Since its inception in 2009, a classic car show in Elma has seen a significant increase in participation over the last three years.
On Saturday, August 4, the Elma Chamber of Commerce will hold the fourth annual Heat on the Street Classic Car show on the town’s Main Street.
The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with registration beginning at 7 a.m.
Debbie Adolphsen, the Director of the Elma Chamber of Commerce, says the event provides wholesome entertainment for car enthusiasts and families alike.
“It’s truly an event for the whole family, in that there is entertainment all day long,” Adolphsen said. “There will be music groups performing, vendors present and the town and its people come together to make this a really special event.”
Initially, Heat on the Street attracted around 100 participants in the car-show, followed by a total around 200 the second time around. In 2011, Heat on the Street drew over 350 for the car show alone. Seeing the event develop into a sizable car show makes the Elma Chamber very proud.
“It’s a special feeling, to see what the event has become and to hear the people talk and get excited about it,” said Paula Jones of the Elma Chamber of Commerce. “It’s something that is fun for everyone and the atmosphere and air around it is exciting. There is a positive buzz that surrounds the event that you can feel.”
This year, the event will feature musical performances from Angie and the Car Wrecks, a Grays Harbor Rockabilly band, and Ready or Not out of Aberdeen. A local youth group from area churches will also be performing a stomp chant in the middle of the day.
“I think the music and performances will be an improvement, and will just add to the event even more,” Adolphsen said. “It’s cool to see an increase in all avenues of the show.”
Adolphsen and Jones both noted that the Elma Chamber has seen improvements within the department, and that has led to a greater sense of community and an opportunity to make positive changes to events.
“We at the Chamber have upgraded, and receiving funding from the Grays Harbor Tourism and the City of Elma has really helped,” Jones said. “We are now at the corner of Main Street in Elma, have a new website, and have people stopping in our office all day. It’s great to be a part of something that has grown so much.”
“I think events like this gives people a lot of pride and it takes an effort to do something like this to bring people in to Elma,” Adolphsen said. “A lot of people want to volunteer and donate prizes and there is significant participation from local businesses.” Adolphsen especially appreciates the sponsorship and donation from the local Cut Rate Auto Parts store in Elma.
Those local businesses provide gifts for goodie bags for car show participants, earning the show a reputation as one of the most giving on the circuit.
“Car entry people tell other people in the industry how good a show this is,” Jones said. “We have Grays Harbor Raceway tickets, donations and raffle prizes. We have some of the best give away prizes that the car participants have ever seen, and we try to cater to their needs as much as possible.”
Adolphsen is happy to see the event grow, but has been pleasantly surprised at Heat on the Street’s success.
“No, I didn’t think I would get this big,” Adolphsen said. “I hoped for 200 cars eventually, so I was disappointed the first year. Last year was pretty overwhelming to an extent. But we have made the necessary improvements, like providing more food on site and adding a beer garden to the festivities. We at the chamber have a ton of pride.”
Jones says that attendees stop by the event to check it out and end up making a day of it in Elma.
“People come to check out the cars, the music or the food, and then they just end up staying all day,” Jones said. “That’s part of the appeal, in that there is something for everyone to enjoy. I didn’t use to be a car person, but now I’m excited to see the vehicles and motorcycles and I think there are a lot of people out there who now feel the same.”
For those wanting to show up early to the event, a Cruise-In event will be held on Friday, Aug. 3, from 6-9 p.m. Music and free hot dogs and soda will be provided at the Cruise-In.
The first 250 registered participants for the car show will receive a t-shirt, dash plaque, Grays Harbor Raceway tickets and a free raffle ticket for the day of the event.
For more information on the Heat on the Street Classic Car Show, call 360-482-3055.
