Big Boys’ Toys Car Show

Many of us consider a car-collecting hobby as “big toys for big boys.”  Car collectors are as diverse as the cars they collect.  Some have an affinity for vintage or antique cars with fine designs and superior workmanship while others desire hot rods or muscle cars with powerful engines designed for high performance driving.  Some car enthusiasts collect cars to open a window into the past, some use the hobby to fulfill the dreams of their youth, while others just desire a project and enjoy the maintenance and restoration. Come “meet and greet” some of our local car and truck enthusiasts as they display their classic “big toys” at The Big Boys Toys Show on April 28th from 11am-7pm at the Riverfront Festival Park, downtown Lynchburg. 

Honoring Our Troops

The local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 196 along with Capture It Events and local dignitaries are partnering with state, military and community leaders to present a Memorial Veterans Tribute live on the stage area of the Big Boys Toys Event at 4:30pm on Saturday April 28th, 2012 at Riverfront Festival Park.

This ceremony will honor America’s heroes; local veterans both living and those who have died in service to their country. There will be a local memorial display in this location throughout the day of the event. WYYD’s Kenny Shelton will emcee the memorial portion of the stage, which will include a soldier roll call, fallen soldiers’ memorial with flower placement by state and local leaders, a moment of silence broken by a 21-gun salute, as well as a musical tribute with bagpipes and taps.

This event will pre-ceed national RCA recording artist Bush Hawg who has been touted as the break-out band of 2012. They will start their show with their own tribute to America’s beloved veterans.

How can you prepare for the Man vs. Cheesy Western Competition?  Here are a few tips:

If you’re keen to win an amateur eating contest, this article will help you get off to a flying start.

Be in good physical and mental shape. It is important to ensure that you’re healthy and fit before trying an eating contest. Consult your physician before the contest and get their advice. Make sure that you aren’t on medication that shouldn’t be taken with food. Check with contest officials that EMTs and an ambulance will be present in the event of choking or allergic reactions, or third-degree burns on the roof of your mouth from searing hot taco beef.

Look for eating contests that are close to you. Find out how to apply and what things you need to know to be involved by phoning or calling in person to see the event organizer. Besides the local news, you can look online at the sites of the professional eating bodies, such as Major League Eating and the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, to see what contests they are running or supporting. As an amateur, things that you might like to look for in the competition include:  Short length (no more than 7-8 minutes),  Food that you like eating (there’s not much point eating food you detest), Picnic-style eating (this means eating without making a mess, at a good pace and not disrespectfully),  A fun occasion, with people not taking it too seriously but wanting to enjoy it.

Practice at home briefly before you enter a contest so that you know how it feels and what to expect when eating the food quickly. Try the same foods that are used in the contest, and importantly, these should be foods that you enjoy eating and are already familiar with. Don’t overdo this “practice run”–just treat it as a familiarization exercise. When trialing, it can be helpful to look for ways to make the food go down faster and more easily. For example (and subject to the contest rules):  Can you fold the food to make it easier to swallow?, Can you tear it into pieces to make it go down faster? Practice coordinating your hands and mouth so that your hands can be tearing food into more edible portions, while your mouth keeps chewing. You won’t have time to think about it., Can you make some of the food propel other parts of the food down faster, such as using cheese to help pizza base slide down?, Check your chewing and swallowing techniques and see if you can do anything to improve these for the contest.

Train your brain. It can’t hurt to do some mental limbering up to help you prepare for the contest. Visualize succeeding and enjoying the occasion in the lead-up. Professionals also train to try and overcome our brain’s natural “stop-eating” signals, but this not a healthy approach for amateurs to take and could lead to unhealthy eating habits in your everyday life.

Eat normally before the contest. Starving yourself is unhealthy for the body, so eat light meals up until the contest day. Fasting can also cause your stomach to tighten up, which you definitely don’t want!

Try to exercise regularly before the contest. Exercise will keep you flexible, focused, and in good shape.

