Monthly car show brings enthused crowds to the Benton Public Square

The sky was crystal clear Saturday evening over downtown Benton, where dozens of classic car and truck owners had carefully backed their prized possessions in both the inside and outside parking spaces to participate in the monthly show held there.

According to the show's organizer, Jeff Shockley, they were first organized by the late classic car hobbyist Red Shockley of Benton. "When Red passed away five years ago, I decided to try and keep it going and so far car owners have been great about coming to our shows," Jeff Shockley said.

The shows are held the second Saturday of each month beginning in April and continuing through October, with the only exception being September.

Shockley explained why they don't hold a September show.

"That's when the Benton/West City Area Chamber of Commerce holds their big Rend Lake Car Show each year and we don't want to conflict with that," he said.

One thing that sets these monthly Benton shows apart from most others, according to Shockley, is that there is no entry fee charged and pre-registration is not required "Nope, all they have to do is show up and park the vehicle," he said.

This weekend's show featured 44 classic cars and trucks for visitors to enjoy.

As an added note, Shockley is overseeing a car show in Sesser on Sunday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is being held to help raise funds to donate to the family of 16-month-old Sesser boy Carson Hayes, who has cancer and is fighting for his young life.

Shockley added, "We want to do something to help this family with their medical and travel expenses. Anyone wishing to participate is welcome to call me at 618-200-1105 and I will get them registered."