Cool Summer Nites rolls to Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK – Powerful engines roared and sharp paint jobs glittered in the afternoon sunlight as Trout Creek hosted the annual Cool Summer Nites Car, Truck and Bike Show.

The quiet town on the edge of Noxon Reservoir was transformed over the weekend as auto enthusiasts showed off their prized vehicles and enjoyed the hospitality of Trout Creek.

“This year’s car show went really well, we keep adding numbers every year we hold the event,” John Harris, the organizer for the Cool Summer Nites show, said.

In total there were over 60 entries at the tenth annual show, including a diverse presentation of cars and trucks from several eras of automotive history. The annual event was held on the grounds of the Lakeside Motel in Trout Creek.

The car show was a two-day event, with festivities kicking off on Friday, July 18 at 4 p.m. and running through Sunday afternoon, when awards were distributed at 3 p.m.

There were more than just cars, trucks and motorcycles on display in Trout Creek over the week, with Friday night featuring an assortment of events to compliment the classic automobiles.

Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday evening, there was a barbecue and dance put on with live music from two different bands.

The Rockin Hotrods played a set with a special guest appearance by The Dipsticks.

Both bands performed classic tunes from the 1950s and 1960s, the era from when many of the cars on display were first produced.

The bands were received positively by those in attendance and received a supportive review from the event organizer.

“The bands played some really hot numbers,” Harris said.

Accompanying the music on Friday night was an atmosphere characteristic of days gone by.

Vintage cars lined the edge of Noxon Reservoir and as the sun dipped below the skyline, the vehicles shot on their headlights providing lighting and style to accompany the musical performers.

“It was a very successful weekend, a lot of people visited the show,” Harris said.

The final day of the show kicked of at 10 a.m. with t-shirts, trophies and door prizes being awarded at the conclusion of the weekend show around 3 p.m.

Harris noted the car show makes sure to give out plenty of door prizes as a way to show appreciation for those who bring their prized vehicles to the event.

In addition to the door prizes, there were awards for the top 12 place winners at the show, and a special award for the show’s top Rat Rod.

A Rat Rod is a style of car, which imitates and sometimes exaggerates the stylistic characteristics of the hot rods, which filled America’s roadways during the first portion of the 20th century.

Cody Broyles took home the Rat Rod award with his 1929 Rat Rod.

Jim and Tamara Hamill took second place in overall show with their 1966 Ford Fairlane.

The people’s choice award went to Rick and Jill Blomdahl and their 1935 International pick-up truck.

Harris said he was looking forward to next year and the 11th annul show will again occur in mid-July of 2015.