Saturday’s heavy rains did not deter people from showing up for the first Bloody Bender’s Bash hosted by Kansas Kastle.
The event featured a car show, a blindfolded Cornhole Tournament, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, and vendors.
For some, it was a family affair. The Pena family brought two Jeeps to the car show. Susan Pena’s 2021 Jeep Gladiator, with vinyl peacock-themed wrapping that was designed by Susan. Her husband, Michael Pena, brought his Jeep Wrangler, decorated with color flags off the back of the vehicle. Both cars also sported custom lighting, which they displayed during the car show.
Susan said they decided to attend the event to show their vehicles off. She said she and Michael are new to the car show scene, but have been to a few Jeep Invasion events in Kansas and Missouri.
“I like the atmosphere. I like getting to see the different vehicles and what people do to them,” Susan said. “I like the creativity people put into them.”
Daniel and Misty Jacobson also attended the Bloody Bender’s Bash, with their 2005 Dodge Magnum. Daniel noted that it was an uncommon vehicle to see on the road.
“I love cars. The older they are, and still running, the sexier they are,” Misty said.
Of the Bloody Bender Bash, Misty said it was a fitting choice for their first car event, as the Jacobsons got married in the Kansas Kastle, when the building housed the First Presbyterian Church.
“I want to show the progression as I get things done with it,” Daniel said. A list of goals and plans for the vehicle was on display during the car show.
“I want to restore it to its former glory,” Daniel said. For Drew and Diana Follmer of Baxter Springs, the event was an opportunity to check out interesting vehicles. Drew said he enjoys seeing a wide assortment of cars.
The cornhole tournament took place indoors due to the weather. Two-person teams competed for a $1,000 prize while blindfolded. Alex “The Baby Goat” Hicks and John Fuentez were the winners of this inaugural competition.
Kansas Kastle is located at 1700 Bradway, in Parsons. For more information on upcoming events or rentals, call 620-4485404 or email [email protected].
