By SASHA JOHNS / Community Columnist

Beautiful cars, live music, door prizes, great food, historical walking tours and a swap meet. These are just a few of the reasons to come out to Hot Iron at the Iron Park.

There will be something there for every member of the family, and it all benefits the historic Shelby Iron Works.

The main attraction at this event will be the “Hot Iron.” Whether you are a serious car enthusiast or can just appreciate a beautiful ride, you will enjoy the huge gathering of vehicles from yesteryears that will all be on display under the generous shade trees of the park.

“Last year we had over 60 entries, plus lots of other cars that were on display just for the crowd to enjoy,” said event coordinator Jennifer Maier. Any vintage or antique vehicle can compete. Entry fees to compete are just $20.

But that won’t be all there is to do. Families can enjoy browsing flea market style vendors at the swap meet, great food like hot dogs, hamburgers and boiled peanuts, and live music throughout the day.

There will also be drawings for two huge gift baskets and other prizes that guests can enter for a chance to win at the country store.

“The gift baskets contain collectibles, park ornaments and custom made knives from the blacksmith shop,” Maier said. “The baskets are huge. I can promise that whoever wins them will be happy.”
The Shelby Iron Works museum and grounds is one of Shelby County’s best-kept secrets. Just down the road from the county seat of Columbiana, this piece of history still stands for residents to visit and learn from.

Guests will be able to take self-guided tours through the park to see historical buildings and artifacts, and the Iron Works museum.
This event is important to the Iron Works for many reasons. Along with the monthly pancake breakfast and the Fall Festival in October, the attendance and participation of the community ensures funds to keep the park in operation.

“We have a devoted group of volunteers that make this great event happen,” Maier said. “It sends a message to the volunteers that their hard work is valued by the community when folks show up.”
The event itself is free to the public, so there is no admission price or parking fees, but attendees are encouraged to participate in the fundraisers going on with in the festival to support the Iron Works.

Registration for the cars show starts at 9 a.m. and prizes will be given out at 2 p.m.

Visit Shelbyironworks.com for more information about the car show and becoming a vendor.