By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
Vehicles spanning multiple decades were shown off at the Tribe’s 72nd Street property Aug. 16 as the Tribe hosted its third annual auto show.
Many vehicle owners glowingly explained the story of their specific ride to passersby throughout the day, answering questions from inquiring minds.
DJ Big Rez (David Hillaire) was on the mic, delivering popular tunes from different eras and genres. The family friendly atmosphere included food trucks, raffles, face painting, bouncy houses and a photo booth. Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller gave the blessing before the festivities kicked off.
“It’s very important that we make sure that everybody knows that we acknowledge the past. These cars are all about the past and are just beautiful and well kept,” Miller said. “That is what we are all about, which is protecting and preserving. That is the core of what Puyallup people are all about. It is great to be able to share these kinds of events with the community.”
Glover Merix won the coveted Best in Show award for his shiny red 1980 Blakely Bernardi. Merix has owned the vehicle for 35 years and is just the second owner. He said he was appreciative and honored to win the award.
“I thank everybody for taking the time to see something in it like I did. It made me feel good,” Merix said. “It is something different than a lot of the other cars that are out there.”
Of the 13 awards given out toward the end of the show, the oldest car was a 1941 Ford Coupe and the newest vehicle was a 2022 Chevy Corvette.
Hillaire (DJ Big Rez) said he looked forward to making the trip down to the Puyallup Reservation for the car show. A Lummi Nation Member, he is a known DJ and emcee throughout Indian Country. He said he has worked at different Puyallup Tribal events for the past decade.
“To be able to come down here and share my talents with the people down here feels great,” he said. “I enjoy it, and I’m blessed to be here and to hang out with the Puyallup people.”
Chief Leschi Schools student and Puyallup Tribal Member Thomas Burwell couldn’t take his eyes off of a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS he spotted while meandering around the rows of vehicles.
“Camaros are my favorite cars. I have always wanted one since I was a little kid,” Burwell said.
List of Winners:
Best of Show: Glover Merix (1980 Blakely Bernardi)
Best Paint: Rick Hernandez (1973 Buick Boattail)
Best Classic: Don Blakely (1955 Chevy Bel Air)
Best Hot Rod: Don Coats (1941 Ford Coupe)
Best Modern Muscle: Brian Johnson (2022 Chevy Corvette)
Best Truck: Bob Perrine (1950 Chevy 3100 Pickup)
Best Wheels: Todd Hodges (2010 Chevy Camaro)
Best Low Rider: Rachel Meza (1964 Chevy Impala)
Best Euro: Xassan Ibrahim (2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG)
Best Interior: Kassandra Rosengard (2005 Scion XB)
Best Japanese: Jevon Eaglefeather (1998 Mitsubishi Evo V)
Best Off Road: Chuck Bixby (2022 Honda Talon R)
Best 4×4: Liane Buck (1987 Jeep Wrangler YJ)
