Sun shines on Wellton car show

Wellton - Bryan and Kathy Loder weren't only enjoying a bright cool morning Saturday as they sat by their fixed up 1954 Chevrolet, they were also helping local elementary school students.

The couple submitted the vehicle to the Wheelz in Wellton Car Show, an event organized by Coyote Wash of Glen Curtis Development, Inc. to raise money for Wellton Elementary School.

The event brought in 58 vehicles and all proceeds from the entry fees will go to funding the school's athletic programs, said Billy Curtis, a son of the Glen Curtis family.

When the event was being organized, the company learned the school was in need of a lot of equipment. "They don't have any baseball gloves, they have don't have any baseball bats or anything so we agreed that it would be for their benefit," Curtis said.

"My father always said it feels good, and it's so true, it makes you feel real good to be able to do things for other people, and that's kind of a motto that my family has always lived by," Curtis said.

The Loders have participated in numerous car shows but those that benefit good causes are the ones they really like to attend, the couple said.

Bryan Loder, who along with his wife owns five show cars, has been building cars since he retired about 12 years ago, he said.

"I think it's wonderful, the weather is cooperating now and (there are) some beautiful cars here, having a great time," Bryan Loder said of the Wellton car show.

Bob Marshall, another participant at the car show, decided to enter the show to help out the community he considers a second home.

The Foothills resident brought his yellow 1937 Ford pickup truck even though it needed more work done to be displayed at a show.

"I brought it anyway just so I could help the community and it's a lot of fun," Marshall said.

All types of vehicles were eligible to enter the car show this first year, including cars, motorcycles, jeeps, sand buggies and more. No specific categories were designated, Curtis said.

Five secret judges selected their top choices, out of which four trophy winners were named. All participants received an event T-shirt and a photo taken with their car. Photos By Tawnee Miller did the photography.

Entry vehicles also participated in a two-mile parade in the city and were then displayed at Butterfield Park.

"This is something that we hope continues on forever," Curtis said of the event, which was sponsored in part by The Hook Advertising, Sonora Nissan and Ed Whitehead's Tire.

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WHEELZ IN WELLTON CAR SHOW WINNERS:

-First Place: 1952 English Ford Anglia owned by John Dallabetta

-Second Place: 1966 Ford Cobra owned by Craig and Carol Hania

-Third Place: 2002 VTX 1800 Motorcycle owned by Triker

-Fourth Place: 1931 Ford Model A Roadster owned by Paul Sundell

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Juana M. Gyek can be reached at

jgyek@yumasun.com or 539-6872.