News releases from prior years are also available click on the corrasponding year below:

NEWS RELEASE 2010

NEWS RELEASE:
Contact: Tom Muller
853 Southhaven Drive
Monticello, Iowa 52310
319-465-5119


Happy Days Return to the O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show!

Monticello, Iowa - Three years ago at the Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom

Car Show in Monticello, Iowa, Erin Moran who played "Joanie" and Anson Williams

who played "Potsie," two of the stars from the classic hit television show "Happy Days,"

were appearing as special guests. But not everything went according to plan. "We had

really bad weather that weekend," said Galen Muller, a spokesman for the show. "We

could tell from the people who made it to the show that Erin and Anson were very

popular so we decided to bring them back this year." The show, the 41st Annual

O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show will be held February 27-28, 2010, at the

Monticello Berndes Center (Youth Center Building), 766 N. Maple St., in Monticello,

Iowa. One of the longest running car shows in the Midwest, the event brings together

hot rods, race cars, show cars and so much more. "This year we have one of our best

collections of street rods, custom cars, pickups and motorcycles," Muller said. "We're

very excited about the entire event."


In addition to the cars, "Joanie" and "Potsie" will be among the featured attractions.

The two will be at the show both days, appearing from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. and 7 P.M. to

10 P.M. on Saturday and from noon to 4 P.M. and 5 P.M. to 6 P.M. on Sunday. They

will be available for pictures and autographs. "Happy Days" was one of the most

popular and longest running shows the television history when it aired on ABC from


1974 through 1984. During the 255 episodes, "Joanie" and "Potsie" became famous

as Richie Cunningham's sister and best friend, respectively. "The fans love to see the

stars that they grew up with, and with the popularity of "Happy Days" we're expecting

one of our best crowds ever," Muller added.


The Monticello show is in its 41st year and that's a tribute to all of the car fans in the

area. Fans return year after year to see everything from, circle track cars, drag racing

cars and the show cars. NASCAR fans will be in for a special treat this year when

legendary driver Dave Marcis makes an appearance with his speedway cup car. This

Wisconsin-born driver created a huge fan base in this area during his days as driver

for some of the top NASCAR teams in the country. He once drove for Roger Penske

and was a close, personal friend fo the late Dale Earnhardt. Among all of his

accomplishments Dave lists his five wins and finishing eight seasons in the Top Ten in

cup points standings as his most special. Today, in addition to making personal

appearances and traveling all over the country, Dave builds some of the top street

rods in the country at his shop in North Carolina.


Motorcycle fans have always been a big part of the show and they will have

something special to look forward to at this year's show, too. Jean Davidson, the

famous granddaughter of Harley-Davidson founder, Walter Davidson, will be in

attendance. Jean has extensive knowledge of both the Davidson family and the history

of the motorcycle company itself. Her recent book, "Growing Up Harley-Davidson,"

is extremely popular with motorcycle fans around the country. For Harley-Davidson

fans this is a great opportunity to talk to one of the most knowledgeable people in the

country about the legendary brand.

The show, which traditionally offers something for every member of the family, will

also include Mark Garvey, a balloon artist who is always popular with the children.

Disc Jockey Dave Palmer of 3-D Sound Company will provide the music and

commentary, and the fans will have an chance to vote for their favorite cars and

motorcycles. There is also a model car contest which will be held for the 25th year at

the show and the fans will have an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite model.

Door prizes will be given out courtesy of O'Reilly Auto Parts, Casey's General Store

and Scooters Bar & Grill. Both of those companies, Casey's and Scooter's, will also

sponsor the trophies and cash prizes that will be awarded to the various class winners

at the show.


In these tough economic times it's nice to know that there is a great, affordable show

waiting for the fans in this area. Admission is just $9 for adults and children under

twelve are just $2, and they're free if accompanied by and adult, and as always,

parking is free. If you bring a can of food to benefit Four Oaks you will save one dollar

off the admission price. "We like to be good neighbors," Muller said. "Over the past

years we have donated close to 6,000 cans of food to Four Oaks." Show hours are

Saturday, February 27th from noon until midnight and Sunday, February 28th from 8

A.M. until 8 P.M. In addition to show sponsor, O'Reilly Auto Parts, KCRG-TV9 does a

great job in promoting and covering the event. Muller said that, "This is the sixteenth

consecutive year that KCRG has been involved with the show and we can't thank them

enough for all they have done over the years."


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.


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.


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.


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.

Rod and Custom Car Show
Monticello Berndes Center
766 N Maple Street
Monticello, Iowa 52310
www.rodandcustomcarshow.com