THE FOLLOWING STORY IS BY BILL PICKETT
The 57th Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb is taking place this weekend in Newport, Indiana. The town, with it’s population of just over 400, will be hosting thousands of visitors.
The event features not only old cars racing against the clock as they climb the town’s 1400 foot long hill, but also a car show, parade, street dance, flea markets and lots of food vendors.
Bob Tubbs of Cayuga is attending his 54th Newport Hill Climb, and is a member of the Newport Lions Club which hosts the event. We asked Tubbs what he thinks has allowed the event to survive all these years….
AUDIO: I will say this: On the first Sunday in October, and the preceding Friday and Saturday of that day, this is small town America at its best.
Tubbs added it is a good place to unite with old friends…
AUDIO: This is probably one of the best places, in the world. And there are people that come here, you look forward to seeing them every year, and they look forward to seeing you. And you’d be surprised how many lies are told here.
ABOVE: Bob Tubbs, Hill Climb trophies for this year, and Larry Wickens.
Larry Wickens has been a member of the Newport Lions Club since 1972. Since the town only has 400 residents he was asked how the club has managed to host such a huge event….
AUDIO: It started out pretty tough; and it was tough for a long, long time; of how we are going to prepare for it, and thinking about safety, crowds, how we’re going to get the parking; how’s that going to work. And so, little by little, somebody’s taken on one responsibility, another responsibility
And what does the Newport Lions Club do with the proceeds from the Hill Climb?
AUDIO: We have our community projects. If somebody’s in need, and we know about it, we’re going to assist. We’re going to help on that. But annually we’ve got the Thanksgiving feeds that we’re going to do. We’re going to make sure that everybody’s got food and specialties; what needs to happen there. Christmas, we’re going to have a big Christmas party.
The Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb kicks-off with a Cruise-in at the bottom of the hill Friday evening. Saturday is set-aside for practice runs up the hill, with the actual competition occurring on Sunday (October 5, 2025.) More information can be found at
