Today I had the honor of joining the Hodgman family and friends for the 12th year of celebrating the life of Scott Hodgman at the Scott Hodgman Memorial Car & Bike Show. Formerly known as the Survival Days Car & Bike Show, Scott and his friends started the show in conjunction with the Survival Days celebration in West Concord about 18 years ago. After Scott was killed in an auto accident in 2012, his friends & family changed the name of the show to honor Scott's legacy of kindness and doing what it took to help everyone who knew him, and even some who didn't.
Scott was well known in the West Concord area for his service to the community. He was on the board of directors for the Dodge County Fair, the Commercial Club, Concord Township Supervisor. Scott and his Father started Hodgman Drainage in 1982 and later his brother came into the business.. He was larger than life in his commitment to the community and always there to lend a hand. So it is only fitting that this memorial event happens every year, and people come from all over to honor his legacy. This year there were about a dozen bikes, and almost 80 cars registered!
I was able to talk to Gene Knott, the official Coordinator of the event, and Head Honcho from the very start. I asked him what his favorite part of the show is, and he said, "The fact that we get the same people coming back every year to honor Scott's memory. People come from Hugo, Coon Rapids, and as far away as Wisconsin. It's good to see them, and reminisce about days gone by." People even came to the show during Covid, because the show must go on! Gene's "job" with this event is getting sponsors for the show. With Dustin Snell as his assistant, they bring in enough money to not only cover the costs of the trophies from Tatge Jewelers, and the car plaques and coolies from Midwest Sign Tech, but all the things to make this event a success.
I also spoke with Beth Hodgman, Scott's wife, about the event. She is a big part of organizing the event and getting people to volunteer for things like registration, parking, getting the trophies, and putting together gift bags, and of course, choosing one recipient to receive a cash donation to help in their time of need. "Scott was always helping others, and we want to continue to do so. It's what he would have wanted." Some of the past recipients have been the Legion Auxiliary when the doughnut machine they use for raising funds broke down, the city pool for upkeep, the Slettten family when their house burned down, and Circle Drive Manor to purchase birthday flowers for the residents on their birthdays, Scholarships , Park updates & playground equipment This year's recipient is Michaela Neuzil to help with expenses accrued from her accident. I am sure all the recipients were very happy to receive such a thoughtful gift, and continue the kindness of Scott Hodgman. All the recipients are local, so the money accrued stays in the community.
Speaking of being grateful, The Hodgmans would like to thank everyone who gives of their time, and the sponsors of the event who make it happen! A shout out goes to the registration girls, Keri, Mackenzie, Brooke, Amanda and Heather. The Bowling Wenches serving the Bloody Marys, Darla, Deann, Karen, Linda worked hard to serve everyone ice cold drinks. You'll have to ask them how they got their name! I will say they are Bowlers Extraordinaire, bowling not only at the local bowling alley, but also travelling to Las Vegas, Witchita and other places to take down the competition! The men helping with the parking were Jimmy, Rick, Steve, Mark, Brad and Charlie,Dustin and maybe a few more? The visiting Royalty who showed up to grace us with their presence were Rainey Dobbs- Miss West Concord, Alaina Klevus Westlund-1st Runner Up, and Autumn Froyum-Miss Congeniality. And especially all the folks who showed up not only to register their cars, but also the public who supports this event every year!
