President's Message
Welcome
to the 35th Annual Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo!
I’m Kenny Demello and I’d like to introduce myself as the 2026 Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo President.
I’m born and raised in Fortuna and have worked at Wendt Construction for 49 years. I like some of you I have been enjoying the AutoXpo for the last 34 years.
As a kid growing up in Fortuna I enjoyed racing around on my bicycle and riding motorcycles. As I entered my teenage years cars became important to me…and they still are!
I raced the “8 ball” at the Redwood Acres Raceway and a few years ago when I hung up my racetrack helmet I started restoration on a 1923 Model T-Bucket roadster. When that was complete I still needed the wrench in my hand so I restored my Uncles 1936 Massey Harris 4x4 tractor…both of which you will see on display July 24th,25th and 26th !
Fortuna has been fortunate to have some Xpo team members on board since the first one was held on Main Street 35 years ago! These valuable members have helped me transition into the position of President and quite frankly I’d be lost without them.
This is truly a city commitment and we are thankful to have an amazing group of volunteers, City of Fortuna employees and the Police Department to partner with. They are some of the most dedicated and professional folks around and we are very lucky they call Fortuna home.
When you attend Xpo on July 24th, 25th and 26th you will see all hands-on deck to welcome you to the Friendly City!
If you have an opportunity please take a moment to thank our tireless police department, city crew, volunteers and Xpo committee members for their yearlong commitment and dedication to bringing you the 35th Annual Fortuna AutoXpo.
We look forward to seeing you July 24th, 25th and 26th for the 35th
Fortuna AutoXpo!
Enjoy!
Kenny Demello, President,
and the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo Committee
