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Mary Bullwinkel

Beacon Correspondent

Hundreds of vintage and classic cars and thousands of people descended on the Eel River Valley last weekend to celebrate the 20th Annual Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo.

Crowds lined the streets to see the many different makes and models of vehicles participating in the first activity of the weekend, the Friday night cruise on Main Street and Fortuna Boulevard. Engines were revved, and the smell of automotive fluids permeated the air. Comments from spectators included “Nice car,” “Sweet,” and “I used to have one of those in high school.” One local radio station selected appropriate cruising songs which played during the hour and a half drive.

Other events included a sock hop dance at River Lodge on Friday Night, a poker run, burn out contest, antique tractor pull, and an arts and crafts show at Rohner Park.

The Judged Car show is limited to the first 300 vehicles which are entered in various categories, from stock and modified models, to all pro street and a junior division for ages 21 and under. The junior division is aimed at keeping the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo multi-generational, and is accomplished by inviting young drivers into the car show world.

A total of 90 awards are presented in 45 different classes. The entries are judged by the participants in the AutoXpo

Best of Show honors were given to Darrell Chambers of Redding and his 1937 Modified Ford Coupe. This car will be part of the design for the 2011 Fortuna AutoXpo T-shirt.

Others winners included:

* Mayor's Choice - Bill Snook of Medford, OR in a 1958 Studebaker Scotsman pick-up.

* Chamber's Choice - Brian Pancoast of Garberville in a 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.

* FBID Choice Winner - Steven Parks of Phillipsville in a 1969 Dodge Charger.

* Best Engine - Danny Ausmus of Citrus Heights, CA in 1941 Willys Coupe.

* Best Paint - Gene and Linda Figueiredo of Fort Bragg on a 1936 Ford pick-up.

* Best Interior - Dennis and Karen Valentine of Sacramento in a 1937 Ford Cabrolet.

* Longest Distance - Frank Medina of Pahrump, Nev. He drove his 1937 Chevrolet sedan from Nevada to Fortuna and then home again after the event.

* Largest Club Participation - Rusty Nuts, 13 participants from Woodland and Colusa.

* Junior Division - Ryun Leazer of Blue Lake in a 1973 Chevrolet pick-up.

* Under Construction - Darryl Kuni of Redding in a 1926 4-door Dodge.

A list of all the winners in each class is listed on the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo website (www.redwoodautoxpo.com) and soon photographs will be posted of all winning vehicles.

photos by Mary Bullwinkel/Beacon

All the Best of Winners.

1. Best of Show 1937 Modified Ford Coupe, Darrell Chambers, Redding, Calif.

2. Mayor's Choice 1958 Studebaker pick-up, Bill Snook, Medford, Ore.

3. Chamber's Choice 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, Brian Pancoast, Garberville, Calif.

4. FBID Choice Winner 1969 Dodge Charger, Steven Parks, Phillipsville, Calif.