CREEDE— Cars, trucks and bikes lined Main Street in Creede on Saturday for the 10th Annual Cruisin’ the Canyon Car Show. Crowds began to gather in the early morning sunlight as registered vehicles pulled into their parking spaces along the street in preparation for the show.
Vintage vehicles met with new age hotrods and made for one of the most successful years the show has ever seen with a staggering 114 registered vehicles.
Main Street was packed with people wandering amongst the many cars, stopping to inspect engines or to take picture of their favorite vehicles. There were even some rare finds in the 114 cars, some of which aren’t seen anymore today. For instance, one vehicle, a Pontiac T37, was only marketed between the years of 1962 to 1981 and is considered extremely rare to find in mint condition like the one that was at the show on Saturday.
The fall colors were a sight to be seen as guests made their way up the canyon along Highway 149. With precipitation levels at an all-time low for the year, trees began turning at an earlier time and those who were coming to the car show, worried that they may miss out. Much to their surprise the San Juan and La Garita Mountains did not disappoint as the aspens showed of their fall colors, changing daily throughout the weekend.
The car show was originally brought to Creede by local business owners Nick and Vicki Kulyk. For the past nine years and in partnership with the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, they have brought a fun, colorful weekend to the slow season between the busy summer holiday and when the hunters venture back into town. Funds raised during the show are donated to the chamber to help with future projects as well as operating costs. The show helps keep the chamber open and running even in the off-season in Creede.
Other rare finds included Plymouth Road Runners, a Plymouth GTX and an old Plymouth Packard. All of which were the highlight for many car enthusiasts throughout the day. Other vehicles included gorgeous Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs, Chevy Belairs, El Caminos and so much more.
This year’s people’s choice award went to a 1968 Chevy Chevelle owned by Michael Torres out of New Mexico. The Don Pacheco Award went to a 1957 Chevy Belair convertible owned by Clifford and Vicki Chissum out of New Mexico and Best of Show went to a 1939 Chevy Sedan Delivery owned by John and Leslie White out of New Mexico.
The weekend was a huge success and though it is time for Creede to take a small breath before the next big event in November, those who attended agreed that it was a great way to say goodbye to summer and welcome the shorter days of fall. Next up is the annual Chocolate Festival that takes place the weekend of Nov. 23.