Cool Summer Nights lights up Trout Creek
Ron and Elizabeth Petrie stand proudly next to their 1941 Ford pickup at the Cool Summer Nights Car Show in Trout Creek. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Jim and Joy Drechsel of Coeur d'alene Idaho once again showcased their 1953 Chevy Belair at the annunal car show (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
This Trout Creek entry of a 1951 GMC pickup looked stunning against the lake backdrop (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Plenty of attendees took the opportunity to grab a photo in this 200 Plymouth Prowler owned by Trout Creek locals Tom and Carol Barsha (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Crowds enjoyed walking through the many cars on show as they sat along the waters edge (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Rockin’ Hot rods kept the music fun and vibrant during the 2018 Cool Summer Nights Car Show (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Noxon residents Don and Ben Eckelberry brought their 1925 Ford Pickup to the Cool Summer Nights Car Show in Trout Creek (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Gary McGraw of Plains had his bright yellow 1931 Ford Roadster Pickup shining under the sun at the car show (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Steve Barton of Dover showcased his 1970 GTO Poniac at the Cool Summer Nights Car Show (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
This stunning 1948 Mcury Pick-up sparkled in the sun at the car show, owned by Joanne Gittel of Kingston, Idaho (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
This stunning 1941 Ford Pickup owned by Ron and Elizabeth Petrie of Thompson Falls was te third place winning car at the Cool Summer Nights Car Show (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Noxon produced the winning team once again, Limp Noodles secured the tournament win at Amundson Sports Complex this past weekend (Photo supplied)
The 2018 Cool Summer Nights Car Show at the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek last weekend pulled out all the stops for this year’s event.
Jake Rostker, owner of the local resort, said this year’s turnout was the largest for the number of vehicles since its inception.
This year saw 54 entries for the local car show and it wasn’t just the classics that turned up, but also some newer modeled cars were on show, including a standout blue Dodge Challenger.
Rostker also showcased the new renovations of the back bar. With some big-bay styled windows creating a stunning overlook of the grassy lawn next to the lake, car show revelers could move about the premises and enjoy the day from any angle.
WHILE SOME event-goers walked around checking out the large number of cars on display, some took to lawn chairs on the back deck to enjoy some real Kentucky-style barbecue pulled pork and beer-soaked bratwurst.
Unlike the wet weather that was seen last year, the sun shone down on both the show and the lake — giving revelers some truly spectacular views no matter where they turned.
As attendees moved around the show admiring all there was to see, some even taking photos in one or two of the cars on show, the Rockin’ Hot Rods from Thompson Falls took the stage and kept people entertained with their 60s rock and roll sets.
There were also plenty of items that were up for grabs for contestants of the show, as well as a couple of trophies up for grabs for car lovers that showcased their prized possessions.
Before the official tallies were announced, Rostker handed out a few drawings of products donated by sponsors of the event to a few lucky contestants. That added another enjoyable element to the weekend for those who travelled to the show.
First-place winner Charlie Shelor of Trout Creek. He received not only a very large trophy, but also $200 cash. Second-place winner was Rick Blomdahl of Troy, who received a trophy and $100 cash. Third place went to an entry by Ron and Elizabeth Petrie of Thompson Falls, who received a trophy and a $50 cash prize.
THE PEOPLE’S Choice winner was Gary McGraw with his ‘31 Ford Roadster. He received four tickets for The Festival at Sandpoint, featuring the Phillip Phillips and Gavin DeGraw concert.
Rostker also implemented a new category this year for the Best Paint Job, with the winner Rick Blomdahl, who received a $50 ice cream voucher.
Although the Lakeside Motel and Resort had been booked solid for the two weeks leading up to the event, there were still a couple hundred people make their way through the event over the weekend.
While Saturday was the big car show, Sunday saw the many classics take to a cruise down toward Prospect Creek near Thompson Falls. The group of car lovers took to the roads for a scenic cruise down Blueslide Road to the Wild Coyote along Highway 471, then back to the Lakeside Motel and Resort to finish off the weekend.
Needless to say, organizers were thrilled with the turnout of this year’s car show, and have already locked in the 2019 date of July 20 — looking to make it bigger and better than ever.