NOEL NASH/CHRONICLE PHOTO
Creswell’s Randy Plourde won the Builders Choice Award with his 1935 Dodge pickup, left. Event organizer Patrick Cartwright said the car show drew “in excess of 100 cars.”
CRESWELL – This wasn’t the first car show victory for Bob Ramsey, and chances are it won’t be his last, either.
“Sometimes I feel guilty, I do,” Ramsey said after winning the Best in Show award with his 1930 Model A Ford at the July 4 Show & Shine at Northwest Automotive Customs. “I have a room full of trophies and a wall lined with awards.”
Next weekend, Bob and his wife Jan – who moved to Cottage Grove from California last October – plan to be in Roseburg for another car show.
Meanwhile, you might see the Ramseys driving around Cottage Grove in their shiny red Model A.
“It’s never been on a trailer since I got it 15 years ago,” Ramsey said. “I drive it to the hardware store, I go to the grocery store. I’ve put over 50,000 miles on it since I got it.”
The Builders Choice Award went to Creswell’s Randy Plourde and his 1935 Dodge Pickup, while the Kids Choice prize went to Eugene’s BJ Parden and his 1979 Chevy K10.
On a day when there was heightened anxiety – due in part to online predictions of thousands of visitors coming to town for a political-based rally – there was no trouble.
“I’m so proud of everybody in the community,” NW Automotive shop owner Patrick Cartwright said. “From what I understand, I think everyone minded their own business. I know we had a great day – we had in excess of 100 cars here.”
Cartwright said his shop gave out $2,500 worth of merchandise, including $1,000 worth of T-shirts. Proceeds from a 50-50 raffle were raised for the VFW Hall and Veterans Legacy.
“We planned this a while back in lieu of having a grand opening next month, and we thought if we can make a difference in this little town’s day, we’re gonna do it. We’re gonna put a smile on everybody’s face that walks through the door, and I think we succeeded.”
The shop next door, Whitehorse Customs, also was part of Sunday’s fun, hosting a group of motorcyclists for a sitdown and greet.
“We had, like, eight bikes,” owner Mako Whitehorse said. “There was actually more cars than bikes because people don’t want to ride in this heat.
“I got to talk to some customers, show some stereos and hand out some free food and drinks. It was an awesome day. Everything went amazing, and everyone got to shine in their own way.”
The Ramseys stayed after the car show for the fireworks display.
Francis Reinhardt said she was happy to make the 40-mile trek from Oakridge to Creswell to see some fireworks.
“Anything to get out of Oakridge,” she said.
Reinhardt was there with her extended family, part of whom live in Roseburg, including 88-year-old grandma Coral Reinhardt.
“I haven’t been to fireworks in years, this should be fun” she said. “More or less, I just wanted to get out of the house.”
