A handful of young guys from Webster City stepped into the legendary Chess Records on the south side of Chicago to cut a record more than 50 years ago. The Shades’ road to Chess began on an October weekend at the Star Ballroom in Dakota City. They’d been invited to participate in a battle of the bands, a popular type of contest in those days. They were the last group to show up and the first group to win, Jerry Foster remembers. Foster is pictured above, center, with the 2023 version of The Shades, which included, from left, Tom Osboe, Tom Follett, Foster, John Hemingway and Brad Larson. Hemingway is the only other original member of The Shades.

Some things never get old, right? (wink, wink)

For Baby Boomers, not to mention a few others, the sounds of rock and roll will forever ignite their engine. Put the two together on Market Night in June and — presto — there’s the formula for a good time.

That time is tonight in downtown Webster City when Webster City’s iconic The Shades regroup for another round of the classics. They’ll take to the Availa Plaza stage during the event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Plus, it’s Classic Car Night.

Bring down your classic car and park in the 700 block of Second Street. Use the Prospect Street intersection to enter.

This year, visitors can vote for their favorite classic car at the American Legion Post 191 Auxiliary tent.

Make your choice count:

Community Choice will be chosen by all community members.

Classic Car Owner’s Choice will be chosen by participating car owners.

Karl Chevrolet Choice will be chosen by Karl Auto team members.

“One-in-a-Melon” will be awarded by Envision Stanhope.

Trophies, which are being sponsored by Mertz Engineering and Karl Chevrolet, will be awarded at 7:20 p.m. All vehicles will receive a registration and car number upon arrival to place in their front windshield for judging. Classic cars of all decades are welcome.

Plus, MOJO Productions will be in the 700 block of Second Street playing classic and Top 40 hits too.

How about the kids?

Kids activities include:

Family Street Games: Courtesy of Webster City Church of Christ;

Kendall Young Library: Summer Reading Program information and activities;

Legacy Learning Boone River Valley & Webster City Community Theatre team up to promote “Beauty & the Beast JR,” which runs Friday, June 21, to Sunday, 23.

Psst: The Jane Young House will also be open for tours of the historic home, Saturday, June 22.

Food Trucks:

American Legion Grill Out — You’re going to want to grab those hamburgers and hot dogs, cause they go fast. This year they’ll be grilling right out in front of the American Legion Post 191, 726 Second Street. The Legion Auxiliary will be selling baked goods as a fundraiser too.

The Emergency Scoop (Ice cream) – Mobile unit by The Main Scoop out of Clarion, Iowa.

Loudi’s Gyro

Lucky Wife Wine Slushies — Choose from over 19 different wine slushie flavors.

El Taco Riendo

Quick and Fresh — Egg rolls, crab rangoon, sushi & Boba tea.

Pliner’s Kettle Korn

Kona Ice

J’Dubs Bangin’ BBQ — This is new this week: A locally owned BBQ food truck in front of the American Tap, 500 block of Second Street.

Cook’s Snack Shack — Home cooked meals and desserts.

New vendors this week:

OverGrown LLC: A pop up shop featuring common, rare, and unicorn houseplants.

Rosehill Farms: Jam and Jelly flavors this summer include Lemon, Strawberry Lemonade, Strawberry Cracked Black Pepper, Hot Margarita, Seedless Raspberry and Seedless Black Raspberry.

Want to sit outdoors and enjoy the evening?

There’s plenty of that provided by local businesses Chicago Style, Leon’s, Second Street Emporium, La Perla Jarocha Restaurant, and Wildcat Distilling Co.

The Bags Tournament is back at the American Tap. Call 515-832-9803 to register or walk-in registration is accepted by 5 p.m. this evening. American Tap is located at 526 Second Street.

Market Night is sponsored by American Sanitation.