Friday afternoon, Diane and Dave Granger of Syracuse stood beside their silver 1959 Corvette and wondered what to do on Saturday. “We’re planning on bringing a 1957 if it doesn’t rain,” said Diane.

Despite some morning showers, the Grangers took a chance, and the green 1957 Corvette collected Best Of Show and Police Chief’s Choice at Syracuse’s “Biggest Little Show In Indiana.”

According to Rob Vandal, in his 14th year as Car Show Chairman of the Wawasee Kiwanis Club sponsored event, now in its 27th year, “It’s the really old, expensive cars that won’t come out in the rain.”

Rain was also to blame for the attendance, which Vandal called, “lower than normal.”

Crist Blassaras of Syracuse was another big winner. His 1959 Cadillac won Best Engineered Hot Rod and Best Engine. “I also won an atlas,” he beamed. Blassaras‚ hot rod is actually only half Cadillac, as the front of the car is composed of different makes and parts. He also thinned the boat down 2 feet off of center.

Other winners included Ken Sessaert, whose 1967 GTO won Kiwanis Choice; John Mahnken, who won Best Paint for his 1961 Thunderbird.

Within minutes of the end of the show, the Syracuse Community Center parking lot was empty as the contestants drove out for the customary Cruisin’ Cuse Around The Lake and then back to their safe garages and out of the threatening spring rain.