Rodbenders host busiest show yet
If you like cars; antique, classic, muscle, work rigs ... nearly any kind of automotive excellence, Bonners Ferry was the place to be Saturday, as the Bonners Ferry Rodbenders hosted their 14th annual Borders Three Jamboree, and it was one of the best yet.
There were 175 official entrants, and more than 20 awesome rigs on display be Rodbenders members that weren't counted or judged; well over 200 rigs packed the full length of Main Street, as well as in nearly every downtown parking lot except the city parking lot, where the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market was enjoying a banner day.
The
weather wasn't quite as good as in years past,
with overcast skies threatening rain, but that
didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit. How could
it? With KBFI Radio's JoJo Baker keeping up his
hearty, southern-fried banter on the PA and
spinning some of the best songs this side of
ever, you couldn't help but feel good and enjoy
the moment.The event is named as it is because of Boundary County's unique position; bordering, as it does, the rest of Idaho to the south, British Columbia to the north, Montana to the east and Washington to the west. On Saturday, every one of our neighbors was well represented, especially Libby, Montana, with the Igniters Car Club bringing in 16 vehicles.
The Rodbenders handed out a slew of awards, with the top honor, Best in Show, going to Merna and Dave Wildenberg, Spokane, for their beautiful 1939 Cadillac LaSalle.
Top 12 honors went to the 1931 Pierce Arrow limo owned by Robert and Jody Gandy, Troy, Montana; the 1935 Dodge pickup owned by Delbert Daniel, Clark Fork, Idaho; a 1970 VW bug belonging to Shelly Pica; Athol, Idaho; a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air owned by Howard Naumann; Priest River, Idaho; the 1949 Oldsmobile Fastback, also owned by the Wilderbergs; a 1941 Lincoln convertible belonging to Tom Broderick; Bonners Ferry; a 1957 Oldsmobile Supper 88 owned by Denis O’Brien; Priest Lake, Idaho; the 1936 Ford 5-window coupe owned by Larry and Lynne Schierman, Mead, Washington; the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro owned by Bob and Dana Hobbs; Bonners Ferry; a 1941 Plymouth belonging to Steve Tillberg, Sandpoint; a 1968 Mercury Cougar owned by Joy King, Libby Montana; and the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette belonging to Rick and Kim Kanski, Creston, British Columbia.
Class Winners were:
40 & Older Stock Car: Pierce Arrow; Robert and Judy Gandy, Troy
40 and older stock pickup: Delbert McDaniel, Clark Fork
41-59 Stock Car: 54 Chevrolet Del Ray, Gary Haymond, Hayden, Idaho
Lady’s Ride: 65 Chevrolet Impala Convertible; Linda Dumont, Sandpoint
In Progress: 1951 Chevrolet Fleetline; Bill Baker, Bonners Ferry
Rat Rod: Buick Retro Rod; Gery & Linda Rose, Troy
Motor Cycle: 78 Honda Hobart Moped; Jeramy Hofer, Bonners Ferry
Long Distance: 320 miles; 1975 Mercedes, Geoff Elkins, Alberta
Mayor’s Trophy: 1967 Chevelle; Hank Hoover, Spirit Lake, Idaho
On behalf of the Boundary County community, News Bonners Ferry extends its thanks to everyone who participated, near and far, and to all who attended. Special thanks go out to the Rodbenders themselves, who have not only given us 14 years of great Borders Three Jubilees, but who have added classic automotive style to so many local events.
Whether you're young or old, there's nothing quite like meeting a convoy of classic rigs coming into Bonners Ferry when on you're on your way to wherever you routinely go to make you smile and wave, oooh and aah ... and to remind you that, once again, there's something special going on in Bonners Ferry.
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She only sat in the seat of this Midget for a moment, but this young girl's Dad gave his daughter a memory that will last her a lifetime. |
| The classics affected older folks as well, stirring memories that were or "bucket lists" to reach. |
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How many of today's kids, seeing cars such as this this, will be caught doodling hot automotive pictures in class instead of subjugating verbs? Remember getting caught? For many of artistic bent, the teacher holding up a particularly good picture drawn was not a source of shame, but a rite of passage. |
| There's even a record of proof that a love of and dedication to beautiful cars will not preclude one's being a functional member of society, but better. Despite hours spent polishing, fabricating and keeping this old girl going in nearly every local parade and show, County Commissioner Walt Kirby, and his wife, Jane, have well proven that they still have time to give to neighbors and community. |
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Believe it or not, some rigs in the Borders Three car show aren't all chrome, spit or polish, but it doesn't mean they aren't beautiful, but have much to be appreciated. Walt and Gerri Dinning are appreciating all the artistic touches on this "rust bucke;," from the spider web fender to the raven's skull on the cowli ... or should that be "caw"ling?" ... Regardless, it's classic. |
| A love of cars wasn't essential to enjoying the day ... with JoJo asking "How low can you go?" many kids chose to limbo ... |
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Others chose to admire bi-pedal, but walking bikes was okay, too. |