Car Enthusiasts Unite!
Restoration and care for vintage and classic cars is not a new phenomenon. For decades, car enthusiasts have been taking care of these mobile pieces of art and showing them off to people all over. Even those who are not enthusiasts often enjoy admiring the cars and the history they have to offer. For those of us who have never dabbled in this timeless hobby, I wanted to get insight on what the big deal was.
Ranging from vintage to new, car enthusiasts can be found all over. But what is it that makes cars so interesting? Why do so many Washingtonians find cars so intriguing? In order to best answer this I sought out some of our local restoration experts: The Northwest Alfa Romeo Club.
According to members of the local chapter of the Alfa Romeo Club, it is more than just the cars. Having a hobby that you can share with fellow members creates a unity, just like a family, and forms a bond that lasts a lifetime. Story after story, the members shared how having the cars brought them closer to others. By sharing a common interest, they can chat about for hours. One member even mentioned how he was able to become more involved in his hobby because the other members offer information, tools, tips and answers.
Members of this club recently came from Oregon, Washington and Canada to meet up in Ellensburg, Washington. From there, they made their rounds across the state and returned home. Their beautiful cars were head turners as they rolled-in by the masses.
These cars were not all the same. Each car had a unique history and told a story. Some had been completely restored from top to bottom while others had been purchased brand new over 40 years ago. Even through all the years of being driven, you would never be able to tell the difference. Regardless, each owner was happy and excited to share their interest and how this car had impacted his or her life. Car enthusiasts take pride in their work, and that is some of the best pay-off. Seeing your beautiful car share a story with others.
During the summer, the Pacific Northwest is an incredible time for showing off these beautiful cars. Spread all across the state are various classic car shows to be enjoyed by friends and family of all ages. With Father’s Day just around the corner, what better way to spend the day than at a car show? Here in the northwest, we know and love our cars. The summer months are an incredible time to take advantage of the beautiful weather in admiration of the history behind the classics. Check out some of the local events Washington has to offer nearby.
3rd Annual Pit-A-Bully Car Show
June 20th, Starts at noon
Seattle, WA
Located in downtown Seattle is The Pit-A-Bully Car Show. Enjoy looking at classic cars and listening to live music with a warmed heart as your donations offer new life for dogs in accordance with The Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation (AARF). AARF uses this show to educate the public on Pit Bulls and other bully breeds. The event will take place Saturday, June 20th at noon at The Ravenna Ale House. Classic and custom cars with judging will take place. Registration is free, but they’re taking donations for AARF. Visit their Facebook Page for more information.
40th Annual V.C.C.A. Car Show
June 21st, 8am to 2pm
Graham, WA
Come check out this fantastic car show at Frontier Park in Graham, WA. The event will begin at 8am and continue until 2pm on June 21st. All makes and models of classic cars will be welcome. If entering, dash plaques are offered for the first 200 entries. To enter, $15 at the gate or to spectate is a $1 park donation. Not only enjoy these beautiful cars, but also concessions, raffles, vendors and awards.
Father’s Day Cruise-In BBQ
June 21st, 9am to 5pm
Tacoma, WA
Celebrate dad by visiting the LeMay Family Collection. Dads and students will receive discounted admission at just $5! General Admission is $15. Tour the collection of cars and enjoy lunch. You can bring your own or enjoy one provided by Gravediggers. A full menu for the day can be found at www.lemaymarymount.org.
2015 Mukilteo Classic Car Show
June 28th 10am to 3pm
Mukilteo, WA
Enjoy a twist on the standard car show. For the fifth year, enjoy classic cars along with vintage air crafts along Paine Field. There are many different categories that you can enter your car in. Early registration is $20 and gate registration is $25. After the show, that night enjoy a Memphis themed Cruise-In. Here, you can socialize with fellow classic car owners while enjoying BBQ provided by Alexa’s Catering and listening to an Elvis impersonation. $20 a person.
38th Annual LeMay Car Show
August 29th, 9am to 5pm
Tacoma, WA
At more than a thousand whopping vintage vehicles, this car show is not to miss. Not only can you admire the vintage cars, but other collectable antiques as well. General admission into the event is $15 and a discounted rate of $5 for students. There will even be an auction that will begin at 10:30am. For more information visit www.lemaymarymount.org
Edmonds Classic Car Show
September 13th, 10am to 8pm
Edmonds, WA
Come and check out the Downtown Edmonds Car show with over 300 classic cars and thousands of spectators enjoying all there is to offer. Whether you are a child or adult, there is fun for the whole family. For the kids, check out the midget race cars for climbing and free derby kit to paint and race on the pinewood derby track. Enter a vote for your favorite car while donating to the Edmonds food bank. Votes cost $1 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated. The awards ceremony will be held at 4:30, but don’t let that stop the fun as the beer garden, live music, and cars to admire will be available until 8pm.
With so many car shows left to visit, there is classic fun to enjoy all summer long. A special thanks to Alfa Romeo Club for sharing what is it that makes these cars so interesting.
