It was full throttle and smooth sailing at the La Conner Classic Car and Boat Show Saturday, where vintage vehicles and historic hulls shared the spotlight for a day of nostalgia on wheels and waves.
From gleaming chrome to polished mahogany, hundreds gathered to admire an impressive lineup of restored and customized classics.
The show, billed as an invitation to cruise into summer, has evolved into one of the Town’s more anticipated traditions, one for which its fans are always revved up. Nearly 20 awards were presented, a number going to local entries.
David Perry of La Conner was recognized for his 1927 Model T. George Roth, also of La Conner, won the Best Favorite Foreign category with his 1970 Volvo 144S.
Heather Chandler of Stanwood, who entered a 1954 Chevy 210, was the award winner in the highly competitive 1950s Era category, which included the black 1957 Chevy Bel-Air owned by Bob Ferari of Shelter Bay and Dale Ragan’s 1958 Corvette.
Bruce Bridwell won the Best Boat on Trailer award for his entry of the Willa B, a 1958 Skagit 20 model built in La Conner by the famed Skagit Plastics company. The popular fiberglass craft was produced by Skagit Plastics in La Conner between the mid-1950s and 1960. The vessel has been in Bridwell’s family since it was purchased new. The Skagit 20 is among a handful of Skagit Plastics models designed by the renowned Howard Roberts, who enjoyed a reputation for building top-of-the-line recreational and commercial fishing vessels.
Robust local sponsorship from Scott Price of the Edward Jones Investment Company, Quantum Construction, Retro Diner, the Port of Skagit, and the La Conner Chamber of Commerce helped make the silver anniversary of the local boat and car show a success, said event volunteer Tami Mason.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
Note: This story was updated to include additional information about some of the award winners.
