Newport Hill Climb to stage 50th event

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

NEWPORT -- The 50th annual Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb is set for Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1 as the Newport Lions Club prepares for the annual gathering of antique auto enthusiasts.

The Lions will hold the event over Newport’s famous 1,800-foot-long, 140-foot-high Newport Hill, once a proving ground for early automobile designs.

Nearly 300 cars are expected to compete in 31 classes in timed runs over the hill, while some 500 show cars, street rods and street machines are judged alongside classic antique vehicles in nine classes.

Practice runs are set from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday and 8-10 a.m. Sunday. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with competition runs starting at 11 a.m.

A new event will kick off the festival weekend Friday evening, Sept. 29 with a cruise-in and a street dance featuring the “Dancing With The Cars” contest. Also featured Friday will be the annual Gospel Music Jamboree at the Newport Methodist Church, featuring Southern Gospel recording artists The Lesters from St. Louis.

The Indiana Historical Society’s History On Wheels traveling exhibit, “Auto Indiana,” a 53-foot double expandable semi-trailer and mobile museum will be free and open to the public all three days.

With the opening of the hill for practice runs at 8 a.m. Saturday, some 300 flea market and swap meet booths will be open for business, as well as numerous food concessions around the courthouse square.

A Pretty Baby Contest will be judged at 2 p.m. Saturday with prizes presented following the close of practice runs. Shortly afterward, the annual parade will wind its way through the streets of Newport.

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