This year's 7th Annual Marilla Car, Truck & Bike Show/Super-Swap meet, also referred to as "The Thrilla in Marilla", was held on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. The Thrilla in Marilla benefited Mercy Flight. The show was held on the streets of the town of Marilla and at the Firemen's Grounds. Due to the overwhelming response and registration of cars, this year's event was changed to a two day show. Over 2,000 plus cars, trucks and bikes registered and made the show a huge success. The participation and spectator turnout was awesome. If you have never attended this event, it is a MUST on your bucket list. You need to attend - just so you can find out for yourself, why it is referred to as "The Thrilla in Marilla". Located among the cars, trucks and bikes was a swap meet, flea market, FIVE live bands, various activities for children and a variety of food vendors. Celebrity guests Sonny Shroyer, who played "Enos" on The Dukes of Hazzard, (and his lovely wife Paula) and Hockey player Rob Ray attended and greatly added to the festivities. It was an absolute delight to meet and spend time with Sonny and Paula.

I was very honored when the Committee invited me to attend the event, promote the Ronnie Sox Foundation and bring the Hemi Cuda raffle car. As you know by now, the Hemi Cuda raffle car is being raffled off this year to benefit the children at St. Jude's Hospital. Dave & Kathy Collette also brought his '68 replica Cuda to show. The event also show-cased some famous cars from television programs and movies. This event is FREE to the public! It certainly is hard for any car, bike, truck, music or food enthusiast to beat this event when looking for fun!

The highlight of my day - next to meeting/greeting the fans - was when my dear friend Vinny Beisiegel allowed me to take part in a moment of silence in memory of Carla Miley and Dave Schevlin. After the moment of silence, I read a poem to Carla & Dave's Family and my friend Rick's brother Don. There was not a dry eye around. This was a sad moment, but when we fired up the Sox & Martin cars and drove them down Hot Rod street, I was actually at peace. I knew Carla, Dave, Don and Ronnie would be so happy with the pleasure we were providing fans while supporting both St. Jude and Mercy Flight. As Vinny said, "This is how us Mopar guys do things".

Enos was then introduced. He did his famous laugh and then he sang a couple songs. While singing the first song, he kept looking in my direction saying "I need you Daisey" and I turned around looking as I thought they arranged for a Daisey Duke look alike to be present. After the third time and Enos looking directly at me saying loudly, I NEED YOU DAISEY -I finally ran out onto the stage hugging Enos, kicking one leg up in the air saying, I'll be your Daisey Duke and the crowd got a huge laugh out of it and I really enjoyed it too. Another touching moment was when he did a song about grandma and pullled a lady out of the crowd to come on stage and that lady just happened to be Dave Schevel's sister -- talk about an Omen...

Another very touching moment during the weekend was when Mercy Flight presented me with a plaque in honor of Ronnie Sox to be hung in the Beacon of Hope Garden at Mercy Flight Headquarters. This gesture certainly touched my heart deeply and was a huge surprise. Although I cried, they were tears of joy knowing that Ronnie was smiling down proudly at all we have accomplished in his honor by helping the children at St. Jude and now Mercy Flight. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Mercy Flight for this wonderful tribute to my beloved Ronnie. I cannot wait until next year to visit the Garden and see the plaque on the wall.

I owe a huge thank you Lea DiCenso for arranging an interview with Linda Pelligrinio on WKBW News Channel 7 with Sonny, myself, Vinny Beisiegel, Chairman of the event, Jett Yaz and other various committee members. Linda Pelligrino was an absolute wonderful host. Sonny did his famous Enos laugh and spoke of his continuation in movies and I, of course, promoted the Ronnie Sox Foundation, his legacy and the Hemi Cuda that is being raffle for the children at at St. Jude and Jett spoke about the star cars. I will forever be grateful to both Lea and Linda for their generosity in having us on the show to help in promoting the Marilla event and allowing me to promote the Ronnie Sox Foundation and St. Jude. Simply put, there are not enough words to describe the love in my heart for the entire Beisiegel family. The hospitality they always extend to me whenever in Marilla is beyond words and, I am truly honored to have such great friends.

Needless to say, as always I enjoyed the two day event immensely. It it without a doubt an absolute honor to support the Marilla event and Mercy Flight. I plan to be back next year to give it all I have to make the event even more successful. If next year is anything like this year's event, you'll want to be sure to get in on two full fun days of activies and support a great cause, Mercy Flight.

Vinny, the entire Beisiegel family, Committee Members, Volunteers, Lea DiCenso and Linda Pelligrinio thank you for an absolutely awesome weekend!!!!

Click HERE to see photos of the Marilla Car Show.

Diane Sox