PHOTO GALLERY: Bandit Run 2022 rolls into Helen for film's 45th anniversary

It’s been 45 years since the movie opened in theaters, but Smokey is still trying to catch the Bandit.

At high noon Friday, it was Helen police officers who were the latest to be outmatched by “a black Trans Am”.

The exhibition Smokey and the Bandit chase on Edelweiss Strasse, done with the blessing of Police Chief Aletha Barrett and city leaders, was a highlight for participants in the Bandit Run 2022 and lunchtime visitors to Helen.

Some 75 Trans Ams, patrol cars, and other vehicles arrived in Helen Thursday and participated in activities Friday and Saturday, including photo opportunities with a Trans Am at the Kissing Bridge at Anna Ruby Falls.

For some local residents, Smokey and the Bandit is more than just entertainment. It’s their history.

A couple of the most memorable scenes were filmed in the Robertstown and Helen area of White County.

Berlin Wikle’s small-town claim to fame was in 1977 when the Cleveland man was the "star" of Smokey and The Bandit, playing himself – the tow truck driver, pulling wrecked patrol cars out of the river. 

Wike died in 2018 at age 90, but his wife and daughter remember how the movie affected his life.

Bobbie Wike says in addition to his starring roles in the family, he was so proud of his few seconds of screen time in Smokey and the Bandit.

 “I watch it every time I see it,” Wike said. “Just so I can see him, because he enjoyed it so much. He really had a good time. He didn't get paid a lot, but he enjoyed it and it was good what he got.”

Similarly, the Wikes’ daughter, Michelle Waters, fondly recalls what the movie meant to her father and still means to the family – especially since her father didn’t go to movies.

“He went and saw that movie – seven times,” Waters said. “My dad was a preacher and didn't believe in going to the movies and stuff like that. But whenever that movie came out, he went seven times.”

Berlin Wike not only operated that well-known red wrecker, but also sold cars and operated a grocery store near Truett McConnell in Cleveland.

Helen City Clerk Marilyn Chastain also has fond memories of the filming in White County.

“A friend of mine and I went just about every day to watch them film and one day we were standing in front of this gentleman, and it happened to be Jackie Gleason sitting right there in arm’s length of us,” Chastain said. “It was really fun. And we watched the scenes where they went into the river, jumped the cars, and the Unicoi scene with the kissing scene with Burt and Sally. It was quite an ordeal for the area at the time.”

After 45 years, the Bandit is still on the run from the law. On Friday, Helen police pursued "that black Trans Am" through town.

Helen police officers attempt to pull over the Bandit during a noon chase on Friday.

The Bandit and Frog try to duck the local law in Helen.

Helen Mayor Fred Garmon reacts to getting a surprise "attention getter" from Sheriff Buford T. Justice.

Sheriff Buford T. Justice and Snowman 2 reminisce about old times.

Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker visits with Sheriff Buford T. Justice and Snowman 2 during Friday's festivities in Helen.

This screen capture from Smokey and The Bandit showing Berlin Wike at the wheel of his red wrecker, is a source of pride for the late Cleveland resident's family.

The Bandit does what he does best: shows off for Bobbie Wike of Cleveland. Tim Phillips of East Bound and Down The Ultimate Smokey & the Bandit Tribute formerly did stunts for Burt Reynolds during appearances late in his life, including the Smokey and The Bandit 40th anniversary in Jonesboro in 2017.

The Bandit (Tim Phillips) pauses for a photo with Bobbie Wike and Michelle Wike Waters.

Trans Ams of every age and color take part in the annual Bandit Run, which this year ended its tour in Helen, allowing participants to visit some well-known White County filming locations.

The Bandit runs from Helen police units on Edelweiss Strasse.

Many of the vehicles in the 2022 Bandit Run proudly display decals from previous Runs.

While not period correct for the original movie, Trans Ams of all varieties take part in the annual Bandit Run.

No matter the setting, a black Trans Am draws attention.

Trans Ams and cars from all across the United States participate in the Bandit Run stop in Helen.

Not every Trans Am is a Pontiac, as evidenced by the trim package on this Ford Mustang convertible.

What would a Bandit Run be without Coors beer?

Smokey and The Bandit continues to be an iconic movie 45 years after its theatrical release, as evidenced by these participants in the Helen stop on the Bandit Run 2022.

Some Bandit Run participants go for authenticity with a Bandit jacket and bridal veil.

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