Cars and fun highlight NE Portland Rotary Cruise-in

From hydraulic-hopping low-riders to classics, this Parkrose car show has it all. Take a look …

Parkrose resident Ken Rydman says he just finished rebuilding this 1934 Ford Roadster.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When the sun comes out in Portland, classic car and specialty vehicle owners love to head out, to show off their “special rides” at cruise-in events.

Such was the case on July 28 when the NE Portland Rotary Club put on its annual cruise-in at Parkrose High School.

Brothers Lou Fontana and Frank Fontana are two of the volunteers who organize this fun, annual car show.

Experts from the “Street Magic of Portland” car club judge the cruise-in entries.

“Were building this event, it’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” said co-organizer Lou Fontana. “Our Rotary club, in conjunction with Northwest Motorsports Association, puts it together for the benefit of our community.”

There were about a hundred cars in display, Fontana said. “We’ve had a good mix of cars. We even have some ‘hoppers’ over here – low-rider cars that bounce up and down.”

New at the show this year are hydraulic-hopping low-riders, like this classic Buick Royal.

Art Kurtz with Knights of Columbus makes a frosty snow cone at their booth, to raise money to help military veterans.

Beyond the joy of cars, the outer East Portland event is important, Fontana added, “because all of our participants and vendors are raising money for their respective charities.”

Northwest Motorsports raises money that goes to the Mt. Hood Community College automotive department programs.
NE Portland Rotary funds support the club’s Parkrose High School scholarship program.
Knights of Columbus’ food stand raises money to support a veterans’ retirement home in The Dalles.

Fontana thanked the dozen volunteers who labored to put on the show. “We’re already working on our 2013 show. We do little pieces at a time, and it all comes together.”

Find out more about NE Portland Rotary by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

The band, “Bolt Upright” rocks out with both original and classic tunes.

Comments are closed.