CLEARLAKE, Calif. – American Legion Post No. 437 closed the summer with its second annual car show and barbecue on Saturday in Clearlake.
Rick Bonds drove away in his 1932 Ford with the award for “Best of Show” among a field of 44 classic and modern cars. Awards also were presented in five additional categories.
Car enthusiasts from near and far joined in the Labor Day weekend event, with participants traveling from as far as La Pine, Ore.
Volunteer Mike Youngblood said organizers were vigorous in their efforts to increase participation in this year's event, extending invitations throughout Northern California and beyond.
Post No. 437 Commander Kris Hotredt was pleased with the results. “We've had an excellent turnout today,” he said during the event. “We have a lot more people coming out to enjoy the cars, the barbecue and the music.”
Hotredt attributed the event's success to the collaborative efforts of several veterans' organizations including Sons of the American Legion, the 40 & 8 veterans' group and Post No. 437 Ladies Auxiliary and the Children's Auxiliary.
“It's been an overall effort of all these organizations with all hands on deck,” he said. “It's all volunteer and is of benefit not only to the American Legion but the community as well.”
Hotredt continued, “We don't want to be labeled as an 'all veterans' organization. We are here for the community and we want people to come here. This event is positive for the community and provides a positive atmosphere for viewing cars with good food and good music.”
Hotredt said the Children's Auxiliary is fairly new and is seeking to increase its membership. He said participation provides the children with an opportunity to gain the community service hours needed for graduation.
“It's a great way for them to get the service hours they need and we really need them,” he said.
Additional awards were presented as follows:
- Best 1950 and older (stock): Garth Oates, 1939 Club coupe;
- Best 1950 and older (modified): Sandy France, 1932 Ford coupe;
- Best 1950 and newer (stock): Alex Valerio, 1970 El Camino;
- Best 1950 and newer (modified): Dave and Kathy Lakatos, 1955 Chevy 210; and
- Under Construction: Louis Hamil, 1951 Ford.
Upcoming events at the American Legion Post No. 437 include a lasagna dinner hosted by the Sons of the American Legion from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and the Ladies Auxiliary's Veterans Day dinner and dance on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The dinner and dance is a remembrance event honoring all veterans, all of whom will be served free of charge.
Correction: The story originally listed the wrong model year for the winner of the “Best 1950 and newer (modified).” Dave and Kathy Lakatos' Chevy 210 is a 1955.
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