be featured in the annual Homecoming parade.
Those watching the parade, that begins at 11 a.m., will see how cars and trucks have changed over the years, McKinney said. Those participating will receive a special commemorative dash plaque featuring the Campbellsville Bicentennial Logo and this year's Homecoming logo.
McKinney said he needs help if the Cars of the Centuries is to be a success.
“Finding cars and trucks built from 1960 and up isn't too difficult,” McKinney said. “Finding the older ones, however, will take some effort.”
If you have a car and/or truck and would like to participate, contact McKinney either at somckinney@cjpk.net or (270) 789-5035. Again, cars and trucks of all years are needed.
“I would like to have cars and trucks from every year going back as far as possible,” McKinney said. “The Ford Model T built in 1908 was the first commercially produced vehicle. I hope we can find a 1908 Model T and then a vehicle from every year since.
“That's going to take help from as many people as possible. I am excited at the possibilities, but I need help for this to happen.”
Cars and trucks participating in the Cars of the Centuries will gather at Campbellsville Elementary School at 315 Roberts Road, Campbellsville, Ky., where they will be lined up in chronological order. They should be at the site no later than 10:30 a.m. Someone will be at the school at 9 a.m. to assist those participating.
A police escort will lead the vehicles to the start of the parade at Jackson Street Towers at 1 Clem Haskins Blvd., Campbellsville, Ky.
The parade ends at the annual Homecoming Car Cruise on campus. McKinney said he hopes those participating in the parade will stay for the show. Registration for the cruise begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon.
Awards will be presented at about 1:30 p.m. so those who wish may attend the Homecoming football game at 2 p.m.
A 1/24 scale custom die cast 1929 Ford Roadster will be given to 75 of those attending. If there are more than 75 registered, a drawing will determine who gets the cars.
This is the 12th and last in a series of die cast cars.
If you have questions about the parade or cruise, contact McKinney.
Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 5,000 students offering over 80 programs of study including 19 master's degrees, six postgraduate areas and seven pre-professional programs. The university has off-campus centers in Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset and Hodgenville with instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville and a full complement of online programs. The website for complete information is cjpk.net.
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