The heat wave in Washington came to an end just in time for the ninth annual Heat on the Street Car and Motorcycle Show in Elma on Aug. 5. More than 2,000 spectators, according to the Elma Chamber of Commerce, came out to see the more than 280 classic cars and motorcycles lining the streets of Elma on Saturday.

“It was probably the best car show we’ve ever had based on the feedback people have given me,” said Paula Jones, Elma Chamber of Commerce director. “Everyone was excited and liked what we had going on.”

Last year the show registered 274 vehicles and brought some 1,500 people to Elma. Jones credited the rise in attendance this year to the hard work of volunteers and the near perfect weather that brought car enthusiasts from all over to Heat on the Street.

“The crowd was definitely up from last year,” she said. “The weather was perfect.”

Randy and Ronda Davis made their way from Woodland to indulge Randy’s “addiction” to car shows. They brought along their 1973 Roadster Convertible that Randy remodeled from a ‘73 Nova Coup some 5 years ago. The Davises are no strangers to car shows but this was their first time participating in Heat on the Street.

“It’s nice to come to a car show where people ask you what you want instead of telling you what they want,” Randy said.

They also attended the cruise-in on Aug. 4. and said the community should make an effort to support the cruise-in the same way they support the Main Street show.

“We went to the cruise-in last night too and it was fun,” Ronda said.

Tom and Cathy Peters had been trying to make it back to Heat on the Street ever since they first attended four years ago. This year, lacking other obligations, they were finally able to head to Elma from Shelton and show off their 1937 Ford Cabriolet.

“It’s great — the weather is perfect today,” Tom said.

“And they put on a good show. It’s a lot of fun,” Cathy added.

Tom was excited to finally get his participant T-shirt and Cathy said, awards aside, they were there to enjoy the day and the view of all the classic cars.

“If we win a trophy it’s icing on the cake, but whether we win or not it’s still fun,” she said.

Some at the show didn’t have to travel far to participate. Dick Vessey and Edna Atkinson of Elma watched as admirers examined Vessey’s 1953 GMC which made its first appearance this year. Vessey had owned the truck 17 years ago but then decided it was time for a change. But a month and a half ago, he decided he wanted another truck.

“I decided I wanted to do it again, so I started looking for a truck and found the old one I had,” Vessey said.

As the event progressed throughout the day aromas coming from vendor alley on Third Street became stronger seemingly by the minute. Numerous food and local vendors were present selling everything from locally made crafts to corn on the cob and baked potatoes grilled by Elma VFW Post 1948 Auxiliary and barbecue dishes from Grave Digger’s Barbecue.

“Our vendors did well. All of them seemed really pleased,” Jones said. “We’re just really lucky because the local businesses really support us.”

Heat on the Street again this year went beyond catering only to car enthusiasts. The East Grays Harbor Transformation Team coordinated family activities in front of Northwest Life Center where people could step out of the sun and enjoy face painting and miniature basketball under a canopy that shielded show goers from the tail end of last week’s heat wave. If willing to brave the sun, kids could take advantage of bounce houses set up at the end of Third Street.

Tim DeFlyer, whose family attends Northwest Life Center, said they try to make it out every year.

“We do it ever year to try and get the kids involved with the Lord,” he said.

Jones said that her favorite part of the show is when awards are handed out.

“I love watching when they get their awards and they get their moment of feeling proud of what they’ve done,” she said.

For more photos, visit The Vidette’s website at www.the vidette.com.