Arrive by your preferred type of Mustang on Saturday, Nov. 8, to the fifth annual Camp Verde Veterans Tribute Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Camp Verde Equestrian Center, 1495 E. Hideout Arena Lane.
This free event that is organized by Montana Renkema will feature a tribute to veterans performed by the American Legion Color Guard at 1 p.m., as well as a vigil to conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“I come from a family with a lot of veterans, and I’ve always been involved with the car community because I collect cars,” Renkema said. “So many of the guys here are veterans, and there really wasn’t anything for them — no car shows in Camp Verde. So I decided to combine the two and put it together.”
Local vendors will be on hand to serve food, with country music act Jed Morrison bringing the twang following his recent performance at the city of Cottonwood’s Thunder Valley Rally. Morrison will perform throughout the event, except during the 1 p.m. tributes.
“It’s a family event,” Renkema said. “My kids, who aren’t really kids anymore; I’m 85 years old, come and help me, and we make it a family thing. That means a lot to me. The veterans seem to enjoy it so much and appreciate it. I get all kinds of thank-yous from them, and that just makes me feel good.”
There is no advance registration or entry fee required to put a vehicle in the car show that typically ranges between 40 to 80 entrees, participants show up on the day of the event.
Category winners earn a trophy crafted by her daughter and son-in-law and there is also a People’s Choice award along with Best in Show.
“We have a lot of fun come out and enjoy all the beautiful cars and meet new people,” Renkema said.
This year’s show incorporates a vigil for the founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA and activist Kirk who was killed in Utah on Sept. 10.
“I think Charlie Kirk was such an inspiration to the young people in this country,” Renkema said. “He encouraged them to think for themselves, to pay attention, not just listen to what people tell them, but to do their own research and make up their own minds.”
Contact Renkema at (602) 292-6592 or montanababy@gmail.com.
