The Fronces are a great example of the family atmosphere that is prevalent at this event. According to Roger Fronce, "Five or six of us come here every year. We park our motor homes at a friend's in Ferndale and have a great time."
This isn't Roger and Carolyn's first restored car either. "It gets into your blood," Roger said. It must indeed. According to the Fronces, they attend several of these shows a year, with Roger adding, "The Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo is a very well planned show and we will be back." But they'd better register early, because this event gets bigger each year and many entries were too late to enter this year.
1967 Thunderbird
Dennis and Karen Valentine had driven their 1937 Ford from the Sacramento area, again proving that this is no small-time local show. This couple comes here because it is one of the best run and attended shows on the West Coast. Recently retired, Dennis Valentine spent over fourteen months restoring and customizing his Metallic Indigo Blue two seater and it is a beauty to behold. The blue is contrasted with a tan "soft top" that is removed for sunny Poker Runs, which are organized rides through town to pre-selected stopping points where driver pick cards. The driver with the best hand at the end wins the Poker Run. Talking to the Valentines was a true indicator of the quality of people that attend this show.
Dennis reflected the thoughts of many other participants as he said, "My kids are grown now and I'm retired, so it's a passion." He added, "This is the best show that we have attended and we will definitely be back." The Valentines stayed at the Benbow Inn during the AutoXpo and said the drive back and forth was a highlight of the trip.
The Judged Car Show flowed into the Poker Run from 5 to 7 that evening, with the rest of the night left for dinning and socializing. Results from the judged portion of the show will be posted in August at redwoodautoxpo.com.