Holy Smokers open classic car season

This 1941 Willy's took first place at last year’s Holy Smokers Barbecue & Car Show in Gardnerville.

This 1941 Willy's took first place at last year’s Holy Smokers Barbecue & Car Show in Gardnerville.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.

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While the forecast may have dampened the turnout they had compared to last year, there was no extinguishing the spirit at Saturday’s Holy Smokers Barbecue & Car Show in Gardnerville.

Organizers said 47 participants were signed up in time for lunch from Sonney’s BBQ Shack.

Sonney had to beg off running the actual smoker on Saturday, but food was available inside the restaurant next to where the event was being held across Douglas Avenue from Trinity Lutheran Church.

The car show was a preview for what promises to be a busy couple of weeks featuring the internal combustion engine.

While there wasn’t much rain falling, Cottonwood Slough overtopped Waterloo Lane and soaked the northern part of Lampe Park over the weekend.

Classic car action moves to the big Gardnerville Park on Saturday with the arrival of the 21st Big Mama’s Car Show.

“We have asked that the irrigation water management folks do not send so much water down the Cottonwood Slough that it floods the road and the park for that particular weekend,” Community Services Director Scott Morgan said.

The show raises funds for senior programs like Meals on Wheels and regularly features around 200 cars between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Awards are presented at 3 p.m. The event features the Melody Makers performing live music and there are around 10 food and beverage vendors.

Young at Heart Senior Citizens Club is in charge of the show.

Genoa Lakes Golf Course is hosting a Rare & Exotics Car Show 2-6 p.m. May 28 to raise funds for the Eagle Valley Children’s Home.

Registration is $25, with $10 going to the cause. For more information, email jennifer@genoalakes.com

The following weekend, the 17th annual Rappin to Minden car show will be at Minden Park.

The streets around Minden Park will be closed off for the car show, which is 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.. June 3 In addition to the anticipated inline engine vehicles, other classic cars, trucks and motorcycles are invited to register. Contact Dennis Bargman 775-782-7074, or Margie Azzaro 775-266-4506 to register a vehicle.

That same weekend, members of the Northern Nevada’s Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Club will hold their 26th annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show June 3 and 4 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Gardnerville.

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 4.

“The event will include an exciting tractor pull contest, displays of antique tractors, gas engines, vintage cars, trucks and machinery as well as a silent auction and raffle tractor,” organizers said. “Other attractions include a swap meet, food vendors, antique and tractor memorabilia vendors and much more.

The entry fee is $10 for adults. Children under 12 years of age are free. For information on becoming an exhibitor or to reserve a swap meet space, contact club President Jim Miller at (618) 520-3326, jim.m.miller72@gmail.com.