49th State Street Rodders revving up summer car show season

WASILLA — The 49th State Street Rodders are holding a variety of car shows throughout the summer.

“We've got a bunch of events," 49th State Street Rodders President Don Wright said.

According to Wright, they had over 50 vehicles entered in the annual Valley Chrome and Wheel Car Show at the MTA Events Center in downtown Palmer. This three-day indoor car show was held May 3 through May 5 and featured numerous awards for participants such as People's Choice and the Mayor's Trophy.

“It was a great event," Wright said.

Over 40 vehicles were entered in a car show held at O'Reilly Auto Parts in downtown Wasilla Saturday, May 18.

“Everyone had a good time. It was fun," Wright said.

The 49th State Street Rodders are holding a car show at the Palmer O'Reilly Auto Part store at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25.

“O'Reilly is our major sponsor. They like to support us and we like to support them," he said.

Wright noted that they're going to have numerous car shows throughout the summer and they're also planning to hold a summer picnic.

The 49th State Street Rodders are putting on a Memorial Day car show Monday, May 27 at the Anchorage VA Medical Center which is located at 1201 North Muldoon Road. The event runs from 12 to 4 p.m.

There will be numerous awards given to participants during the Memorial Day car show. The Honor Flight will be present during the event and the Honor Guard will hold a ceremony. The event will also feature activities for children. The YMCA will have a booth to collect food donations, and those interested in registering their vehicles can enter by donating two cans or packages of non-perishable food items. Registration is from 12 to 2 p.m. for parking and staging

The 49th State Street Rodders are also participating in other community events such as the annual Rev Alaska Auto Show which will be held at the Menard Sports Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 2. Wright said they will be handing out O'Reilly merchandise during the event.

The 49th State Street Rodders are participating in the Alaska Raceway Park’s

Thunder Valley Flag Drag event from 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1.

The 49th State Street Rodders is a local car club that welcomes anyone who's interested in new and vintage vehicles. He said their club is a laid back community of car enthusiasts who enjoy following their official motto: “Just havin’ fun.”

“Everybody respects everybody and we just have a good time,” Wright said.

All 49th State Street Rodders events are free and open to the public. Local food trucks typically participate to offer guests food and refreshments.

Those interested in joining the Street Rodders can sign up at any time. Annual memberships cost $35.

For more information about the club and upcoming events, visit statestreetrodders.com or follow the official Facebook page.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com