By Nate Smith, Staff Writer
Although it was a soggy Sunday, many cars and car fans braved the weather at the 32nd Annual 20th Century Chevy Carfest at Eastside Park.
The rain came down intermittently, leaving beads on the freshly-waxed collection of 200 classic cars and trucks. Car lovers had to step over little pools of oil on the parking lot.
Because of the weather, no cars could be on the park grass this year, leaving for a crowded parking lot. This 2009 version of the show was the first time it had seen rain all day, said 20th Century Chevy President Dave Fry.
“It’s the first time it has rained on the day of the event,” Fry said. “We’ve had rain before once on a Saturday. We can’t complain.”
Fry even noted three restored cars that had never seen rain before were parked, getting wet for the first time.
“Those guys came out and supported us and that was impressive,” Fry said.
But, Fry said the club appreciated the owners and fans who came out.
“The spectators showed up today,” Fry said. “They did good.”
And cars did come from a wide area and many from out of state.
One driver that was staying out of the rain was Fred Lucas, Petersburg, sitting in his 1956 Chrysler New Yorker. While water was running down, he said there was no way the rain would have kept him away.
“I’d rather (wish) the rain wasn’t here,” Lucas said. “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Mike Best, Fairfield, Ill., said it was a dreary day, sitting underneath a portable tent he brought. Best said he is a veteran of this show and the rain did not damper his spirits.
“This is still a good show,” Best said. “You can tell by the people still coming in and walking around.”
He wasn’t worried by the rain hitting his 1932 Chevrolet sedan, although he may have to put more wax on it when he gets home.
“It rained back in 1932,” Best said.
Approximately 440 cars cruised in Saturday’s Cruz-in winding the streets of Washington. The best of show winner was Larry Frederick of Petersburg for a 1963 Chevrolet. The winner of the 1985 Chevrolet Corvette drawing was Mary Morgan of Washington.
