The show will go on, sort of.

Classic car lovers attending the Ignite the Nites show this weekend in Libby still plan to cruise Mineral Avenue on Friday evening, but it won’t be part of the Igniters Car Club scheduled evening activities following a dispute with the city over insurance. Some club members and residents said on social media they would still cruise "The Gut" whether there is a formal event or not.

Saturday’s scheduled activities will go on as planned with the car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the burnout contest at 5 p.m. at the motocross track on Fish Pond Road.

Car club president Gary Rantala confirmed any car cruising wouldn't be part of the club's activities. Registration for Saturday's car show will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.

The issue with the cancellation of Friday’s scheduled cruise is the result of a spat between Libby city officials and the car club dealing with event insurance coverage and recent street striping on Mineral Avenue.

In a Thursday interview with The Western News, Libby Mayor Hugh Taylor said the city received a copy on Monday of the car club’s $1 million liability event insurance policy. But recent changes dictated a $2 million liability policy.

“This is a requirement from the Montana Municipality Interlocal Authority (MMIA),” Taylor said.

The MMIA and the Independent Insurance Association of Montana worked together to provide access to special events liability coverage for events held on municipal property in Montana that are sponsored by a private individual or organization.

“But we [the city] were willing to accept the $1 million policy because the club didn’t know about the change and we said we’d make do this year, but in the future, a $2 million policy would be required,” Taylor said.

Taylor instructed city administrator Sam Sikes to send a letter to club about the change. The letter explained the insurance policy increased to $2 million per event a few years ago.

“So going forward, we will require the 2 mil for each occurrence,” Sikes wrote in the letter. “Hugh would like me to remind you that exhibition driving and excess speed are not allowed. Private insurance will not cover these acts either. Also, with the fresh paint downtown, the city will be filing a claim to have a company come in and repaint should the event ruin the paint. Thank you for holding the event and we hope everyone enjoys themselves within reason.”

Following several comments on social media, Taylor responded with a Facebook comment. 

“In response to the misinformation circulating, I would like to clarify my position,” Taylor wrote. “Firstly, I wholeheartedly support the Igniter Car Club and its events. As an active participant, I frequently attend and cruise in the show. Secondly, I have forwarded the city’s email to the club president. The city approved the insurance policy despite its non-compliance with the most recent standard. The email serves as a reminder of the prohibited items and their longstanding presence. It also references the fresh paint and states that if destroyed during the event that would result in a claim and subsequent repainting by a contractor.

Taylor continued, “As evident, the city never indicated that there would be no cruise or that the club would bear responsibility for any damage to the new paint. The painting was completed when the necessary manpower, equipment and time were available. While the timing may have been inconvenient for this event, I believed that the club would make every effort to adhere to the regulations as they have in the past.”

While speaking with The Western News, Taylor pointed out that the street department was down three employees and the street striping was done when it worked out best for the department.

“Also, we never said we’d file a claim against the car club, but instead with their insurance company if the paint was destroyed,” Taylor said.

The Igniters Car Club responded Thursday with its own social media post.

“It is with regret that we inform you that the Igniters Car Club must cancel the Annual Friday night, Ignite the Nites Cruise, after approximately 27 years. The Mayor and the City of Libby have informed us that the insurance coverage required by the city is going to be double the previous coverage and that if the recent and untimely street striping is damaged during the event, that the Igniters will be held responsible for paying a contractor to restripe Mineral Ave.

“The funds generated from Ignite the Nites allow us to carry the car show over to the next year and make improvements to our club shop. The pedal car raffle funds needy families, providing food and gifts during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Burn Out Contest allows us to grant scholarships to students wishing to attend Industrial Arts studies. The Igniters has also donated to the local food pantry and has sponsored numerous local benefits. The Saturday Ignite the Nites car show will continue in downtown Libby, as long as the city allows it.

“It was a fun run; we thank you for participating. Igniters Car Club.”

Taylor said Thursday the city never heard back from any car club member about the matter.

“The car club decided not to hold the cruise, rescinded the street closure and wouldn’t be providing any porta potties, so the city decided it will provide porta potties Friday night,” Taylor.