On August 7, 2025

Tribe hosts first Low & Slow Car Show

By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News

Custom low riders of all makes and models hovering just inches above the asphalt turned heads at the Tribe’s first Low & Slow Car Show on the Puyallup Reservation.

Vehicle enthusiasts packed the lot for the inaugural event Aug. 2 at the Tribe’s 72nd Street property.

The event was organized by the Tribe and the Impalas Car Club Washington Chapter. Many Tribal Members and individuals of the surrounding community attended the festivities.

The family friendly event featured not only vintage vehicles, but food trucks, raffles and an awards ceremony highlighting the best cars in their specific categories at the show.

Puyallup Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller gave the blessing before the show began and was in attendance throughout the duration of the event.

“It is awesome for us as Native Americans to remember that we are always about the past and that’s what these cars are,” Miller said. “It very much ties into our culture, our beliefs. Every one of these cars they have here right now shows these individuals cared about the past and care about the present.”

People were constantly pulling out their phones to capture quick videos and pictures of vehicles they liked all day long. Even a few people found themselves sitting or kneeling close to the ground in order to nab the perfect picture/video of a fancy set of tires/rims.

Impalas Car Club Tacoma Chapter Vice President Rodney Wilson said he had worked with the Tribe since January to put the show together.

“I was nervous. This is the first one so you don’t know what is going to happen,” Wilson said. “You did the work, you put the word out and you hope people are going to show up and they are showing up. It is working out. I love it.”

Councilman Fred Dillon brought his own vintage ride, a 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 for the enjoyment of attendees.

“There is a lot of passion that gets shown through the cars. This event means a lot to us. We’ve got Tribal Members here, we’ve got community members here,” Dillon said. “There are so many different cars here from old school to new school to bikes. It is just a variety of everything and it just brings everybody together.”

List of Winners:

Best Import: Brandon Pyle (2005 Scion XB)

Best Interior: Richard Weise (1971 Chevy Nova)

Best Stock: James Stafford (1969 Roadrunner)

Best Sound System: Ryan Zentzis (2001 Chevy Blazer)

Best Engine: James Reising (1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS)

Best Truck Set Up: Kyle Hollis (1978 Chevy El Camino)

Best Paint and Best of Show: Rick Hernandez (1973 Buick Boattail)

Best Motorcycle: Jose Marion (2003 Harley Road King)

Best Bicycle: Mark Meijia (1970 bicycle)

Best 1960s: Ron Shreffler (1962 Chevy Impala SS)

Best 1970s: Jolene Young (1971 Chevy Chevelle)