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Second Annual 'Cool on April Fools' Show Thrills Classic Car Lovers |
April 6th, 2009
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| by Dave Grayson
RIDGECREST, Calif. -- "I haven't seen one of these things in years, my parents had one of these cars when I was a kid, look honey this is what we were driving when we got married." That was just some of the many comments overheard from spectators who attended the April 3d "Cool On April On April Fools" second annual classic car show held at the American Legion Post 684 in Ridgecrest-California.
The Legion's parking lot was packed with 48 pre 1975 classic cars, trucks and custom street rods. The vast majority of these classic vehicles displayed exquisite restoration work with highly polished exteriors that resembled a virtual rainbow of automotive colors shining brightly in the sun light.
From the small army of volunteers that were required to produce this event the one man who had the toughest job of all was Ridgecrest's David Leighton who took on the role of official judge for the car show. The well known local drag racing driver, and classic car buff, spent the afternoon carefully examining the merits of each vehicle that led to the determination of trophy winners in 20 different categories.
Those beautiful trophies themselves were also a major topic of conversation. Created and assembled by the Ridgecrest based Modern Trophy, the show's official prizes had bright red 1950's era gasoline pumps on them placed next to a gold plated hot rod. These beautiful trophies drew a lot of praise from the competitors all of whom were hoping to take one home.
When the judging was over it was Kernville's John Carlton who received the prestigious Best Of Show trophy. Carlton's entry was a beautiful two tone white and baby blue 1959 Chevrolet Truck complete with an immaculate interior. But one of the aspects that may have drawn the judge's attention to this beautiful vehicle was the eye popping, highly lacquered, custom wood slats that lined the bed of the truck.
At the conclusion of the afternoon, show producer Dale Hilliard thanked the competitors for their attendance as well as the massive crowd of spectators who spent the day enjoying the beautiful vehicles. Hilliard was especially grateful to the American Legion Post's Ladies Auxiliary Unit who provided a wide array of administrative support such as entry registration as well as the food and souvenir booths. "This car show, like so many projects here at our Legion Post, simply doesn't work without the strong support from our Auxiliary Unit," he said. Hilliard also reminded everyone that their support of the annual car show goes towards the Legion's many programs that "enhances the community we live in especially in the area of supporting our local veterans and their needs."
Hilliard also made it a point to let everyone know there will indeed be a third annual "Cool On April Fools Car Show" in 2011 and dropped some serious hints that he was outlining an idea for another car show themed project for later this summer.
OFFICIAL LIST OF TROPHY PRESENTATIONS, SPONSORS AND WINNERS
1. Cram McCall trophy for best engine compartment: Dan Smith
2. Theresa's Auto BodyTrophy for best paint: Bill Raglin
3. KP Production trophy for best interior: Bruce Trehholm
4. Rods West trophy for best engineered: Steve and Bunny Stevens
5. Bel Tone Hearing trophy for best under construction: Randy and Carol Coffee
6. Texas Cattle Company trophy for best project: Mike Hunsinger
7. Modern Trophy award for best old school hot rod: Bob-O
8. Benchworks Transmission trophy for best convertible: Mike Tilly
9. Casey's BBQ Restaurant trophy for best roadster: Jim Fisher
10. SA-Tech, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, trophy for best coupe: Gordie Adams
11. KSSI, I-Rock, 102.7 FM trophy for best sedan: Hector Ortiz
12. T&T Alignment trophy for best truck: Butch Behm
13. Deanne St Onge/John Taylor trophy for best original: David Campbell
14. Madison Salon trophy for ladies' choice: Rex Merrick
15. METI-,China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, trophy for best custom: Fred Palmer
16. Mike & Lisa Cordoza trophy for best muscle car: Ken Abbot
17. Kathy Hope Massage trophy for best classic: Bob Chesner
18. Dale & Dorie Hilliard trophy for best street rod: Bill Lewallen
19. News Review trophy for long distance award: Ken Butler
20. American Legion Post 684 best of show: John Carlton |
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