As-it-happened coverage: Biggest West Seattle Car Show ever, in The Junction
(SCROLL DOWN for the newest photos/updates as the show continues)
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
10:14 AM: The seventh annual West Seattle Car Show is officially on – ~220 cars already, and it’s looking like the biggest one yet. That means the show is using the full street-closure footprint – same as Summer Fest – California midblock between Genesee and Oregon, to Edmunds; Alaska between 42nd and 44th, and there are cars along every stretch of street in those boundaries. Come buy a 50/50 raffle ticket at California/Alaska – the prize pot goes half to the winning ticket holder, half to charity. And get here before 3, which is when the awards ceremony is scheduled – participants will start departing after that.
10:26 AM: Yes, we know the game’s just a few hours away:
Lots of spirit, not just the Seahawks variety!
On the south end of the show zone on California, there’s a car Alice Cooper fans won’t want to miss:
And of course, it wouldn’t be a car show without an Elvis sighting:
(You thought we meant Elvis the SINGER?) Meantime, some of the participants are indeed taking advantage of the fact all years are allowed for the first time – this is a 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage:
And on the other side of the timespan, here’s a car from 1933:
Whatever year an entry’s from, you just might see an extra touch:
This might also be the best weather we’ve ever seen for the show – clear from the very start of the day – so even if you’re not a big car fan, come out and enjoy the sun. It’s a great tribute to the man who founded the show in 2008 and shepherded it every year, Michael Hoffman – gone too soon earlier this year, at age 47. You’ll recall that two local businesses – West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (both WSB sponsors) – stepped up and asked if the community wanted the show to go on. Consensus was “yes”; they and a core group have been working on it ever since, including some changes, and the result of a beautiful day with big participation. Don’t miss the chance to help vote for the “People’s Choice” Award before 2 pm – come get a ballot at the booth next to our table alongside KeyBank.
11:44 AM: This is likely the biggest entry:
Not far east of there is one of the overflow zones – you haven’t seen everything until you’ve walked Alaska all the way between 42nd (where we took the photo) and 44th, and California between Genesee and Edmunds:
Along Alaska on the west end of the show, by 44th and the Farmers’ Market, the Zucchini Races are on (until 1 pm) and Pagliacci is tossing dough.
And while you’re on the north end of the show, pop over to 44th and Genesee for a fundraising lemonade stand:
Jen sent the photo – her kids are donating half their proceeds to the South Seattle College Co-op Preschools.
12:30 PM: Lots of families here:
Someone asked us if there’s a food court. Nope – lots of local restaurants to visit, both sit-down and take-out. We also hear the West Seattleites who run the Cookie Counter vegan-ice-cream-sandwiches truck are up by Greentree on California north of Oregon for the duration of the show – their vehicle, a classic VW bus, could be an entry even minus the treats! And of course, there are vendors at the Farmers’ Market – we’re told the empanadas are especially popular today. Meantime, a multimodal sighting:
1:30 PM: Half an hour to vote for the People’s Choice Awards. Meantime, we’re well aware the Seahawks game is on, so we’re posting updates at our table, just in case you’re here and without another quick way to keep updated (Twitter, etc.). And if you’ve seen a drone over the show, nope, not ours (we don’t even have one). Meantime, on the ground:
Meet the Hell’s Belles, who joined the West Seattle Car Show team as hosts this year.
2:07 PM: Just under an hour to get here and be able to see everything.
The judging is wrapping up, and the amazingly cool trophies (designed by Mindi Katzman, fabricated by Brian Walker) will be awarded at 3 pm.
If you’re here at the show, they’re on display on a table right behind ours (SW corner of California/Alaska). *Update*: People’s Choice Award voting has been extended to 2:30 – ballots are on the SW corner of California/Alaska.
2:58 PM: Right across from us – motorcycles next to the truck dubbed “The Kenworth.” Including a 1971 BSA:
Almost awards time!
3:23 PM: The awards have been announced – we have the list and photos and will be adding it when we’re back at HQ in a while.
8:38 PM & BEYOND: That process has been interrupted by a few things, but here we go. First – Best in Show, the Michael Hoffman Memorial Trophy, this 1955 Packard:
“Best Import,” this Opel Kadett:
“Best Antique,” this DeSoto:
“Best Muscle Car,” this Hemi ‘Cuda:
“Best Classic,” this Nova II:
People’s Choice winner – this Studebaker:
“Best Motorcycle” was the BSA shown higher up in our coverage.
“Best Modern/Future Classic,” this 2007 Shelby:
Still a few more to add, but we have to consult with our photographer again later in the morning, and we hope to get a few more infobits from the show team!
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