Sunset Mall's 8th Annual Motor Show Draws Masses

Today marked the 8th Annual Motor Show sponsored by the Sunset Mall, KWFR, and Sears. Hundreds of people came out to enjoy decked out cars, bikes and more. 

Sabrina Tatsch, Sunset Mall Marketing and Specialty Leasing Manager, said, "Every year, we hold the event for the community, and it's free admission for the public." She added that there were 80 entrants this year competing in various categories, including nine auto, motorcycle and truck classes, as well as a "unique" class. 

"We had everything from "antique" automobiles from the 30s to "Rat Rods" and even bicycles," noted Tatsch.

 

To compete, contestants paid $25, and plaques and bragging rights were awarded to the top three in each class. 

"There was also a 'People's Choice' award where the public could text in their vote by 1 p.m., as well as a 'Kids' Choice' award," Tatsch said.

Additionally, various booths stood amongst the rows of cars, including representatives from Farmers Insurance, West Texas Windshields and Chick fil-A.

Local Rock n' Roll DJ Dennis Allen, from FM 101.9 "The Fire," also manned a booth, signing up spectators for their chance to win tickets to Schlitterbahn.

As people wandered through the rows of vehicles snapping photos and checking out motors and interiors, one man calmly sat in his lounge chair next to his pride and joy, a 1955 yellow Chevy Bel Air. Jerry Richards said he's tried retirement twice, but it just wasn't for him, and now he's back working in the oil field. With a grin, he added, "Besides, it allows me to work on my car."

Richards said he's had it for about 6 to 8 months, and has close to $25,000 invested into it already. "With a new 305 motor and only 3,000 miles on it," he said "it doesn't matter what mileage it gets," but he "makes sure to use the fuel that has a 91 octane."

Overall, there was something for everyone. From a black 1941 Chevrolet with flames painted on front to a newer model Corvette and Cadillac CTSV, children to adults had plenty to ogle. Some even brought along their four-legged friends to stretch their legs and take in the sights.  

One family sat behind two "tricked out" bicycles. One had a "Dia de Los Muertos" design theme. Toby Gusman, 15, a student at Lincoln Junior High School, and his Uncle Vicente Martinez built the bike over a two-month time span in memory of their beloved grandmother, Isabel Martinez, who passed December 3, 2002. They credited relative Tito Reyes, an "extremely talented local paint and body man," with the application of the vivid violet purple paint job. Toby was a little anxious as it was his first time to compete, but Vicente eased some of the anticipation with a smile saying "his only competition was the other bike," which just happened to belong to him.

Rounding out the event, no car show would be complete without representation from one of San Angelo's longest running car clubs "Lowded Dice." Siblings Eli Rivera and sister Enedina sat amongst three generations of family who have all grown up around the car shows. Over the last 15 to 20 years, their club has owned many classics and received countless awards. Today, members shined rims and double checked hydraulics, happily answering questions from spectators and beaming with pride while showing off their rides.

All in all, visitors were treated to a spectacular car show, while a DJ entertained and food samples were doled out, allowing good clean family fun for all.

Tatsch wanted to "especially thank Goodfellow Air Force Base volunteers for helping out with the balloons, kids' craft table, and various other duties, as well as the public for coming out on such a beautiful day."