Some of the most unique cars in the country are coming to Wichita this weekend
Bust those mid-winter blues with some red-hot custom cars at Century II this weekend.
The Cars for Charities Rod & Custom Car Show traditionally kicks off the year in Wichita’s car show circuit.
And as per usual, the highlight of the show will be the Magnificent 7 Competition.
Car owners from around the country — and in some years past, the world — come to the show to vie to be a Magnificent 7 finalist.
The one rule: They must never have been shown in Sedgwick County before to qualify as a Magnificent 7 car.
All of the finalists for the competition get a $2,000 prize, gas money to travel to Wichita, and access to an exclusive party, while the winner of the competition receives a $5,000 prize.
The winner of the Magnificent 7 will be announced at 4 p.m. Sunday as part of the show’s awards ceremony.
Aside from the Magnificent 7, there will be show cars on display throughout Century II, as well as a free kids zone area open during select times.
All proceeds from the car show go directly to two local charities: The Arc of Sedgwick County and Starkey Inc.
Last year’s show raised $110,000 for the charities — $55,000 for each organization.
It’s one of the longest-running indoor car shows in the country, started in 1957 by car builder Darryl Starbird. For many years it was known as the Starbird-Devlin Rod & Customs show.
The show was purchased in 2011 by Tim and Tom Devlin, Dick Price, and John and Cary Fry, forming the nonprofit Cars for Charities — which continues to produce the show near the start of every year.
Cars for Charities Rod & Custom Car Show
When: noon-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Where: Century II, 225 W. Douglas
What: Long-running custom car show to benefit two local charities. 2019 is the show’s 62nd year.
Admission: $14 adults, $13 military, $8 youth 12-17, free for children 11 and younger. Available at www.wichitatix.com or 316-303-8100.
More information: www.carsforcharitiesshow.com
This story was originally published January 18, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
