The Carthage VFW Post #5117 hosts its 80th birthday celebration with a car show and BBQ rib cookoff on August 22, 2026. Car show registration runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with judging and public viewing from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Entry fee is $20 per car, or $15 for early registration before August 1. Pre-register at the Carthage VFW Canteen or text Jordan at (319) 316-3244.
The BBQ rib cookoff features rib pickup on August 21 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with rib check-in from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on August 22. Blind judging takes place at 2 p.m., with awards at 4 p.m. Entry fee is $25. A half-rack rib meal costs $25 and includes baked potato and sides; a quarter-rack meal is $15 with baked potato and sides.
Live entertainment runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with outside karaoke starting at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit local veterans. For questions, text Jordan at (319) 316-3244 or Iris at (815) 973-4786.
