East Helena Hosts Second Annual Car Show
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News reporter
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Vintage Car owners love to talk about their cars. Mostly, they love to talk. That was the case at the second annual East Helena car show hosted by Damion Briggs’ Pontiac Pac group. Briggs, who organized the show, said last year they had 75 car entries. “This year we had 115 entries. Vintage car people really enjoy getting together,” he said.
The Pontiac Pac also organized by Briggs, began in 1993 for owners of Firebirds, Bonnevilles, GTOs and whatever model General Motors made from the 1940s until 2009 when the giant automaker went bankrupt. The federal government extended the floundering company a bailout, but with caveats: they would have to quit manufacturing sedans, Pontiacs and Saturns. Of the sedans, only the Buick remains in GM’s lineup and continues today. Hence the high interest in restoring and preserving Pontiacs of all persuasions, Briggs said: “We Pontiac owners get together to reminisce about these big, beautifully made- out- of steel cars with big engines and lots of comfort. The group is all about great cars and great people.”
The day was not just about sunshine and shiny cars. Families played in JFK Park, then feasted on snow cones. Senior Citizens enjoyed sitting in lawn chairs in front of the VFW and Smith's Bar. Several hundred people attended the event, including the proverbial teenagers who coveted F350 pickup trucks. Briggs directed the Top Gun Body Shop Hotwheels races for kids of all ages.
Willie Johnson of Helena won both the People’s Choice and the Best in Show Awards with his ’72 gold Chevelle Concourse. Billings resident Paul Yeager won the award for traveling the farthest distance from Billings in his ’68 Bonneville. All entry fees and 50/50 money went to the Montana Disabled American Veterans. Briggs said they’ll look at having a third show next year and would especially like to thank Peak Physical Therapy for sponsoring the event.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Participants walked East Helena Main Street on Saturday to admire beautiful cars and trucks.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
***
Image 2 Caption: Cutbank resident Dick Ebert is especially proud of his 1958 Pontiac Bonneville which he bought in 1980 with 53,000 original miles. He purchased it in Big Fork. His sign explains "Parts All Original, like the owner."
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 3 Caption: Make-believe hamburger and ice cream sundae sit atop a 'drive-in' table just like the old days when lady carhops would bring your meal to eat in your 1957 shock-white Bonneville with a chrome covered spare tire compartment.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
***
Image 4 Caption: '57 Bonneville convertible with lots of chrome.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
***
Image 5 Caption: Sign on Damion Brigg's '66 Grand Prix Pontiac. His story is he was almost born in the car when his folks had to race to the hospital in it. His dad gave him the car when he was in high school. Briggs restored the black beauty in 1988.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
