Legends bike & car fest continues today

The streets of downtown Carson City were filled with gleaming cars and bikes Saturday as the inaugural Legends of the West Bike & Car Fest kick-started the event season under cloudy and then rainy afternoon skies.

The Downtown Business Association sponsored the event.

For those wandering among the classic cars, however, the trip downtown was definitely worth it.

Annette Carter and Jay Reynolds of Carson City said they were "new to all this."

Reynolds, who had entered his 1947 root-beer-colored Chevy in the car show, said he is retired, and likes old cars.

"That's where all my money goes," he said.

So far, he's put in a new clutch, added new tires and wheels, and had an original bumper chromed.

"It looks like brand new," Carter said.

"At least the bumper looks brand new," Reynolds was quick to add.

The couple said they were enjoying the event, and felt it would have been even better if the weather had cooperated.

One of the finest looking cars at the show & shine was a bright red 1968 Jaguar belonging to Pete Harris of Mound House.

"I've been through a few (cars) over the years," Harris said, adding that he bought the Jag 28 years ago.

He recently closed his business, Dream Street Rods and Customs, but keeps the building so he can work on his projects. He started building the jag about a year and a half ago, he said.

"It was a total when I started," he said.

He enjoys showing his completed projects because it's fun to see people admiring his work.

"I just sold a '27 T Touring Ford to help pay for this one," Harris said.

He agreed that the event was a great way to bring people downtown.

"It's turning out pretty nice for the first one. A lot of people I know didn't bring their car down because of the weather. They'll probably fill the street all the way to Fifth Street next year," he said.

Duane and Corrie Anderson said they ended up at the event by accident.

"We wondered why they blocked the road," Duane said. "We thought it might be a terrorist attack."

Corrie said she heard there were cars and food, so they decided to stop and get some exercise.

"Carson City needs to start doing more eclectic things like this downtown, the way Reno does," she said. "We're much cuter than Reno."

Dennis Ashe, a member of the Karson Kruzers, called the day "a lot of fun," saying he wasn't able to walk around to see many of the cars and bikes because he had a broken ankle.

He had entered his blue 1970 Dodge Dart.

He hopes the event will become annual.

"This is the first year, and I think they should do it every year. They've got good music, and it will generate more people every year," Ashe said.

The festival continues today with setup from 7-10 a.m. A brunch buffet will be offered from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Elk's Lodge. The show & shine is from 10 a.m.-noon. Vendors will be set up in Arlington Square.

Carson Street will be closed between Fifth and William streets, and Curry Street will be closed between Fifth and Robinson streets 7 a.m.-noon today.

Proceeds benefit the Disabled American Veterans Local Chapters 1 and 7.