_{40 Years And Still Going Strong!!}

_{Monticello, IOWA - You've all seen those greeting cards, the ones that celebrate someone's 40th birthday. They're usually funny, at least to the ones who are giving them, while the one celebrating the birthday would rather forget it. Well, there is a 40th birthday celebration that's coming up and everyone should be happy about it. That's because there will be something for everyone at the "party" and you're all invited. The event will be the 40th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod and Custom Car Show that will be presented by KCRG TV9. It's taking place February 21st and 22nd, 2009, at the Monticello Berndes Center in Monticello, Iowa and it will feature two things that everyone in this area loves...cars and football!}

_{For forty years now this show has been one of the highlights of the winter season in this area. With a great selection of custom cars, race cars, pickups and motorcycles, it's one of the longest-running shows of its kind in the country. And this year there will be a special appearance by former Iowa Hawkeye star Paul Krause. Paul, who played for the Hawkeyes from 1960-1963 and who set several Hawkeye records, later played with the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings. Paul was named to the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and he was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1998. "We're so happy to have Paul at our show this year," said Galen Muller, a spokesman for the show. "If there is one thing that's more popular than cars in this area it's Hawkeye football. Paul set several records during his years at the University of Iowa and this will be a great opportunity for fans to meet him." Krause will be on hand at the show both days and he will be available for pictures, autographs and some good old fashioned football talk. Since he also really enjoys cars and motorcycles, Paul will have his very special NFL-inspired "Interceptor" custom motorcycle on display at the show. "It's a beautiful bike and the visitors to the show will really enjoy seeing another side of Paul besides just football," Muller added.}

<sub>In addition to an Iowa and NFL Hall of Fame member, the show will also include a complete new selection of cars, pickups and motorcycles. "We try to keep the show fresh," Muller said. "And it's important to vary the vehicles so the visitors can see something new each year." All of the specialty vehicles will be vying for cash prizes and trophies that will be awarded at the end of the show. For the 33rd straight year Budweiser will sponsor the trophies and Hardee's, another long-time sponsor of the show, will provide the cash prizes to the winners. "We know that the economy is tough and so we really appreciate everything our sponsors do," Muller said. And, in an effort to make the show more affordable to its fans, the show will once again offer a reduced ticket price if they bring a canned food item which will, in return, be donated to Four Oaks.

Since this is a forty-year celebration there must be balloons, fun for everyone and a little audience participation and there will be all of those things. That will include "Papa Balloon" who will be on hand making balloon items for the children and the popular "People's Choice" awards that get everyone involved in the show. Visitors both days will get to vote for their favorite car and motorcycle and everyone can enjoy the annual model car contest. Include the special music and entertainment that will be provided by the 3-D Sound Company and DJ Dave Palmer and this year's show is shaping up to be the best one ever and quite a 40th anniversary celebration. And one lucky visitor to the show will leave with a great souvenir, a football autographed by Paul Krause.</sub>

_{The show hours are Saturday, February 21st from noon to midnight and Sunday, the 22nd, from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. Admission prices are the same as last year and that's just $9 for adults, children twelve and under are only $2 and they are free if accompanied by a paying adult. As always, there is plenty of free parking. It's two fun-filled days of family entertainment plus a chance to meet an Iowa legend. For more information about the show visit www.rodandcustomcarshow.com or call 319-465-5119 or, on the weekend of the show, 319-465-6640. The Monticello Berndes Center is located at 766 North Maple Street in Monticello.}