Hot rods race into Monte

MONTE VISTA—The third annual Hot Rod Dirt Drags weekend was another exciting success, expanding on previous years’ for an even bigger event, drawing rodders from around the country to Monte Vista. The Best Western Movie Manor hosted the majority of the events, including one night and two days of dirt drag racing and car shows.
Attendees to Saturday’s events at the Movie Manor were met by the staff of Nick’s Garage dressed in white suit pants to accompany their mechanic shirts and white rose boutonnieres with wrenches, as owners Nick and Amy (the famous flag girl) were married that morning before the events began. Their wedding rings are made from Nick’s great-grandfather’s shop wrenches, and cake was featured at the Saturday night Drive-In Theatre Tent Party to celebrate the occasion.
Roughly 100 cars participated in the Car Show on the Green and drag racing down the track all day Saturday, with music by Rodney James and the High Gear Daddies and Ethyl and the Regulars entertaining crowds from behind the Movie Manor office. Several vendors were on hand selling clothing, pinstripe style painting and other car-themed items, in addition to Chef Charles and Smokin’ Johnny’s Barbeque selling food outside and within the restaurant. Johhny Ward, owner of Smokin’ Johnny’s said, “There wasn’t a seat to spare in the whole place” Friday night, and had a conspicuous line throughout the day on Saturday. “American Graffiti” and “Cars” were the themed movies playing at the Drive in Friday and Saturday night.
Saturday evening’s downtown events, sponsored by the Monte Vista Economic Development Corporation, Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce and the City of Monte Vista, were hosted on the southeast section of Adams Street. The evening featured the band Ernie and the All-Stars flawlessly playing a popular mix of western music; although unfortunately not many couples were brave enough to dance. Stars and Strikes sold burgers, hot dogs and sides, the Vali Theater Board sold soda and popcorn and included giveaway offers; Southern Colorado Computer Services handed out free water and the Monte Vista Conquistadores sold dessert, their back-by-popular-demand cookie ice cream sandwiches and root beer floats. Stars reported selling out of the originally anticipated amounts of food but were luckily able to bring more. The downtown events had a smaller turnout than 2016 with approximately 200 people coming through over the two and half hours, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those present who supported local businesses, thanked the volunteers and thoroughly enjoyed the revelry.


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