MORE EVENTS MORE BUSINESS

by Michele Boy | April 15, 2021

What does a track meet, a car show, and a 5k walk have to do with each other? It brings business to Syracuse. 

It was just over a year ago when COVID-19 shut down our schools, churches, and businesses.  We held a cruise down Main Street, a popcorn night and made the best we could of everything. Now, here in April 2021, things are looking up.

Just a week after the very successful Sand Park weekend in Syracuse, a track meet was held at the Ron Ewy Memorial track.  Schools and families came to Syracuse to support their youth. And in turn supported our businesses.

Porky’s Parlor owner, Denice Kennedy. said, “Monday’s are normally slower. But it was like a weekend night here. It really did well.”

At Country café Arely Reyes said, “We had new faces and more business Monday night.”

Janet Thomeczek of The Black Bison Pub said, “Events whether sports or auctions are always good for us.”

The car show, the alumni parade and more are creating excitement in the community. 

Car Show: 

A blizzard and COVID are just some of the challenges the car show has endured. But they won’t be stopped. The 17th annual Crusin’ Into Summer Car Bike and Buggy Show is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 on Main Street. Registration begins at 8:00 am in front of the Northrup Theatre and continues until 10:00. Cars are on display until prizes are awarded at 1:30 pm. 

The car show was started by Stan and Linda Englert in 2003 when they owned and operated the Radio Shack. “We traveled to other towns to car shows and thought this would be a way to get people to Syracuse,” said Stan. 

“There was no Facebook back then, so we drove all over handing out fliers at dealerships and parts stores trying to get people to come to Syracuse,” said Stan. 

During one of their first car shows, they hosted a Texas hold’em tournament. 

After two to three years, the Chamber of Commerce took over the organizing of the car show. When the Chamber no longer had a director, the Chamber appointed special event coordinators to help. Jenny Schwieterman organized the event for several years, then Craig and Krista Norton took over and have organized the event the past five years.   

The car show has looked different over the years, from a craft fair in the old gymnasium to a poker run or a burn out at Bigs C’s, now T & W. But one thing remains the same, entrants enjoy the day telling stories about their vehicles they bring to display. 

While the turnout largely depends on the weather, the show can attract as few as 25 cars on up to over 100 entries. First entry receives a free tee-shirt. Each year there is over 100 entry forms mailed to surrounding counties and states.  2019 entries came from as far as Florissant Colorado to Goodland. and many local entries who have supported the car show since the beginning. 

Businesses, individuals and groups are encouraged to participate by setting up booths on Main Street, creating excitement for car show entrants and visitors. 

Grand prizes are awarded  for Best of Show Car, Best of Show Bike, Grand Prize Best of Show Off Road, with a Special prize and plaque for People’s choice. The car show tee shirts and prizes are made possible by local and businesses helping to support the event with their donations.

In addition to the car show, the Syracuse Sand Park will be buzzing, hosting their annual Poker Run at dusk. 

5K/10K Walk: 

The Sunflower Sod Stompers of Topeka, KS are coming to Syracuse to walk and would love you to join them walking through town. In fact they walk all over Kansas, every single county. Saturday May 1, they are hosting a 5k/10k (3.1 miles/6.2 miles) walking event. Beginning at Boarders Inn and will meet after at the Black Bison Pub to eat and socialize. The event is available to all ages and this is a great way to get out and have fun while exercising.

 You can register to walk between 1:30 – 3:00pm. There is a small fee for all walkers.  Please contact Terri Tyler, President, Sunflower Sod Stompers at tltyler50@gmail.com or 785-233-4385.