Take A Road Trip in Your Own Backyard

By Brenda Kay Neth

Classic cars at last year's Auto Show. To enter your car or volunteer in this year's show, call 789-1148

In the beginning years, the auto show started as a simple "nostalgic neighborhood block party with cars." So says Jerry Kline, founder of the event and owner of Kline Jewelers in Edmonds. He said that Greenwood has the 1950s small downtown look that can be found throughout the country, and its natural old-time neighborhood feel was ideal for setting up a vintage car show.

Kline, who then ran his business in Greenwood, said he wanted to promote his business, and so developed the concept with others in the neighborhood. During its first year, the show drew more than 160 cars and brought the involvement of more than 20 businesses. Fred Meyer was the main sponsor. He said the show closed Greenwood Avenue from N 80th Street to N 85th Street, but grew by its second year to stretch from N 74th Street to N 84th Street. The show this year will have Greenwood blocked from N 87th Street on the north to N 73rd Street on the south. Michele Della Pella, president of the Greenwood Chamber and organizer of this year's event, said that she is excited by the prospects for more community involvement, and has enjoyed listening to the ideas for the show from the neighborhood. Della Pella, along with Chamber members Dave Liatos, John Walker, Les Neu, and Gary Teachout have worked with more than 60 businesses for both sponsorship and volunteering of service, goods, and time.

Della Pella said that Allegra Printing has donated its services, while Fred Meyer has several of their employees volunteering time for the event. This year marks Della Pella's first as the event's organizer, and though she has experienced many challenges, she has her own drive, literally, for older cars. "I grew up in a family of Volkswagons. I have a reputation around here for my 1972 Karmann Ghia." she said. Della Pella, who is manager of Bank of America in Greenwood, plans on giving the red convertible a little visibility during the event.

"The show is a great way to get out in the sun, meet people, and enjoy the cars." She added.

Get out in the sun? According to Della Pella, history reveals that the Greenwood Auto Show has never seen rain. So what does one wear on the sunny side of the street? Fedoras, wing tips, bobby socks, and saddle shoes. Or anything else that tells the designer story of the '30s - '50s. This year, everyone is encouraged to be part of unofficial "Dress for the Drive" contest. Winners who have the most authentic dress of the era may find their photos in the next Seattle Press.

Don and the Vinyl Tones will keep the rhythm on the streets, while the Greenwood Senior Center will be vending hog dogs and chips. Root beer floats will be on sale at the Greenwood Market, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Barbecue, salmon, and Karmelkorn vendors will be there for the "drive in," and area restaurants like the 74th Street Ale House, Red Mill Burgers, Pete's Egg Nest, and Mae's Cafe will be open. Ample off street and store lot parking is available See you on the road, dressed to drive.

GREENWOOD AUTO SHOW AT A GLANCE

Registration for the competition will start at 6 a.m. The show will begin at 9 a.m. and will last until 4 p.m. There are over 20 categories for the competition, including Best Classic, Best Custom, and Best Convertible. The Pacific Northwest Vintage Thunderbird International Club are the presiding judges. The contest judging will be from noon until 1. Award ceremonies will take place the last hour of the show.

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce is now actively seeking volunteers from both business and neighborhood, and will be planning a logo and T-shirt contest for the 2001 auto odyssey. For more information, call (206) 789-1148.

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