ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The inaugural Northwoods Motor Mayhem has taken over the U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Antique Village at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.
“We have rat rods, traditional rods, classics, muscle cars,” said event organizer Rodney Van Brocklin. “Pretty much everything with wheels that’s awesome.”
One of those vehicles is a 1949 Ford F1, being shown by 14-year-old Brayden Couture of Gwinn.
“It’s got a 283 small-block Chevy in it, 350 turbo transmission in it, and then a 95 Silverado rear end,” he said.
Brayden first helped his dad build a rat rod when he was only 8. They put in countless hours to build the Ford F1 between school and football practice.
“We started off building the frame and everything,” said Brayden. “We just acquired parts. I had a lot of friends donate to it and that helped me. I started in February, and it’s almost done.”
In addition to the car show, guests of Northwoods Motor Mayhem can enjoy vendors, food, live music, and a full schedule of events.
“We have the burnout contest, we have tractor pulls, mini bike races—a bunch of grown men looking ridiculous on tiny bikes,” said Van Brocklin. “We have a pinup contest. We have a couple bicycles we’re giving away to kids. It’s just going to be a good time all the way around.”
It’s all presented by and to raise money for the Gladstone Lions Club.
“I’m a member of the Gladstone Lions,” Van Brocklin said. “We were looking for a new fundraiser, and I’m kind of a car guy—I love this stuff—so I pitched it and the club jumped behind it. Vision, childhood hunger, childhood cancer are some of the things we give money towards. We have needs right here in our town, so our money stays right here in Delta County.”
Participants say it’s an opportunity to support those in need and to indulge in a shared love of vintage vehicles.
“My dad always did it, and that was an influence on me,” said Brayden. “He showed me that I could do it, so I did it. If you’re given an opportunity, take it. That’s what I did.”
“It’s a passion,” Van Brocklin said. “It’s kind of in your blood.”
Northwoods Motor Mayhem continues until 10 p.m. on Friday, September 6, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 7. Admission is $15 per day or $25 for the weekend, and kids ages 12 and under will be admitted for free.
For full details about Northwoods Motor Mayhem, click here.
