Hot Rods and Star Power rolled into Salina on Friday – as the 2014 Leadsled Spectacular opened up in Oakdale Park with custom cars and Hollywood stars.
KKOA President, Jerry Titus and Cindy Williams from “Laverne and Shirley” stopped into the KSAL Morning News with a look at the four day event.
“The cars are art, like iconic American art, each one is so unique,” Williams said. “I hate it when they ask me to pick a favorite, because I just can’t.”
Williams who starred alongside Ron Howard in the 1973 film, American Graffiti, gained even more notoriety as she shared the small screen with Penny Marshall in TV’s “Laverne and Shirley.”
When asked about the show’s opening montage where the two kickoff each episode with “Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!” Williams said it was Marshall’s idea.
“We were shooting the opening credits and Penny’s husband Gary shouted to her – teach Cindy the Schlemiel! Schlimazel! and you’ll do it for the camera.”
Williams said the producers liked it and used in the show’s intro.
According to KKOA President, Jerry Titus, visitors will be treated to over 1,500 classic car entries, parked under the shade trees in Oakdale Park, “We had 1,876 cars last year, so maybe we’ll get close to the 2,000 mark this year,” he said.
Along with the cars, there are booths, concessions, and entertainment throughout the park. Friday night many of the cars from the show will drag race at the East Crawford Recreation Area.
Saturday night there is a 50s concert at the Stiefel Theatre featuring tributes to Johnny Cash and Ricky Nelson.
Hollywood stars Cindy Williams, Bo Hopkins, and Candy Clark from the cast of “American Graffiti” are scheduled to be on hand to sign autographs.
The 2014 Leadsled Spectacular will be held at Oakdale Park through Sunday, beginning at 9:00 each day.
