Car show was a big draw in Sisters

They roared into town last Saturday, engines reverberating, some from over 100 miles away. Volunteers methodically marshaled the pristine cars and trucks, several dating over 80 years, into position as they lined the three blocks of Main closed to regular traffic from Elm to Larch for the Glory Daze Car Show. Many came in groups - car clubs or just garage buddies.

One hundred and two registered out of 110 openings. The event, sponsored by SPRD (Sisters Park & Recreation District), is growing in popularity. Next year the event may need to add the block between Larch and Cedar.

"Wouldn't it be great if you guys had a motorcycle show in Sisters? At least a combined event," said Willy Tanner, one of 11 bikers who accidentally discovered the event while following a group of six 1954 to '57 Chevys all the way from Bend.

"Wherever they were going, we were, too," he said.

Tanner and his pals were spotted later at the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival (see story page 6) where they were still talking about the car show. The show was a magnet for families, many intergenerational, dozens pushing strollers and/or towing dogs.

"I must have gotten a thousand questions today," said J.J. Patterson owner of a muscle car that looked straight out of "The Dukes of Hazzard." "I do a lot of these shows and the folks here are very curious and respectful," Patterson said appreciatively.

By respectful he meant that spectators always asked before touching the car. Owners of cars like these are ultra-sensitive about any risk to their highly polished steeds, even a fingerprint or falling leaf.

The range of vehicles thrilled. From less than 100 horsepower to 670, the latter displayed by five of 12 Corvettes on display. There were brand- new Vettes, a Ferrari, and a Jaguar at the upper end of speed and price. On the spectrum was a 1938 Packard V12 and an Amphicar from the 1960s, an amphibious auto of which 4,000 were built and in 1961 cost $2,800. Today, if you could find it, would fetch about $125,000.

There was everything in between. Owners paid a $40 entry fee. The show was judged by volunteers from Rotary Club of Sisters, who also provided the marshals and grilled sausages and hot dogs.

"We'll be back next year," swore Edie and Carl Kessler of Salem, first-time Sisters visitors. "We didn't realize what a fun town this is."

Peter Noyes won "Best in Show" and "People's Choice."