Chris Bray

Chris Bray

Chris Bray would like to host a rumble in Brookfield Township Community Park.
However, this rumble would result in no one getting hurt, and would raise money for charitable causes.
Bray proposed holding “Rumble In the Park,” a car show tentatively set for Aug. 8.
Brookfield trustees allowed use of the park for the vehicle show at their Oct. 7 meeting.
Bray said he would like to host cars, motorcycles and tractors – “a lot for people to come look at” – at the show, invite local groups to sell food, and have a band.
“Make it a diverse show, not just the same cars you see at every car show,” Bray said.
He said he wants to use the back of the park, which is a big, open area when dry, and possibly a ball field. He would charge $10 a car and have the proceeds go to the park and the restoration of the original Brookfield Fire Department truck, a 1949 International.
The show would be free to the public.
Second Brigade Motorcycle Club would handle the motorcycle show, and member John “Night Train” Obermiyer said he would be willing to split the money raised between the park and veterans’ groups, who usually benefit from Second Brigade activities.
There will be many details to be worked out, such as who would have to provide insurance, but Bray said he would like to make it an annual event.

John "Night Train" Obermiyer

John “Night Train” Obermiyer

Alcohol would not be served, “not this year, anyway,” Bray said.
Ron Brennan, who lives on Bedford Road by the park, asked about the volume of the band, noting his windows have been rattled from bands at Yankee Lake, which is much farther away than the park.
“We really don’t want to be loud,” Bray said. “I go to other car shows and there’s nothing more annoying than where you can’t even talk to your neighbors because the music’s so loud.”
The trustees supported the show, noting the park does not have an independent source of funds. The trustees allot taxpayer dollars each year to maintain the park and perform some upgrades, and Brookfield Youth Baseball and Softball Inc. and Brookfield schools have put money into field work.
“I think it’s a great idea for our park down there,” said Trustee Gary Lees. “It opens up different activities, not just baseball. It opens up for a whole different look at utilizing our park.”
“For years, the trustees have been talking about utilizing the park in other manners,” said Trustee Ron Haun. “I think anything that would help beautify our park and bring additional events down there is a great idea. I’m behind it 100 percent.”
“I think it’s a great idea, don’t get me wrong,” said Trustee Dan Suttles. “I promote the use of our park. I just want to make sure we get everything” worked out.

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