There’s just something special about a community that believes in its children.

On Sept. 19, Austin Peay Elementary was filled with fast cars, families, laughter, good food, and plenty of Patriot pride as the community came together for Patriot Park and Play, a first ever car show and family event supporting AES.

And let’s be honest—it was hot.

The Tennessee sun showed up ready to make its presence known, but that didn’t stop anyone from showing up, smiling, and enjoying the day. People came prepared with great attitudes and an even bigger willingness to support Austin Peay.

What began as an idea to celebrate a milestone birthday for assistant principal Amber Wylie turned into an event that connected kids and cars. In an effort to give back, Patriot Park and Play was formed by a group referred to as “Friends of AES”. Together, each of the sponsors, vendors, car enthusiasts, volunteers, families, teachers, businesses, and friends made Patriot Park and Play possible.

Fast Cars, Big Hearts

A special thank-you goes to the sponsors, Fairway Mortgage, Patriot Bank, and Aloha Affordable Pools, for believing in this event and investing in the students and staff of Austin Peay Elementary.

We are also incredibly grateful to the many vendors and community organizations who spent their Saturday supporting our school: Southern Grace Nutrition, 2KC Cookies, Icecream Tour, Llamas Diner, Kravable Kreations, ASAP – Abstract Soul Art Parties, Crazy Crochet Lady, Heather’s Custom Closet, Dee’s Beads, LSXeleration, 3 Star Volunteer Fire Department, Chick-fil-A – Munford, Dagan’s Trophies, Junior Auxiliary of Tipton County Traveling Library, Inflate-A-Fun, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Memphis Classic Chevy Club, Brighton High School Softball, Butler’s Tree Service, NAPA – Munford, and Friends of AES.

Each one brought something different to the day, but everyone shared the same purpose: supporting kids and strengthening our community.

And then, of course, there were the cars.

Our participants brought an incredible collection of vehicles, each one representing hours of work, pride, passion, and dedication. The parking lot was full of unique vehicles that represented an impressive range of years and styles.

Mrs. Kathy Dacus took home Best of Show with her 1955 Chevy Belair. Mr. Larry Max earned Patriot Pick with his 1955 Ford Fairlane, and Mr. Jim Crawford received the special Teacher’s Pet award for his 1968 Mercury Cougar.

Other winners included Mark Anderson, Joe Harrell, Justin Chisum, Mr. Balazs, K. Childress, N. Roberson, Barry Gillespie, Eli McClain, A. Franks, Eric Graham, Lyle Johnson, DC Audio, Richard Williams, Paul Taylor, Jonathan Williams, Mr. Perkins, Jordan Fortner, Jud Lindsey, Rodney Hughes, and Chuck Baker.

Congratulations to every winner and to everyone who brought a vehicle out to support AES.

More Than a Car Show

Patriot Park and Play was more than a car show. It was a community coming together to support a school and the children who call Austin Peay home.

At AES, we believe in learning and leading with love and a smile, and we are grateful to have a community that puts that belief into action.

To every sponsor, vendor, participant, volunteer, family, and community partner who supported Patriot Park and Play—thank you for showing up for our kids.

If you are interested in supporting AES through the car show, please email AEScarshow@gmail.com.

– Submitted by Amber Wylie, Austin Peay Elementary; photos courtesy Becky Kirby

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