Henderson's allure goes beyond the classic cars;
it's about leadership and a love of Main Street 
by Dana Melius

Henderson, a town of just 886, saw its numbers swell by the thousands at last Tuesday's "Classic Car Roll-In" finale. A record 320 classic cars and another 200 motorcycles lined the streets of this small, eastern Sibley County community.

But it's more than just the amazing, restored old cars that draws them in to Henderson. It's an old-fashioned fun night that one rarely sees in these parts any more. It's a historic Main Street that has taken to preservation like few others. And it's about a vibrant leadership network that doesn't slow down and constantly is thinking both outside the traditions of small town and in a bold, "can-do" attitude.

Granted, Henderson's close proximity to the Twin Cities and the riches of the western and southern suburbs helps immensely; but any small town in close proximity could do the same...and hasn't. And the bluffs of the Minnesota River and its Scenic Byway routes into Henderson don't hurt either.

But this is special in so many other ways. Henderson discovered its niche long before its Chamber of Commerce began encouraging classic car enthusiasts and bikers to come to town. Historic preservation of Henderson's Main Street, along Hwy. 19, and the revitalization of the community's educational roots helped springboard this growing excitement and pride of small-town living. Henderson is what small-town, rural life should be about -- a commitment to education, civic engagement and volunteerism, and a renewed desire for a simpler way.

In Henderson, it's not just a pipe dream or dying vision. It's a reality show worth watching.