(Posted June 16, 2016)
Once again, the Ohio Cobra Club will hold its annual show in conjunction with the London Strawberry Festival.
At 9 a.m. June 25, Cobra drivers from around the country will parade into London. They start at the Speedway gas station at U.S. Route 42 and I-70, turn west on U.S. Route 40, then turn south onto State Route 56, wheeling into downtown London two abreast.
They will park at North Main and High streets, where from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public can get a close look at the vehicles, talk to the owners and browse through vendor booths. Visitors will see Cobras, Daytona Coupes and GT40 replicas.
For people who want the full fast-car experience, speedy charity rides are available. For $10, a person can climb into the passenger seat of a Cobra car and enjoy a one-eighth-mile ride down Main Street. The vehicles go 0 to 60 miles an hour in about four seconds.
For those who want a chance at owning a Cobra replica, the club is raffling off a kit car built by club members. Tickets are $20. Buy them at londoncobrashow.com or in person at the show. The drawing will take place the evening of June 25.
The club also is selling London Cobra Show t-shirts. Anyone who takes a charity ride receives an “I Smoked ‘em on Main Street” t-shirt.
Proceeds from the charity rides, t-shirt sales and car raffle benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The events associated with the Strawberry Festival are part of the club’s year-round fundraising for the foundation.
“Last year, we were able to donate $111,000 to the foundation,” said Pam Beck, an Ohio Cobra Club member. “Since 2001, the club has donated just over $1 million.”
In appreciation for the part London and Madison County plays in the club’s show and fundraising, the club present donations to the London Police Department, London Fire Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison County Emergency District. This year’s check presentation is set for 10 a.m. June 25 during the festival, near the intersection of North Main and Fifth streets.
For more information about the Cobra show, part of a multi-day gathering of Cobra and Coupe kit car enthusiasts, go to www.londoncobrashow.com
