Car and bike show attracts hundreds

MOSES LAKE - Hundreds of people attended the Second Annual Hot August Nights Motorcycle, Car & Truck Show Saturday in Moses Lake.

More than 50 cars, trucks, bikes and trikes were parked in the Porterhouse Casino and Jerry's Auto Supply parking lots.

All proceeds from the event go to Grant County Fire District No. 5, Volunteer Coordinator Jerry Dillon said. Last year, they raised $1,700.

"We've had a tremendous amount of people come through," he said. "We're really happy with the response."

More people attended this year's event over last year's event, Dillon said. Even more were expected but due to a fire in Omak, several firefighters including a car club organized by firefighters were unable to attend.

"When they're called to a fire, they have to go," he said.

Several people from the Columbia Basin and all over the state entered their vehicles in hopes of winning a trophy. Categories included best vintage vehicle, best of show, best trike, custom paint job and best stock bike.

For the car category, Bob and Joan Duffin of Moses Lake won the Best of Show trophy. They entered their 1941 Plymouth.

For the motorcycle category, Kory Martin of Spokane won the Best of Show for his 2008 Harley-Davidson rigid hard tail. He built the bike himself.

Tom Isham of Quincy won a first-place trophy for the vintage category with his replica of a 1932 MG-TD. He said it's a replica because it was originally built in 1984.

Isham did a lot of work on the vehicle when he bought it. He replaced the running gear to make it capable for regular use and he changed the shocks, tires, wheels and the lighting components.

Grant County firefighter Brent Haley and Capt. Dan Smith helped judge the event.

Haley said he evaluates each vehicle based on what class they are in. Some are judged for originality, custom work and vintage.

"There's a lot of nice iron out here, a lot of work," Smith said. "Everybody supports this, it's great."

They agreed the event might be the largest fund-raiser of the year for the fire district.

Many Columbia Basin people showcased their vehicles Saturday.

Edwin Hernandez brought his 2007 Rewaco trike to the show.

The body was shipped from Germany and the fuel-injected engine came from Mexico and was assembled in Las Vegas, Nev., before being shipped to Moses Lake.

Since summer began he's put about 5,000 miles on it, he laughed. His passenger is usually Roxie, his Jack Russell terrier who sits in the back seat.

"She loves to ride," he said.

Hernandez said he has a special connection to the fire district. Two of his grandsons served the fire district.

"I know a lot of the people and I support (the fire district)," he said. "I'm glad to donate, they serve the community well."

Ken Johnson brought his 1963 Ford Galaxy 500 to the show.

He's entered it in car shows in Othello and the Tri-Cities recently.

He's had the convertible for 12 years and plans to give it to his daughter when she graduates, Johnson said.

Aside from visitors and competitors, the event also attracted people who paint and build custom vehicles.

Automotive artist Lance Jasper came from Spokane for the event. He specializes in custom paint work. At the show he painted at least seven bikes and cars.

"I really love my work," he said. "I'm a very diverse artist."

Jasper's technique involves airbrushing and painting with a hand brush. At the show he did several pinstripe designs.

It takes him between one hour and four hours for each custom job depending on the size and detail.

Martin, who won the best of show for the motorcycle category, came to the event to showcase his work and meet bike owners. He specializes in paint and body work.

A bike he and his business partner Chris Olson worked on was featured on the cover of the July issue of IronWorks magazine.

He's done paint and body work for 20 years and says the best part about his job is seeing his clients smile when they see the finished project.

Martin recently began working with his brother Aaron who does mechanical work on the bikes and says it's fun being able to work with family.