Hot Wheels and Real Wheels

My kids have a newfound love for Hot Wheels cars.

Timmy will run back and forth across the hardwood with a dump truck, making enough noise to wake the dead — or at least make Helen Keller ask for peace and quiet.

They love cars. Big cars, small cars. Plastic, metal. It doesn’t matter.

I’m not sure where the fascination came from. Just a month ago, Timmy and Charlie were deep into superheroes and Legos. Then one day, it was all about the wheels.

Last weekend, I woke the kids early on Sunday. The Nebraska Rod & Custom Association (NRCA) tour was scheduled to drive right past our house, and I figured they’d love to see some real-life Hot Wheels in action.

“Wake up and get dressed,” I told them. “The cars will be driving by in a few minutes.”

Charlie groaned, half-asleep. “I’m tired. I don’t care.” “But you love cars,” I said. “These are just like your Hot Wheels.”

He squinted at me. “Can I touch them?”

“No.” “Then I’m not interested.” I left him there and helped Timmy get ready. A few minutes later, Charlie came racing into the kitchen, still pulling his shirt over his head and hopping as he tugged on a sock.

“Is it time yet? Can I go outside?”

He joined Timmy outside, and to my surprise, Penny followed. We stepped outside just in time to see the first cars roll down the street.

The NRCA tour brought nearly 450 cars through 29 Nebraska communities in two days. Stromsburg was Sunday’s first stop, followed by Silver Creek, Genoa, St. Edward, Albion — and ending in Howells.

Charlie immediately pointed out how much it felt like a parade.

About halfway through, he looked up and asked, “Why isn’t anyone throwing candy?”

There were Fords, Chevys, Dodges — even a few Studebakers.

Drivers waved. Kids smiled.

Halfway through, Penny and Timmy went back inside to finish breakfast. Penny was worried the cars might make us late for church. Charlie stayed with me to the very end.

When the last car passed, I asked him which one was his favorite.

He paused, thinking hard. Then grinned.

“All of them.” Then, just as I turned to head inside, he added: “You were right, Dad. They were just like my Hot Wheels.”

He paused. “But I still wish I could’ve touched one.” ***** Rick Holtz is a co-owner of the Polk County News.