Lions Club of Marlin to host Car and Motorcycle Show

You see them every Spring through Summer all over the map, those car and motorcycle shows enticing spectators. In 1900, America’s first “horseless carriage show” was held in Madison Square Garden and drew roughly 10,000 spectators. Among the highlights was the appearance of Ransom Eli Olds’ prototype for a new body style known as the “runabout.” 

Then in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show opened for eight days in the Coliseum Exposition Hall. Over 4,000 spectators attended. Prices for exhibit space on the main floor ranged from $1 to $1.50 per square foot. 

Present day in Marlin, it’s all about the automobiles that were highlights in their time and still jewels of performance and beauty today! And, the price for exhibit space hasn’t changed!

It’s been just over 150 years, and the motorcycle has made a lasting impression. 

1867: Sylvester Howard Roper (American) was the creator and inventor of the steam-powered, two-cylinder velocipede. In 1894, a German company called Hildebrand & Wolfmuller became the first to create a factory production line to create these vehicles, dubbed “motor-cycles.” In 1901, considered the ‘dawn’ of motorcycles in America, Indian Motorcycle used DeDion-Buton’s design to create their first motorcycle, the world’s best-selling models up until WWI.

1903 was the Wright Brothers’ first flight and the first year that Harley-Davidson manufactured and sold motorcycles from a 10’x10’ shed in Milwaukee, Wis. 

From 1901 through 1936 more than 200 motorcycle brands were made in the US.

Tidbit: In 1937, Sally Robinson became the first woman to ever receive her motorcycle license. 

Founded in 1982, the United States’ International Motorcycle Shows is a series of motorcycle expositions that take place in major cities across the country.

The Republic of Texas Biker Rally (R. O. T Biker Rally) held in Austin is the largest motorcycle rally in Texas and the largest turnstile (ticketed admission) motorcycle rally in the United States. The event has drawn as many as 35,000 paying customers to the event grounds. Austin City officials have estimated that the Friday night street party downtown draws as many as 200,000 spectators thus making it one of the largest motorcycle rallies of any kind in the country.

The history of the automobile and motorcycle car shows has been a long ride, that’s for sure. The history is rich in innovation and dedication and without all of these individual milestones, we wouldn’t be where we are today: amidst the excitement of seeing machines of exceptional design and proven performance -  right here in Marlin!

The Lions Club of Marlin will host the 18th Annual Car and Motorcycle Show on the Courthouse Square on Saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lions Club of Marlin also hosts the 3rd Annual Food Truck Rally and Vendors Market. Online registration is available at marlinlionsclub@gmail.com.

The Lions Club of Marlin works this show to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Marlin. Additionally, it promotes tourism and local businesses. The Car and Motorcycle Show gives back to the community; admission is free for visitors and cost for participation remains low.

It takes a lot of people to make the show happen, but Lions have a lot of fun, too, working to help the community.