From the News Review: Graffiti Night Cruise highlights classic car show weekend
Dashboard computers and hybrid technology was absent in downtown Roseburg Saturday evening as classic cars rumbled through the streets during the 31st annual Umpqua Flatheads Roseburg Graffiti Night Cruise.
Vehicles made in 1972 and older returned downtown to an era before the words fuel efficient were ever used to describe cars. Spectators lined sidewalks as classic models from Ford, Chevrolet and Studebaker rolled down Jackson and Main streets for the closed route cruise that is the culmination of Graffiti Weekend.
The five-day event draws classic car enthusiasts from around the Northwest and beyond with the cruise drawing the largest crowd and car participation.
Umpqua Flatheads Car Club treasurer Lance Wetteland said 650 cars participated in last year's cruise. Organizers expect a similar number for Saturday evening.
Wetteland drove his 1947 light blue Ford pickup, one of three vehicles at the head of the cruise.
He said an appreciation for quality and nostalgia makes this an event people come to year after year.
Vic LaBrec and Mark Shelton of Coquille set up chairs a few hours before the cruise on Jackson Street across from the Douglas County Central Library.
The two have made the hour plus drive to Roseburg each year to get a glimpse of their favorite cars. LaBrec's is a 1934 Ford Coupe, while Shelton prefers muscle cars from the 1960s and '70s, especially the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette.
The two said they value classic cars because many were hand built before the days of robot assembly lines. They said a car put together by hand comes with a certain level of quality not seen in modern vehicles.
“It's just about seeing old iron,” LaBrec said.
Roseburg residents Harv and Pat Feagin shared a similar sentiment. The married couple has frequented Graffiti Weekend since moving to the county 17 years ago. Pat Feagin said the cruise brought them back to their youth when classic cars were a frequent sight.
“It's fun to see them and relive the glory days,” she said.
Harv Feagin was driving in his first cruise with his grandchildren Camerin and Coby Feagin of Sutherlin. He drove his 1959 Meyers Manx.
On the sidewalk of Main Street, Paige Dille, 2, of Roseburg, sat perched on her father Danny Dille's shoulders. Paige's brother Dayton, 5, sat next to them, giving a thumbs up to passing cars.
Danny Dille said he has come for the past four years. He said he considers himself a car enthusiast and added that both of his children share his interest.
“I like the ones with flames,” Dayton said, pointing at a car driving by.
Before Saturday evening's cruise, many enthusiasts spent most of their day basking in the sun at the River Forks Show-N-Shine. That event was from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hundreds of classic cars were parked on the grass for patrons to view the cars and there was plenty of opportunities to talk to car owners.
Jim Valentine of Bandon took pictures of cars as he moved about the park. He was attending his first Graffiti Weekend and said he was impressed with the quantity and quality of vehicles.
Valentine, 70, said he considered himself a classic car enthusiast since he marveled as an 8 year old in 1955 at his neighbor's 1934 Ford Flathead.
Valentine said he's seeing a shift in the dynamic of classic cars. While Fords and Chevrolets will always have a place in the category, he said a younger generation is finding interest in hybrid vehicles and lighter weight cars. One day those will be the classic cars people gather to see, he said.
“This is an exciting time,” he said. “Green energy is a real thing. The old timers are passing the torch.”
Graffiti activities continue today with a Graffiti Weeks-End Fun Run from Roseburg to Canyonville.
Registration is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the parking lots between McDonalds and Parkway Medical off Stewart Parkway in Roseburg. The run ends at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville where classic cars will be on display. A barbecue is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Boomer Band will perform from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
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