Third annual Spencer’s Showdown July 11-12 at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds

By: JACKSON WILSON
Enquirer Democrat Reporter

A tradition to honor late Williams’ Syndrome patient Spencer Hughes will be continuing for a third year at Spencer’s Annual Showdown.

Hughes was an avid lover of vehicles and high-horsepower experiences, so his family and friends wanted to put together something that consisted of those very things in memory of Spencer, who died at age 21 in December of 2022 following many complication battles.

The event started out at the Litchfield lake in the chill of winter but has now become a summertime hit at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds.

Gudgel Ranch will be hosting a kick-off party Thurs., July 10 from 8 p.m. to midnight. VIP parking is available. Vistors must be at least 21 to enter.

On Fri., July 11 set-ups get underway for vendors and Show & Shine prior to the event being opened to the public at the fairgrounds at 2 p.m. Friday afternoon and evening will feature a high HP Dyno Competition from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Open Burn-out Pad from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a Lighting Competition at 9 p.m. The gates will close at 11 p.m.

The event continues Sat., July 12 with the second day of high HP Dyno from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. An audio competition begins at that same time and lasts until 4 p.m. Awards for the Show & Shine competition will be presented at 7 p.m. The weekend will conclude with a judged burnout pit from 8 p.m. to the midnight closing time. Carlinville’s annual Fireworks Spectacular will also be shown at dusk.