Hot rods triumph in Rods and Reels car show

Three hundred vehicles rolled into the Skamokawa fairgrounds early Saturday morning. Participants sought shade under tents and trees as the hours moved to mid-day and the temperature rose near the 90 degree mark.

"I joke that I do a sun dance every year to keep the rain away," Lee Tischer, the event organizer said on Monday. "I may have gone a little overboard this year."

Hundreds of people wandered the cars, stopped for strawberry shortcake, checked out the raffle items, watched kids fish, and had lunch.

"I come here every year for the salmon," said one car owner from Kelso. This was his fourth year participating in the event.

The John Luthi Memorial Trophy went to a 1954 Chevrolet Belair owned by Ron and Carol Muhleman of Bremerton. Local resident Gary Quigley won the Rods & Reels Favorite for his 1972 Blazer. The Dollars for Scholars choice was a 1937 Ford Coupe owned by local Lance Britt and Best in Show was awarded to Wally and Judy Belt of Salem for their 1937 Ford Roadster. Trophy plaques were given to 67 class winners. The Kitsap Street Rod Club brought 17 cars and won the participation award.

"We had a great turnout," Tischer said. "Two of the attending car clubs have already made reservations for the 2017 event. I'm just so thankful to have the dedicated sponsors and volunteers that have made this Dollars for Scholars car show such a success."

The hot weather convinced Tischer to make a change the schedule of the event next year. The award and raffle presentation has traditionally started at 3 p.m. but will begin at 2 p.m. so people can get home earlier.

"Thanks again to our community for supporting our event," Tischer said.