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We're the Vintiques of Yakima, Inc. and we come from every part of the country and a dozen different walks of life. For work we don a variety of hats and pursue a wide range of professions. And we enjoy our diversity! But beneath our differences lie the strong bonds of a shared love affair with vintage autos! And it's this unwavering interest that brings us together monthly (or oftener) to share the responsibilities of Vintiques activities, the annual Northwest National Street Rod Show, and a wealth of community service projects. Vintiques of Yakima began in 1974 with a handful of energetic street rod enthusiasts who have grown to an organization of numerous families and generations, who stress street rod safety; promote family participation in club activities; and generously donate time and money to community needs.
We're often asked, "Just how old must a car be to qualify as a street rod?". Well for over 25 years we answered that question as...any car made in 1948 or earlier meet the qualifications. However, due to the fact that these classic gems are getting harder and harder to find in restorable condition, therefore, the Vintiques have decided to now include 1972 and earlier vehicles, starting with our 2006 Rod Run. Vintiques members share a boundless enthusiasm for all old cars and many have one or more to call their own; but owning a street rod is not a prerequisite for club membership. Any person of good character interested in street rodding activities and over 18 years of age is eligible for membership in the Vintiques of Yakima Car Club.
Coupes...sedans...roadsters...hi-boys...and chopped-tops - street rods, like their owners, come in all sizes and shapes! And we celebrate the fact no two vintage autos are exactly alike. While some models are carefully preserved for state occasions, others serve day in and day out as the family car. Most sport a recently manufactured "muscle" engine and a host of other contemporary amenities inside and out. |
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The first weekend in August is always circled in red on the Vintiques' calendar. On that weekend the annual Vintiques Northwest Nationals are held in Yakima, Washington. Masterminded by more than 30 diligent committees, this exciting event attracts around 1,000 street rods and approximately 15,000 people for two full days of street rod viewing and entertainment at the Central Washington State Fairgrounds in Yakima. The Vintiques Northwest Nationals is the second largest annual event held at the Fairgrounds, topped only by the Central Washington State Fair. Old car enthusiasts bring their street rods from the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and northern California for a weekend extravaganza that focuses on family fun. The public is invited to share the pleasures of an evening concert (free with show admission) and the spectacular weekend showcase of street rods. Our participants and their families enjoy two full days of games and contests, awards, model car competition (open to all ages), valley tours, car games, adult and kids games, vendors in our air-conditioned Sundome, shopping trips, bingo for the ladies, a great BBQ and door prize presentations. Vintiques of Yakima schedules a host of other annual events, including the Un-Run...a one day event for all vehicles, held on the first Saturday of October; various dances; cruises; children's Easter party and a members' only Christmas function. |
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Directly, or indirectly everybody who lives in the greater Yakima area benefits from the Vintiques Northwest National Street Rod Show and the many community service projects of our organization. The Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates our show annually brings $1.5 million in revenue to this area, including dollars spent on lodging, gasoline, food, restaurant dining and souvenirs. The Charitable Donations Committee of the Vintiques of Yakima has put club funds to work for the valley through donations to various charities and organizations such as: the local Fire Departments; KYVE our local PBS station; YWCA Battered Women's Shelter & Family Crisis Center; the local Wishing Star Foundation; Union Gospel Mission; and a host of individual causes and charitable organizations. We work hard to funnel our dollars back into the area we call home. And, of course, the well-being of our fellow members is of great importance to all of us. We try to "be on hand" for one another when help is needed - another nice holdover from the days of running boards and rumble seats! |
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