Learn to breathe through your nose if you don’t do this normally. You won’t have time to mouth breathe while you are eating.

Prior to the contest, consume as few liquids (water, soda, alcoholic beverages, etc.) as possible. Too many liquids will only fill the stomach, creating less room for food. However, some professionals do advise that it is fine to drink up to a liter of water to help expand the stomach, and to have herbal tea for calming and cleansing. In addition, do not drink milk during the contest because you risk vomiting through your nose.

Choose your food

Start out “soft” when you begin. If you’re new to eating contests, it can be a good idea to begin with soft items such as pancakes, grits, meatballs, and funnel cakes.[5] You can progress to harder and multiple foods as you feel more confident.

Avoid entering any competition where the food is not right for you. If it makes you feel sick, if you’re allergic to it, if you just plain hate it, where’s the fun or sense in that? Be selective!

Know how to eat the food the best way possible. Knowing how food behaves when eaten is important, and if you’ve practiced at home already, you should have a good idea of what works and what does not.

On the day

Read up on the rules before attempting the eating contest. There are some basic things that apply to many competitive eating competitions: Find out if “chipmunking” is permitted – this is the practice of stuffing in as much food as possible before chewing it and swallowing – usually there will be a time limit on how long you can keep this in your mouth. Find out if “dunking” is permitted – this is where you are allowed to dunk your food in water to make it softer and easier to swallow; be aware, however, that doing this is considered fairly disrespectful of the food.  Know whether or not you can make a mess eating. Some contests insist that you keep the area clean (picnic-style), others let you make a mess. It all depends on the type of food you’re eating and how much mess you think you might make. Picnic-style is probably better for amateurs, as it encourages you to pace yourself and be conscious of the eating process as it is happening, rather than simply gorging yourself silly.  Understand that vomiting is considered to be a disqualification in most eating contests. If you get to this point, you’re probably not enjoying yourself anyway!

Take it easy. While that may sound odd, it is important not to panic or rush, but to eat steadily with speed. If you panic or rush, you will make mistakes and be less successful.

Enjoy yourself. While it’s competitive, it’s meant to be “fun competitive” and if you’re taking it too seriously, then it’s probably better to play a ball game to release your pent-up energy.

Relax that evening and eat very lightly, if at all, and drink only water. Let your body settle back into its normal routine and eat as usual the following day, or when you feel ready.

Craft Dodge is the 2012 Stage Sponsor of the Big Boys’ Toys Show and also the proud sponsor of the Lizard Lick Crew.

At Billy Craft Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you’ll find a wide assortment of automotive services and products including new and pre-owned vehicle inventories, a professional service department, financial assistance and more. You can find an assortment of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles in both the new and pre-owned inventories at their Lynchburg, VA dealership. Their friendly and highly knowledgeable staff is dedicated to your satisfaction; visit us today at 2639 Lakeside Dr and see for yourself!

Main Stage Entertainment Line-up:

11:00am:  TBoned!

1:00pm:  Dragonfly

5:00pm:  Bush Hawg

Band details can be found under the Big Boys’ Toys Heading, Entertainment.

Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg is the 2012 Big Boys’ Toys Show Naming Sponsor

Visit them today and see why thousands make Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg, Virginia a priority stop when traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains. With breath taking views on the Parkway and all the history that surrounds Lynchburg they know you will be in the area, so ride on in. Come visit Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg and let them show you what southern hospitality is all about along with giving you everything you would expect from a Harley-Davidson dealership.

Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg has earned awards based upon their exceptional quality levels in motorcycle and related product sales, an evolution of customer service and satisfaction, their facility, skilled and well-trained staff, and various operational measures.

“One of the primary reasons the Harley-Davidson brand has such a tremendous customer loyalty is because of the efforts of dealers such as Wellesley Hargrove,” said Bill Dannehl, Harley-Davidson’s Vice President of North American Sales and Dealer Services. “We are really proud to have Wellesley Hargrove as part of our Harley-Davidson Family and we look forward to many great years of doing business together.”

