Marketville is back for another year of fun and entertainment. The event, which is free to the public, is sponsored by the Southern Standard, and will be held Saturday at the Warren County Fairgrounds. Over 100 vendors will be set up around the fairgrounds offering yard sale items, as well as craft and vintage items. Assorted entertainment acts will be showcased throughout the day.
The day is filled with activities such as a car show featuring vehicles from many surrounding states, as well as local beauties.
Car classes range from pre-1950 models to 2014 vehicles, with three places being awarded to the best in each division. Included also is a best unfinished class and a motorcycle division. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a $20 fee for each entry.
A special treat for Marketville attendees is the unveiling of the 50th anniversary Ford Mustang, sponsored by Kidd Ford. A  Mustang Car Show will award prizes to the best Mustang 1964-1989; 1990-2014; and Mustang People’s Choice. It’s been termed a “special day for a special car.”
A special tabloid called “50 Years of the Mustang” will be inserted in the Friday edition of the Southern Standard, telling the history of the unique car.
An interesting story highlights the roots the Ford industry has in Warren County, dating back to the 1920s. For close to a century, there has been a Ford dealership in the area, with the first dealership on Court Square near the current Chamber of Commerce. After a few years, they moved up the street across from Magness Library.
Albert L. Puckett purchased the business in 1938, and sold cars at that location for over 10 years before moving the dealership in 1949 to the corner of West Main Street and High Street. A grand opening celebration was held on Christmas Eve 1949 with Puckett Motors giving away a new car as part of the celebration.
Cars and trucks were not the only Ford products sold at the establishment. They also sold Ford tractors. Puckett Motors sold gasoline with two pumps outside its dealership and was known for its repair shop with longtime service manager Joe Orrick.
It didn’t take long before the price of cars began to rise. While the 1950 Ford sold for $1,000, a Lincoln in the 1970s cost more than $10,000.
The car business took off in the mid-1960s with the introduction of the Ford Mustang, with sales skyrocketing.
Terry Kidd, owner of Kidd Ford, has arranged for the 50th anniversary Mustang unveiling at Marketville. It is scheduled to be presented at 9 a.m.
“I had to use up all my favors for this one,” said Kidd. “The Mustang is a classic American sports car and has such a strong following.”
Marketville organizers assures all there will be something for everyone. The day’s events are scheduled to start at 7 a.m. and run until 3 p.m.