The 43rd annual Vintiques Northwest Nationals will return to State Fair Park this week. Vendors and participants will begin setting up Thursday, August 3rd on the fairgrounds and in the Yakima SunDome.
“This year we have over 300 cars pre-registered, 100 more than we did at this point last year,” said Art Reis, director of the 2017 Vintiques Northwest Nationals. Many more entries will be registered on site during the show. “We’re hoping for 700 or 800 cars altogether,” Reis said. “The heat and smoke have us worried a little bit, but it’s full speed ahead.”
The general public can attend the car show from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday. An admission fee will be charged.
Besides admiring classic automobiles from 1972 and older, spectators can enjoy displays and exhibits in the air-conditioned SunDome. There will also be concessions on site.
More than 40 prizes will be awarded to entries during this year’s Vintiques Northwest Nationals.
The Vintiques Car Club of Yakima organized the first show in 1974. It was held at Sportsman’s State Park and hosted approximately 20 cars. Every year since then the Vintiques Northwest Nationals have been held at State Fair Park, which was previously known as the Central Washington State Fairgrounds.
“The key to our success is we put so much back into it,” Reis said of drawing a large number of entries. “If you register your car you get all access passes, free barbecue, hot dog feed, door prizes, breakfast, all for free. Plus you get to look at hundreds of some of the finest cars in the Northwest.”
The non-profit Vintiques Car Club of Yakima also contributes $10,000 to a charity each year. This year’s recipient is Children’s Wishes and Dreams, Reis said.
Visit www.vintiques.com for more on this year’s Vintiques Northwest Nationals.