Dead End Street Rodders’ show returns Sept. 21

Jim Tickner stands next to one of his vehicles in the 2024 Dead End Street Rodders Show ‘N Shine. This year’s 36th annual show ‘n shine is Sept. 21 at the Quance Mill Park in Delhi. 

Chris Abbott

Editor

The Dead End Street Rodders are alive and well.

The Street Rodders’ 36th annual Show ‘n Shine is set for Sunday, Sept. 21 at Quance Mill Park in Delhi.

“I actually live on a dead end,” laughed Lynedoch’s Jim Tickner at the 2024 show.

 He said the first show, organized by a group of five or six local car enthusiasts, was held in 1987.

“Myself and one of the former members lived on a dead end. Some of us went to school together, some of us have been friends forever. We have some new members now, some younger members.”

It all started when the local Lions Club asked them to put together a show for Harvest Festival. It was organized in just six weeks. They had 55 cars, promoting it at cruises, car shows and by word of mouth.

“It’s been growing ever since,” said Tickner.

Ken Morris says the 2025 car and truck show ‘n shine on the 21st will have the same format as past shows – vehicle registration runs from 8:30-11 a.m. ($15 per vehicle). Trophy presentations happen around 2 p.m. awarded for the Top 10 vehicles, plus Best Chev/GM, Best Ford, Best Mopar, Best import – Top 2 from each class - and Club Choice. There are also door prizes.

“It’s everything,” said Tickner. “We got some from the 30s, 40s, 50s… 70s. We’ve all got the same passion, and it’s all automotive generated. That’s what it’s all about, pretty much, camaraderie with other people of the same interests.” 

“We’ve had people coming to our show almost 30 years,” said Morris, noting the shady Quance Mill Park location is a big draw. “It’s not out on a grass field or paved parking lot.”

“We’ve got a beautiful setting,” nodded Tickner. “That’s one thing that everybody who comes to our shows likes – the setting in the park.”

Visitors are welcome to come see the stock, rods, classics, modified and antiques, and pickups. Admission by donation. All proceeds go to local charities, says Morris, all geared towards kids.

Entertainment will be on site (DJ and Elvis tribute) - always getting good reviews - and a food truck for breakfasts.

“We try to put on a good show and we’ve got an excellent DJ,” said Tickner.

Last year’s show had about 160 vehicles, said Morris, with a lot of good sponsors.

“The last two years there’s been other shows going on - the same day within 50 miles,” he noted. “Makes it a little difficult.”