8th Annual Gospel Sing & Car Show

What do gospel music and classic cars have in common?

What do gospel music and classic cars have in common? The 8th annual Gospel Sing & Car Show at Bixby First United Methodist Church (FUMC). On Sunday, June 6 from noon to 4 p.m., music will fill the air and old cars, trucks, jeeps and motorcycles will fill a large portion of the parking lot at 15502 S. Memorial Dr.

It’s a day of music, food, fun and friendly competition among classic car enthusiasts. Ron and Lucinda Casteel, co-chairs of the event, have enjoyed vintage cars for many years. Ron recalls the car shows that drew crowds at his boyhood church in the country near Stillwell. He introduced the idea eight years ago when their associate pastor at the time was looking for a unique outreach approach.

The idea took off, and the event has grown each year. Three years ago, they started offering arts and crafts so that more people would have something to do. Lucinda says they are expecting 20 booths this year with jewelry, candles, purses, packaged foods and lots more.

Over 100 vehicles are expected for judging in 30 categories. Among them are best topless, custom, street rod, muscle car and modified. Both trophies and ribbons will be awarded. Local businesses, including Conrad Farms, tire companies, restaurants and banks have donated products and services as door prizes to support this event, which in turn supports the Bixby FUMC music department.

The 50s and 60s models are sure to evoke memories from some viewers and questions from others. Like, how did people manage to drive with those big steering wheels in the way? And, how did they get into the back seats that have no leg room?

“The real beauty of this,” Ron explains, “is that people don’t have to spend any money if their budgets don’t allow it.” There is no charge to come and look at the cars and enjoy the uplifting gospel music in the church gym or outdoors through the sound system. Vocalists and musicians from local churches and throughout the state will perform. A popular favorite returning once again is singer and songwriter Joleigha Francis.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and all the trimmings, along with the arts and crafts booths, will also be inside.

A Jupiter Jump, water slide and face painting can make the kids happy for the afternoon. All children’s activities will be supervised by day school certified teachers. A special security system will allow parents to safely leave their children while they view the cars.

“This is a great opportunity to welcome the community to our venue,” says Senior Pastor Randy Mitchell. The church has been a strong anchor in the Bixby community for more than 100 years. Records that go back to 1899 indicate 31 founding members worshipped in a downtown schoolroom. Now 1,100 members worship in the new sanctuary that was opened in 2006. Some of those members will guide interested visitors on a church tour. Approximately 50 volunteers are involved with the entire project.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 6. The first 50 entries will receive goody bags and dash plaques. For more information, call Ron Casteel at (918) 369-5993 or the church office at (918) 366-4463.

For more information, contact

Bixby First United Methodist Church

(918) 366-4463