For the past 10 years, there have been two annual car shows in Piggott each summer. While large crowds come to town both to display their own unique vehicles and see those of their fellow enthusiasts during the Super Cruise and Rod Run each May, just as many people enjoy seeing the smaller scale assortment owned by Piggott's own Bill Holt.

The "smaller scale" of Holt's display is literal, as he attracts crowds with a mere portion of his 1/32nd scale replica vehicles. Several of Holt's favorite models are currently on display in the window The Treasure Chest at 239 West Main, where they have delighted visitors and locals alike during the lead-up and hosting of the Super Cruise.

"I love collecting them," Holt said. "I like displaying them, too. I've met a lot of people and made a lot of friends through these shows."

Holt is known for his outgoing personality and his fun, good nature. Those points, in conjunction with the mystique and subsequent interest which so often surrounds classic vehicles, have combined to make his yearly displays a success.

"I get a lot of compliments," Holt said. "A lot of people will see a car in my collection that they remember from when they were young. Those kinds of memories take you back. It's a lot of fun."

Holt has been collecting the model cars since 1987. He has more than 300 of the reproductions in his collection, which features vehicles from the early 1900s to now. Holt says he prefers the vehicles of the 1940s and 1950s as they were the vehicles he identifies with his own youth.

"If I see anything from that time that I don't have, I've got to have them," Holt said. "Those are the ones that really stand out to me. Even if it's like one I already have, but just a different color, I'll still go ahead and get it."

Holt has even made his own model streets so his cars and trucks can be seen in a cruising scene.

Though he has sold some of his replicas in the past, Holt always makes sure he can get another vehicle to take the place of any with which he parts ways.

Holt's love for collecting things which catch his eye encompasses a wide range of items from records and photos to comic books. He has two storage buildings which are filled with his own personal treasures. He says it's not likely he'll stop looking for additions any time soon.

"I collect a lot of different things," Holt said. "Everything's beautiful to me. I enjoy the things I have and even the things I don't have yet."

Even his wife, Loretta, gets into the act.

"She likes it. She's helped me with shows here and at Marmaduke. She tells me if I get the display right or not. She knows this is something I love and she'll be right there with me if I need it."

A sample of Holt's replicas is currently on display at The Treasure Chest. The models, along with several photos offering a glimpse into the past of Piggott and northeast Arkansas, will be remain in place through the Super Cruise and Rod Run on the weekend of May 17 and 18.