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[April 13, 2013] 
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According to its executive
director, Andi Hake, the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce has
owned the watermelon-themed car since the late 1990s. In its lifetime
the iconic car has been used in numerous parades, has been loaned out to
chamber members for businesses trips and of course was the heart of
the popular quiz game "Where's the Melon Car?"
However, recently the board
came to realize that the car was in need of much repair in order to
remain road-worthy. Looking at the age of the vehicle and the
life it has lived, they decided that it was time to say goodbye to
their old mechanical friend. But they wanted to give the car a
good send-off by donating it to someone who could benefit from it.
They came up with the idea of
giving the car to the city of Lincoln Fire Department. The
firefighters for the city are well-trained in the use of extrication
equipment, but it is something that they need to stay in practice
for. The chamber decided to give the car to the department so
the firefighters could do just that.
The original plan was for Hake
to drive the car to the fire station at City Hall on Friday morning and
hand over the keys in a simple little ceremony. However, the
car had other plans. As if to say, "Yes, you're
right, I've seen better days and am ready to retire," the car
refused to start. Therefore the chamber had to call a towing
company to come get the car.
Pictures by Nila Smith |
