Igniters to mark milestone

'Ignite the Nites' is 50th anniversary event

This weekend marks the 50-year anniversary of the Igniters Car Club annual car show in Libby.

The Igniters are a unique car club that gives new meaning to camaraderie.

Mel Peterson, member of the car club since 1961, describes the group as people who are hands-on.

“If we all get together, we can do great things,” Peterson said.

Because many of the members are from a generation with a “can-do attitude,” Peterson attributes the Igniters’ passion for classic cars and the drive to restore them.

With many heart-warming projects under their belts, the Igniters share a common thread: “We love completion – the warm juices flow, like seeing a Rembrandt painting,” when a car is restored.

Since 1961, the Igniters have been committed to safety. The club members are bound to a code of ethics that sets them apart from other car clubs. Members promise to always stop for vehicles stranded on the side of the road, installing seat belts free of charge in cars that do not have them and driving safely to overcome the bad image that many car clubs have.

The Igniters are the oldest classic car club in Montana. Celebrating 50 years of appreciation for cars that would have otherwise been left in graveyards of rusted metal – the Igniters bring the “classics” back to life.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Ignite the Nites will take place on Mineral Avenue begining at 6 p.m. Friday.

Registration begins at 3 p.m., followed by a poker run, cruising, flame-throwing and neon lights contests.

Saturday registration begins at 8 a.m., awards ceremony is at 3 p.m. and the Ron Remp Memorial burn-out contest will take place at Libby Motorcross Park at 5 p.m.

At 9 p.m., a dance, featuring a live stage show with the band “Men in the Making,” will be held at the VFW Hall.

For more information call Norma at 406 293-2276 or email hwhanson@frontiernet.net.

Registration fees are $25 for first car, $10 for each additional car.