Kustom Kemps: People who work behind the scenes of car shows to benefit local charities
NEWCOMERSTOWN − A local couple, Corey and Debbie Rehard, are a vital part of Kustom Kemps of Ohio.
Kemp’s is the oldest running custom car and truck association in the country, according to Corey, and the Rehards spend much of their free time during the year planning four area car shows. Corey serves as president of Kustom Kemps of Ohio, and Debbie as secretary. Other officers are officers are Tom Espenschied, vice president; Marv Simmons, treasurer; and Fred Casbeer, sergeant at arms. A group of car guys started the association in the 1960s to help support local charities with the proceeds raised at the various car shows, Corey said. The local group was originally founded by Fred Mizer and Ron Casebeer and is made up of mostly Tuscarawas County residents. They meet monthly in Dover.
The four car shows the local chapter orchestrates each year are the Gnadenhutten Fireworks Festival held annually on the first Saturday of July, the as the annual Dover Downtown Car and Bike show the first Friday of August, the Midvale Miners Jubilee held each September, and the Roscoe Apple Butter Fall Festival in October. This year’s Midvale car show will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10."We are responsible for every facet of planning and executing such as getting the word out including word of mouth, printing flyers and, posting on social media," Corey said of the group. "The committee also lines up sponsors, food trucks, the DJ that also serves as the master of ceremonies, pre-registration, and registration the day of the event. There are trophies to order, arranging judges, and so much more. On the actual day of the show, you have the general organization such as putting signs up, marking spaces and everything else that goes into the actual event.”
"And too, we have the weather to contend with," Debbie added. "When the term it takes a village is used, this is exactly what is being referred to.”Each November, the group votes on what charities will receive their proceeds for the year. Some organizations they have supported in the past include Barrs Mills in Gnadenhutten, ARTSNCT in Newcomerstown, local food shelters, the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Salvation Army and Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community. Corey has been around cars his entire life and he and his father even restored a 1979 Chevy Malibu that Corey’s shows when he is not busy working a car show. And his dream car is a 1963 split coupe Corvette. For more information about the car shows or Kustom Kemps, visit the Kustom Kemps of Ohio Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Kustom Kemps: Workers busy behind the scenes at charity car shows
