Jalopy Fest brings back the era of flat tops and rat rods

MORRIS – Stepping through the gates Friday and Saturday at the Grundy County Fairgrounds was like walking back to a simpler time.

White T-shirts, rolled jeans, slicked back hair, and pinup-inspired girls strolled as if the year was 1957.

"We wear '50s inspired clothes every day in the real world," Sam Avery said. "My husband and I feel as if we were born in the wrong era, and we want to raise our children with the innocence that time allowed."

Avery sported bobby socks and bright red lipstick as she supported her son Adam on her hip swaying to the rockabilly music emanating through the speakers Friday night.

She said it was her first time attending Jalopy Fest and hopes to come back again next year.

"This is great," she said. "It's nice to be around like-minded people."

The festival celebrates an era of cars and culture.

To be shown at Jalopy Fest, custom cars have to be vintage from 1972 or before that year, and hot rods need to be 1964 or before that year.

This isn't your typical cruise night and car show, as there won't be a 1979 Camaro or a shiny 2015 Charger. In fact, you'll find far more dark and dull-colored paint jobs than bright and shiny at the festival.

"If I wanted to see a shiny new car I'd go to a cruise night," said Bill Johnson, a regular at Jalopy Fest. "There is nothing wrong with cruise nights or the cars there but these are the cars that take me back to my youth and the ones I want to see."

As always the festival was well-attended by car clubs, groups of like-minded individuals who prefer a certain type or style of car and attend many events together.

This is the seventh year for the two-day event, which is hosted in September each year in Morris. The two-day event has a pinup girl contest, flame throwing contest, live bands, as well as Little Miss Jalopy Fest and Little Mr. Greaser Contest for kids.

The variety of activities, as well as the cars, bring out spectators of all ages and the event has always been billed as family friendly.