Cruising on Saturday morning in Montesano

The Historic Montesano Car Show returns to the county seat July 20.

Denny Foster and his 1954 Ford Sunliner are ready.

The Montesano native spent his career as a machinist. Now, restoring cars is among his occupations.

“I had numerous cars, more than what the wife (Linda) would have liked, I’m sure,” Foster said at his Monte home.

His first project car was a 1934 Ford Roadster.

“We drove that all over,” he said. “We went to Lincoln, Nebraska, with it for a rod and custom show in 2000. We won an award with it (at one of the first Monte car shows).”

When asked how many hours he put into the Sunliner, Foster said, “Oh jeez … lots.”

He said he enters car shows every chance he gets.

“We enjoy taking the car,” he said of his and Linda’s perennial summer plans for the convertible. “We cruise down the Oregon Coast, stuff like that. Basically, we enjoy going and visiting the kids. We have four daughterxs together, two in California and two in Oregon. Five grandkids and one great-granddaughter.”

But there might be less traveling this summer. His next project car is waiting in the barn, which also is one of his fixer-upper projects.

When asked what the next car was, he said, ”A 1953 Ford that I got from the daughter of the original owner.”

The car show

This year’s Historic Montesano Car show’s activities will begin Friday night.

“We try and add something new every year,” volunteer show organizer Dave Foss said. “This year, we’re having something we’re really excited about. We’re having a kick-off cruise in front of Fleet Park on Friday night. The city will close off that part of town. Cars will be shown.”

There will be root beer floats for sale that night. And some of the cars will be on hand for viewing. Foss also said some businesses close by will be offering discounts.

He said they expect between 200 and 250 cars this year. The flea market also will be back, including a vendor from Arizona with specialty automotive badges and decals, said John Fox, who runs the market. He also expects crafts, jewelry and antiques to be among the vendors, burger flippers and elephant ear fryers.

The flea market will be in the county building parking lot near Broadway, where the cars will be.

The volunteer organization that runs the show donates thousands of dollars to local charities.

“We kept the car show going, but were able to make it into a charity event,” Foss said. “The people who come (car owners) now bring food for the Food Bank.

“The car show raises thousands of dollars every year plus a truckload of food.”

The Montesano Chamber of Commerce will again throw a Kids Summerfest in Fleet Park.

Expect bounce houses and other inflatable activities as well as face painting and a crafts table sponsored by Home Depot. Kids Summerfest runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Saturday Morning Market will be near Fleet Park as well. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s not too late for people to get involved with helping the show,” Foss said. “We’re still accepting business sponsors for awards, door prizes and the Treasure Hunt; and we can always use more volunteers the day of the show.”

Those interested can reach Foss at 360-580-7941.

Photos by Michael Lang | Grays Harbor News Group Denny Foster stands next to his 1954 Ford Sunliner, which he restored, at his Montesano home. It will be among the dozens shown at the annual Historic Montesano Car Show on Saturday.