Nearly one hundred classic and modern vehicles lined the grounds as the Lillian Methodist Men’s Club hosted its 2025 Best of the Decades Car Show, welcoming 93 entries in a display that spanned more than eight decades of automotive history.

Enthusiasts brought models ranging from pre-World War II classics to contemporary muscle. Organizers said the annual event continues to draw strong regional interest, contributing to community programs the club supports through fundraising efforts.

WINNERS

Pre-1940: Ken Vargas, 1931 Chrysler; Jonathan Prior, 1931 Model A Ford; Homer McNeil, 1931 Ford coupe

1940-49: John Adkison, 49 Chevy Styleline; Ronnie Fowler, 48 Ford Super Deluxe; Sean Seavey, 47 Dodge

1950-59: Phil Cameron, 58 Ford Skyliner; Mike Vargas, 56 Ford F100; Jerry Garner, 57 Chevy Belaire

1960-69: John Shetters, 67 El Camino; Kelly Braswell, 65 Mustang; Jeff York, 65 Cobra

1970-79: Bill Pureber, 70 Plymouth Cuda; Tony and Tammy Stent, 70 Pontiac GTO; Tim Ward, 70 Chevy Monte Carlo

1980-89: Leonard Gray, 80 Chevy El Camino; Trish Allison, 82 Corvette; Darlene and Mike Immesote, 85 IROC Chevy Camaro

1990-99: Lenny Leigh, 94 Chevy Camaro Z-28; Tom McCabe, 99 Corvette; Vic and Barb Smith, 99 Ford Mustang Cobra

2000-2010: John Grossi, 01 Plymouth Prowler; Ron Bradley, 09 Dodge Challenger; Gary Lenth, 01 Pontiac Trans Am

2011-25: Richard Christeson, 21 Ford Mustang; Chuck Hamrick, 19 Chevy Camaro (Hot Wheels edition); Todd Bates, 16 Mustang GT

Imports: Roger Reetz, 09 Jaguar XK

SPECIAL AWARDS

Pastor’s Choice: Gregg Chisholm, 1969 Chevy Nova

Best Interior: Ken Robinson, 1965 Ford Mustang

Best Engine: James Gentry, 1963 Chevy Nova SS

Best Paint: Stephen Koplas, 1957 Chevy Nomad

Best Truck: Jeff Langley, 1987 Ford Bronco

Best Mopar: Ray Rappa, 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee

Best G.M.: Gregg Chisholm, 1967 Chevy

Best Ford: Dean Wyant, 1932 Ford Coupe

Most Unusual: Rod Matthews, 1991 Avanti

Best Import: Jerry Lane, 1967 MGB GT Special

Best of Show: James Reidy, 1936 Chevy Master Coupe

The fall calendar continued with family festivities as the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay partnered with the Lillian Recreational Park to host a Halloween Trunk or Treat, drawing hundreds of children and their families. Volunteers served free hot dogs, chips and drinks, part of the club’s outreach tradition.

Days later, the community gathered again for the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay annual Lillian Community Thanksgiving Gathering at Lillian Methodist Church. The event was hosted by LMC and The Gathering Fellowship Church, with leaders from several congregations taking part through prayers and Bible readings before a message delivered by Rev. Rick Long of The Gathering.

Participating clergy included Rev. Nathan Van Prooyen, Eternal Life Church; Rev. Rick Long; Rev. Josh Thompson, First Baptist Church of Lillian; Rev. Greg Brown, Bayside Baptist Church; Rev. Daniel Randall, LMC; Rev. Calvin Bartle; Rev. Tina Lockett, Episcopal Church of the Advent; Optimist President Robin Newell and Rev. Dean Conkel, Lillian Fellowship Church.