The crowd was small but enthusiastic, and the live country and classic rock ‘n roll music, top-notch. The ’57 Chevys and vintage Ford sedans proved a nostalgia trip, while the burgers, hot dogs and fish plates hit just the right spot.

Organizers consider last Saturday’s premiere Octoberfest and Car Show in Georgiana a success.

“We had a lot of competition last weekend. But everybody had a good time and we actually turned a profit, so we are happy and planning to do it again next year,” said Mary Wallace, president of the Hank Williams Fan Club, the sponsor of the event.

Local band Night Moves performed on Saturday, along with the Slim Pickins’ Band from Georgia and Jenny Simms from Mobile.

“Black Elvis” Michael Burnett displayed all the hip-shakin’ and kung fu moves of the King as he performed Presley classics in two well-received shows.

Georgia’s Blue Collar rounded out the night, performing a variety of country, rock and blues classics for a street dance.

“All the music was just fantastic. And our food sold really well. We didn’t have a single burger or hot dog left, and not much fish, and we had to keep stoking up on those soft drinks,” Wallace said.

In spite of Cruisin’ the Coast falling on the same weekend, the Antique Classic Car Show held in conjunction with the festival still drew a number of participants, from a candy-apple red ’31 Ford sedan to a sleek 1979 Pontiac Transam.

Two area car enthusiasts took top honors, with Debbie McGough of Honoraville taking “Best of Show Original” with her 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger, and husband Kenny McGough earning “Best of Show Modified” with his ’66 2-door Pontiac LeMans. Mrs. McGough also took first place for her Dart in “Production 1961-1980,” while Mr. McGough took first place in “Modified Production” for his LeMans. “Longest Distance Traveled” went to Neil Corbett from Salem, Ala., and “People’s Choice” was Edward Stewart’s 1956 Ford Fairlane. A total of 20 trophies and gift baskets were presented at the event.

“We would like to have a float in the Georgiana and McKenzie Christmas parades and a holiday open house at our fan club in Georgiana,” Brackin said. “And we definitely want to bring back our Octoberfest and Car Show next year, although we will look at moving it to a different date and starting our planning earlier next year.”