Blasts from the past cruised into Creede

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Photos by Lyndsie Ferrell John Jayne of South Fork took “Best of Show” honors for his 1932 Dodge Brothers Three-Window Coupe.

CREEDE- This year may have been a wild ride, but nothing compares to the wild rides that drove into Creede over the weekend. The annual Cruising the Canyon Car Show was a huge success and brought with it blasts from the past in more ways than one.


Though who were in attendance adhered to the state and local COVID-19 regulations. The show was one of the most normal things to hit the streets of Creede in sometime. Keeping true to the origins of the car show, both the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners Vicki and Nick Kulyk made the weekend one to remember.


There were about 100 vehicles spaced 10 feet apart lining Main Street in Creede; everything from Camaros, El Caminos, vintage Ford Model Ts and beyond glistened in the fall afternoon sun as guests wandered to and from enjoying the last warm rays of sunlight.


One vehicle stood out amongst the crowd and came with a special story as well. Claudia (last name unknown), a proud owner of a 1965 Ford Thunderbird stood next to her beautiful vehicle and waved to the passing crowd. She was happy to discuss her story with any passerby and even displayed a description for those who chose to stop and read. “In 1980, my Aunt Jane decided to finally purchase the car of her dreams, a 1965 T-Bird,” said Claudia.


She proceeded with her story stating that her Aunt bought the car, which was in bad shape, but she was determined to have it restored. Finally, Aunt Jane was able to get the vehicle in for a paint job and unfortunately passed away while it was being painted. “My Uncle brought the car home and let it sit in the yard. My husband and I were in the process, several years later, of buying another vehicle and the sale fell through when we realized there was more wrong with the car than it was worth. It was at that time that I asked my Uncle about the T-bird.”


Low and behold, the T-bird was up for sale and as fate would have it, it was the perfect price. Claudia purchased the car and spent the next several years bringing it back to life. “I will pass it on to my son and he will take care of it after I’m gone. I love this car and I know he will love it too.”


Claudia was only one of many who participated in the car show and her story is only one of hundreds that were shared. Not only was the show a way to pay homage to the beauty of classic vehicles but it also gave present day guests a chance to say farewell to summer in a good old fashioned way.


2020 Winners: John Jayne of South Fork took “Best of Show” honors for his 1932 Dodge Brothers Three-Window Coupe. Other winners and award sponsors were: Mines & Memories: Clifford and Vicki Chism, Mountainair, NM, 1955 Chevy Bel Air; Square Peg Brewerks: Jack Griffin, Mancos, 1984 Chevy Coupe; San Juan Sports: Ivan Wright, Center, 1968 Ford Bronco; Cottonwood Cove: Chuck Atencio, Antonito, 1968 Chevy Camaro; Liquid Ambitions: Don Pacheco, Bosque Farms, NM, 1957 Chevy Bel Air; Quiller Gallery: Patrick Eastman, Center, 1965 Ford T-Bird; Creede Elks Lodge #506: Peter Lansing, Denver, 1941 Ford Convertible; Creede Snowshoe ATV: Steve Hensley, Flora Vista, NM, 1972 Plymouth Baracuda; Creede ATV: Mario Cano, Gypsum, 1989 Chevy Cheyenne; Tommyknocker Tavern: Cole Jones, Del Norte, 2014 Ford Mustang; Creede Olive Oil: Scott White, Alamosa, 1946 Packard Super Clipper; Kentucky Belle Market: Mario Armenta, Albuqueque, 1956 Pontiac Star Chief; Creede Snowshoe Lodge: Jim Corken, Durango, 1957 Chevy Bel Air; 4UR Ranch: Phillip Bellman, Durango, 1946 Ford Sedan; Rio Grande Motor Parts: Cheree Frost, Parker, 1967 Ford Mustang; Aspen Inn: Larry R. Thompson, Wichita Falls, TX, 1950 Ford Crestliner; Downstream Gas & Mercantile: Jake Padilla, Farmington, 1928 Ford Roadster Truck; Antlers Lodge and Riverside: Michael Pitre, Creede, 1965 Cushman; Kiwanis Club of South Fork: Brace Leach, Wichita Falls, 1968 Ford Mustang; Kips Grill: Nick Kulyk, Creede, 1947 Ford Business Coupe; Miners Restaurant: Doug Haller, Monte Vista, 1953 Ford Victoria; Don Pacheco Award: Darrell Yohn, Los Lavus, NM, 1968 Chevy Super Camino; and People’s Choice: Cole Jones, Del Norte, 2014 Ford Mustang.


Winners received rocks painted by local Creede artist Andy Foshea