Rose Ralstin of Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce is scheduled to inspect a restored 1946 fire truck at Cliff’s Classics on Thursday, Feb. 4, and offer her coveted fanfare rating.
The recently restored truck, which has a Ford cab and chassis and a fire apparatus manufactured by Central of St. Louis, Mo., previously served fire districts in Valley and Stella, Neb.
Owner Reed Martin, who farms in Missouri, plans to use the truck and its new “Corvette yellow” paint job as an eye-catching attraction at a fireworks stand off of Interstate 29.
Ralstin’s fanfare rating is based on her mechanical expertise and a variety of components, which she says she plans make up as she goes.
She expects to rely heavily on her experience as a parade organizer to consider features such as curb appeal and parade readiness.
Ralstin had no comment regarding her vast mechanical expertise, but NCTC Director Rebecca Turner noted that she has been involved in a number of roadside mishaps.
“None my fault,” Ralstin added. “I’ve had an oil pump quit while I was going 80 mph down the road. Apparently, metal shavings through the engine are not a good thing,” she said.
The public is invited to Where in the World is Rose Ralstin event sponsored by NCTC’s tourism and events committee at Cliff’s Classics, 222 First Corso, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
“It’s an opportunity to see Cliff’s shop and catch up on some of his restoration work. It’s also a chance to say thanks for the work the River City Classics Car Club puts in for annual AppleJack car show,” she said.
