Chowchilla car and bike show a success
Photo Courtesy of Dee Grissom Best of Show, a 1950 Chevy Truck owned by Augie and Jill Scoto.
The Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce Classic Car and Custom Bike Show was once again a success. The event, sponsored by Golden Memorial, had more than 100 entries that filled Veterans Memorial Park in Chowchilla with an array of makes and models, colors, and custom motorcycles. Set up began at 6 a.m. for the Car Show Committee, and vehicles were already lined up to enter. Several car clubs attended.
The longest distance award went to a gentleman from Benson, Arizona. Many community members, city council, and Chowchilla Mayor Dennis Haworth came to take a look, as well as Congressman Jim Costa.
New this year, the Best of Show award was custom made by Pinstriper Craig Judd. Judd also provided a custom clock for the Best Bike Overall award. The Best of Show Award is voted on by entrants, the Community Choice award is voted on by everyone, including spectators. A gift basket was given away that included Yeti merchandise for the participants drawing.
Judging began at 11 a.m. Sponsors of the merchant awards had the opportunity to select their trophy winner if they wished. Those who did not wish to judge their award had an experienced car enthusiast slated as a judge. A total of 36 awards were given out. Photos were taken of award winners and can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.chowchillachamber.org.
Added to the event this year was a live band, The Yard Dogs. Yard Dogs also donated their fee for playing at the event to Chowchilla Union High School’s music program. A group of ladies from D & J Dance Studio performed to Elvis Presley’s “Jail House Rock,” ending their routine propped up on a red 1954 Chevy Bel-Air Convertible, where spectators took pictures with them.
Local non-profits and business merchants supplied food and items for purchase. Many local businesses also donated several items for the participant’s bags, as well as being a merchant trophy sponsor. Chamber Executive Director Stacy Wisener said, “The car show takes several months of preparation and many hours before and after the show.
“We have a great group of Chamber Directors who rolled up their sleeves and worked hard to help out on this event; it’s definitely a team effort. The neatest thing about this event is how Chowchilla businesses step up and sponsor pretty much everything. It is truly a community event.”