Tom Stine got himself an early Christmas present last year when he bought a 1942 Cadillac from a Scottsdale, Ariz., resident.

“It’s just a fun car,” the High Hill mayor said. “I think it’s a pretty car. I don’t think the Cadillac is all that pretty, but it’s cool.”

Stine’s car definitely caught the attention of many people who attended the First Annual High Hill Car Truck Tractor Cycle Show and Shine on Oct. 21 at Play Day Farm in High Hill. It won first place in the 1935-1954 original division and earned third place in the People’s Choice division. He also got second place in the 1935-1954 original division for his 1954 Dodge.

Stine bought the Cadillac on Nov. 25, 2022, a day after Thanksgiving. It was delivered in front of his house about a week later.

“It’s a pretty rare car because they quit production in 1942 due to the war,” Stine said. “Actually, this particular model had only 168 built. It’s not a real common car.”

The five-hour car show was hosted by the city of High Hill and Play Day Farm. The money raised will go towards the High Hill Parks and Recreation to renovate the High Hill Community Building, which was operated as a school in 1954 and it is now used as a rental building for parties, wedding receptions and reunions. There were a total of 52 cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles in the event, which gave out awards in 15 categories.

The event was held while many people were at Play Day Farm enjoying the rides under sunny conditions.

“I think it was a great show,” Jonesburg resident Terri Gulley said. “It was a great turnout. The grandchildren had fun on the rides. It was a good day.”

Gulley had a good day at the car show with her 1967 Chevy Camaro. She and her husband, Dale, won first place with the car in the 1955-1974 restored division. Gulley bought the car 10 years ago from a friend in Wright City.

The other first place winners were Andrea Wideman (pre-1934 restored and People’s Choice Award), Larry Hagen (pre-1934 modified), Roscoe See (1935-1954 restored), Ken Masters (1935-1954 modified), Donnie Meyer (1955-1974 original), Haley Engleman (1975-1994 modified), Mark Bay (1995-present original), Kathy Lewis (1995-present restored), Darrell Robert (1995-present modified), Kelly Wideman (1969 Harley-Davidson and 1983 Harley-Davidson) and Matt Carl (Yamaha Stryker).

Andrea Wideman, who lives outside of Hermann, won her awards for 1927 Model T, which used to be displayed at the Corner Restaurant in Rhineland before the business was closed down in 2022.

“Whenever it was at the restaurant, we had the motor and stuff, but it wasn’t running,” said Andrea, who co-owned the Corner with Kelly. “So we had someone help us get it running this year.”