By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
From restored classics to award-winning customs, automobile enthusiasts gathered at Municipal Park in Hays to celebrate the machines that shaped America’s roads.
The 11th-Annual Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show hosted by Thunder on the Plains brought together about 180 cars, trucks and motorcycles, showcasing a wide range of classic vehicles and specialty rides.
Jackie Lang, secretary of Thunder on the Plains, said the event has always been rooted in community involvement.
“It is for the community," Lang said. "When Thunder first started, it was actually Thunder on the Bricks, and we were working in association with the Downtown Developmental Committee. The money that was raised wasn’t really going back into the community the way we wanted to see it… so we broke away and started Thunder on the Plains.”
What began as a small effort has grown significantly over the years, with the organization steadily increasing its charitable impact.
“First year, we probably only gave back about $6,000 to $8,000,” Lang said. “Now, it really depends on the auction, but in the past two years we’ve given Make-A-Wish over $25,000. We’ve also given scholarships to local seniors going into automotive studies, and overall we’ve given away over $160,000 back to the community.”
Beyond fundraising, Lang said the show is about connection, nostalgia and inspiring the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
“It’s a fun time," she said. "You see cars you don’t see all the time, and it’s a lot of reminiscing. People come in and say, ‘Man, when I was in high school, I had this car,’ and it brings back a lot of memories.”
She also said the event aims to engage younger audiences and encourage participation in the hobby.
“We’re trying to get them involved because they’re the next generation,” Lang said. “The cars they like might be from the early 2000s, and to me that feels new, but to them that’s what they grew up with.”
Lang said one of the biggest goals is encouraging people to bring their vehicles out of storage and share them with the community.
“We just want people to come socialize and have a good time,” she said. “There are so many great cars in Hays, and people put so much work into them, but they just sit in garages. Bring them out and let people see them.”
Spectators spent the day admiring vehicles from across multiple decades. Lang said the gap in between vehicles at the event is 97 years, excluding a 1921 fire truck from owner John Dreiling, which happens to be the first motorized fire truck for the city of Hays and the oldest vehicle at the event.
Kory Meyers, vice president for Thunder on the Plains, said the event is all about giving back to the community.
"Thunder on the Plains appreciates how the community comes together," Meyers said. "I think the biggest thing for our community and Thunder on the Plains is to give back as much as we can."
One of the day's highlights was the auction, where attendees gathered to bid on prizes and automotive-related items.
Another fan favorite item that was being given away was a 2004 Sonoma pickup truck that Thunder on the Plains staff said would be a perfect secondary vehicle for any family.
The celebration continued with an awards presentation recognizing outstanding vehicles in a variety of categories. Owners were honored for their dedication, craftsmanship and attention to detail, earning recognition for the countless hours invested in their projects.
The event also featured a bouncy house for children, allowing families to enjoy the day while car enthusiasts viewed the vehicles on display.