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains… come see the view from their seat!

The Big Boys’ Toys Show and Craft Dodge is proud to bring Bush Hawg to this years event on April 28th at the Riverfront Festival Park in downtown Lynchburg.  Touted as the break-out band of 2012, and recently signed to RCA Nashville, Bush Hawg is working on their debut CD with Music Row veteran and multi-platinum producer Michael Knox (producer of acts Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, etc).

Through constant touring and songwriting, Bush Hawg has developed their own unique sound – a blend of backwoods, blue collars, bar fights and the Bible, wrapped in an American flag and washed down with whiskey. With their high energy shows, hard-hitting guitars and drums, mixed with the lyrical style, instrumentation, and vocals of country music, Bush Hawg is breaking down the barriers of the Nashville establishment.

Bush Hawg will take you on a ride through the swamps and down the back roads of pure American country music and Southern rock-n-roll.

It’s what Lynchburg is known for, the Cheesy Western.  Which is why we see fit to hold the first annual Cheesy West Contest at the Big Boys’ Toys Show on April 28.  Entry forms have been rolling in left and right for those men and women up for the challange of being named the Cheesy West Champ.  Do YOU have what it takes?  The rules are pretty simple.  When the whistle blows you will have five minutes to eat as many cheesy westerns as you can.  When the whistle blows again, the man or woman with the most consumed will be named the 2012 Cheesy West Champ.  But, the biggest goal of all……don’t get sick!

It seemed like a natural fit for us to team up with the one restaurant in the burg that is known for its famous cheesy westerns, the Texas Inn, or T-Room as most of you know it. 

Now, I have to write a little bit of personal information here.  My first trip to the T-Room was about 15 years ago.  (Yes, a late bloomer I know)  Anyway, I sat down at the bar and glanced over the menu carefully.  Figuring it would be just like any other hamburger joint I walked into, I would order my normal cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles.  Ummm, shocker!  The look I received from the lady behind the bar was priceless, followed by the chuckle and response of, “we don’t have any tomato, no lettuce and no pickles.”  Well, okay then, how about just a little mustard.  After all, if I couldn’t have my normal, I would just settle for the safest.  I looked around to notice lots of eggs, relish and onions on plates and just couldn’t fathom how all of that would taste on a burger.  After my husband got over his sheer embrassment of me asking for lettuce, tomato and mayo, he quickly informed me about the T-Room and their offerings.  Before him, sat one of those burgers with the egg, relish and onions on it along with a bowl of chili.  I quickly learned the history of the cheesy western and a bowl. 

So, on April 28th at approximately 1:45pm, we will launch the First Annual Cheesy West Contest at the Big Boys’ Toys Show.   Rumor has it that Ronnie and Bobby from truTV’s Lizard Lick Towing may give some coaching on the contest.  We will see!

To enter the Man vs. Cheesy West contest, simply click on the Big Boy’s Toys tab on the main page of the website, click on Entertainment and download the application.

See you there.

The Big Boys Toys Show will be Central Virginia’s largest and most exciting male lifestyle event, combining the coolest gadgets, the latest technologies and the biggest brands along with high impact entertainment features, all packed into one day of non-stop action and sheer excitement.  This is a must-visit-event for people from across the Central Virginia area.

To satisfy all that guys love to see and do, The Big Boys Toys Show  is coming to downtown Lynchburg on Saturday, April 28, 2012 with the coolest toys a grown up boy could want.

One of the best opportunities in 2012 for you to directly access your target customer base, drive quality leads, substantial sales and have thousands of potential customers viewing your products and services.  This show will attract a targeted male demographic but will be family friendly; women and children will account for approximately
35% of attendees.  In addition to exhibitor space, please inquire about how we can supplement and enhance your current marketing strategy through several sponsorship opportunities.  Sponsorship packages include online advertising on our website, print advertising through local publications, televison and radio spots, billboards and premium banner placement throughout event site.

