22nd Annual First State Bank of Malta Car Show

Following a week of uncertainty as far as weather goes, Mother Nature, once again, showed her gentle side and provided a near perfect day for the 22nd Annual First State Bank Car Show. She even extended her graciousness into Sunday.

And show they did! Cars lined the street starting at the Veteran's Park on Front Street down to the Liquor Haven (which, for former residents of Malta, is where the former Anthony's Store was), and then down 1st Avenue East past the Stockman Bar to the end of the street, ending down by Spare Change (in the area close to where Doc Kinkade had his shop, and at one time, Johnson's Five & Dime Store was).

The shot from Google Earth might have been interesting, with the reflection and glimmer radiating off the flashy vehicles that were proudly displayed. An estimated 90-100 cars, antiques, old trucks, newer trucks, sport cars, old tractors, convertibles, and hot rod cars were parked carefully, with a separate parking lane for the dragster entries.

And it wasn't all "about cars, there are motorcycles as well," stated a proud mother, who's son had traveled from across the state to be here. An attempt to locate and visit with him was futile, as he had left to partake in action at Saco, Montana, already.

The motorcycles numbered close to 100 with a quick count; and it was evident there were some serious bikers visiting the village of Malta.

The financial investment in many of the vehicles, new, aged and memory-makers, showed through like the pride and ownership does.

Entries in the show came from towns across Montana and Canada, as well as neighboring states. The bike club that brought 90 plus bikes in, hailed from many states.

The event was busy with vendors and opportunities to eat and shop, as well. One could find freshly ground coffee, patches, homemade jewelry, raffle opportunities, shaved ice cones, cotton candy, and those famous hamburgers with fried onions.

Spare Change was celebrating their 14th Anniversary with specials and handouts, Valley Drug had tables with hot specials for the day, just to name a few.

If you were looking for a place to be or something going on and didn't find it ~ you mighta been wearing sunglasses that were too dark. On Friday, there was a funeral and come evening, a "Cruise" mostly down Central Avenue, and the Villa had "If" showing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Villa also broadcast the music over the speakers for the street cruizin' people as well as the public watching to enjoy. Saturday there were two funerals, a Celebration of Life, a rope 'n stroke, a wedding, two class reunions, a live band at The Mint, and music at The Tin Cup. AND, don't forget the Phillips County Motor Sports held their first race this weekend. The results of those races are included in this issue.

Judged as the Top Six entries in the Car Show were: Ron Wombold's 1963 C-10; Tom Philp's 2021 Harley Davidson Roadglide, Greg Ziegler's '72 Dodge Challenger; Amy Thornton's Fury Wagon; Chris Hever's 1932 Ford; and Chet Fout's Ford.

The awards were presented at the closing of the show at 2 p.m. Patty Seeley presented Bill Pankratz with the award for the Best Pickup Truck. Also winning awards and recognition were the People's Choice for cars, Michelle Sather; the People's Choice pickup, Ron Wombold; and the People's Choice Junior Dragster, Hazen Dobson.

When it was time to award the People's Choice for the top race car, it was announced that Shaun Carnahan won. At the time, he could not be located, as he was at his class reunion and on a scavenger hunt. Word quickly spread (via quick cell phone call), and he made a mad dash over to accept his award. He announced he had just won the scavenger hunt and was asked what he had won there, since it seemed to be his lucky day. He said he was so excited to come collect the winning trophy, that he didn't know what he had won, yet. Carnahan was asked which of the two winning events he like best, and he replied, "OH...this one by FAR!"