October 8, 2004

Hundreds attend East Valley Church Car Rally

By Dennis Arriaga and Heidi Boyd
Special to the Times

The lawn at East Valley Church in Evergreen recently transformed from a lush green field of neatly groomed grass to a parking lot housing more horsepower than EVC has on any given Sunday.

The second annual East Valley Church Car Rally on Labor Day weekend provided an afternoon of great food, live music, a raffle from local Evergreen merchants, and more than 50 cars, trucks and motorcycles.

The vehicles started rolling in at about 3:30 p.m., and the “Ooh’s and Ahhh’s” didn’t stop until the event came to a close at 8 p.m. The vehicles on display included an Austin Healy, several Corvettes, a Jaguar, a Porsche, a Challenger, a Barracuda, several Mustangs, a GMC Cyclone, a Studebaker, a Packard, a 1927 fire engine and many other beautifully and painstakingly restored cars, trucks and motorcycles.

While taking in the sights, those attending enjoyed the musical stylings of the EVC band–known by various names, depending upon the time of year–but fantastic no matter what the occasion.

Dinner included barbecued hot dogs, courtesy of Chef Traversari and team, and an assortment of delicious side dishes provided by various members of East Valley Church.

Another highlight included a raffle with generously donated prizes such as an introductory fitness membership to Curves, free pizzas from Klondike’s, gift certificates to Red Robin and Pasta Pomodoro, a car cover from Winchester Auto and coupons to Coldstone Ice Cream.

It was a good excuse for the Evergreen community to meet and greet one another—and show off their vehicles as well! Overall, the event was a great success. Even those who aren’t car aficionados enjoyed themselves, taking in the sights and sounds.

The event could not have been the success it was without the countless volunteers who served. Those who did the oooing and ahhhing – well, they couldn’t get enough.

East Valley Church is located in Evergreen at 2827 Flint Ave., between Norwood Avenue and Tully Road. If you missed this car rally, make sure you attend the next one scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2005.