There will be vendor spcces located throughout the Riverfront Festival Park area which will consist of the following:

5 – Food Vendors Spaces:  $175
•  These vendor spaces will be located along Jefferson Street and will be approximately 10×10 spaces.  Multiple spaces can be purchased side by side.  You must present Lynchburg Shows with a current Health Deparment license.

50 – Standard Vendor Spaces:  $225
•  These 10’x10’ spaces will be located throughout the park.  You must provide your own table, chairs and tent if desired.  There will not be electrical access for these spaces.

15 – Deluxe Vendor Spaces:  $550
•  Spread out in these 20’x20’ spaces.  These spaces will be located throughout the Riverfront Park area.  There are several spaces that will be located along each end of Jefferson Street.  You must provide your own table, chairs and tents, if desired.  There will be limited electrical access.

10 – Premier Vendor Spaces:  $795
•  Here are the Big Boys Toys!  These oversize spaces will allow plenty of room for those RV’s, campers, boats, ATV’s, motorcycles, cars and trucks.  These ten spaces will be located on the highly travelled Jefferson Street.  These spaces will sell quickly!  There will be electrical access to these areas.  You must provide your own tables, chairs and tents, if desired.  The exact space size will be definied on the vendor map.

If you are interested in participating in the Big Boy’s Toys Show, please download the vendor contract and submit it for approval.

2011 Lynchburg Beer & Wine Festival Stage Sponsor

American National Bank and Trust Company was established in 1909 to provide community-banking services to the citizens of Danville.  In the past 100 years, the bank has grown from a single office on Main Street in Danville to a regional, progressive financial institution. Though our growth has been significant, our focus of building relationships through quality financial services with exceptional customer service has not changed.

American National is a community bank serving Southern and Central Virginia and the northern portion of Central North Carolina.  American National provides a full array of financial products and services, including commercial, mortgage, and consumer banking; trust and investment services; and insurance. Services are also provided through an ATM network, “AmeriLink” Internet banking, and 24-hour “Access American” phone banking.
     
We take our role as a community bank very seriously.  The Bank has and will continue to be a leader in charitable and civic support, whether it is financially or through the thousands of hours our employees devote each year to better the communities where we work and live.  Success for American National is dependent on the viability of the markets we serve.  That is why we will maintain our commitment to our communities.

We believe our quality financial services, exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and convenience make us a great bank.  However, our people and dedication to our communities make us a great community bank…and that is what sets us apart from the rest.  We invite you to stop by one of our offices to see how a relationship with American National can benefit you…and your community.

Local Mortgage Options For Central Virginia

Since 1985, Mortgage Atlantic, Inc., has played an instrumental part in helping Central Virginia realize the dream of true home ownership. Giving you smart, informed decisions for the right refinance or mortgage is the foundation of our relationship. We ensure an affordable, secure choice for you and a friendship based on trust for us.

We know that when you walk through our door, you’re beginning a process that can significantly add to the quality of your life.

Whether you are ready to purchase your very first home or wish to acquire extra cash from your home equity, we’ll carefully guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary financing. With the number of lending options available, purchasing or refinancing can be confusing. Mortgage Atlantic is your ally in meeting your financing needs.

Mortgage Atlantic expanded into government loans in 1987 with FHA and in 1988 with Veterans Affairs, and was the first mortgage company offering the USDA guaranteed loan program in Central Virginia in 1996.

Meet Our Mortgage Specialists

Peggy J Moore
PRESIDENT

Peggy established Mortgage Atlantic on Church Street in Lynchburg in 1985.

Her background includes life insurance, retirement planning, and real estate sales before entering the mortgage industry.

Debbie Grishaw
VICE PRESIDENT, LOAN OFFICER

Experienced property manager and involved in real estate sales prior to joining Mortgage Atlantic in 1996.

Thank you, Mortgage Atlantic, for being the title sponsor of the Lynchburg Beer & Wine Festival for TWO YEARS in a row!