Car show over the Central Fair
By Glenda Rae Davis
Navajo Times
CHINLE, August 30, 2012
(Special to the Times – Donovan Quintero)
TOP: The Chevy emblem stands out along with the dice and feather ornaments inside of 1951 Chevy Fleet Saturday at the "Bringing It Back Car Show" in Chinle.
SECOND FROM TOP: A feather is etched onto the side of a Schwinn bicycle's headlamp, which was featured at the "Bringing It Back Car Show" in Chinle on Saturday. The bike took Walton Ashini, 13 from Crownpoint, N.M., one year to build.
THIRD FROM TOP:
A car show enthusiast takes a photograph of a custom-made pickup truck Saturday at the "Bringing It Back Car Show" in Chinle on Saturday.
W hile some dashed to the Central Navajo Fair festivities to get their dose of cotton candy and Ferris Wheel rides, others cruised to the Wildcat Den parking lot to get their fix of custom-painted and designed cars, trucks and bikes at the "Bringing It Back Car Show."
Hosted by the Albuquerque-based Premier Image Car Club, the car show, held Saturday afternoon, showcased a total of 23 different rides from a 1989 4x4 Chevy Truck to a vintage 1951 Chevy Fleet.
Premier Image Car Club owner, Pierce "Wish" Yazzie, 30, said his decision to bring a car show to Chinle had to do with him growing up there.
"I began in Chinle with a car club called 'Native Cruz'," said Yazzie. "They branched out to Albuquerque and from there Premier Image Car Club formed."
Yazzie, who is Ma'ii deeshgiizhinii and born for Tsi'naajinii, said the show is his way of giving back to the community by showing others that dreams can come true no matter where you grew up.
"I believe it inspires the little kids and teenagers," said Yazzie. "It lets them know that there is more out there that they can do. They can do something with their creativity."
Vehicles came from as far out at Albuquerque and as close as Many Farms, Ariz.
Leo Joe, 63, drove from Gallup with his plum-colored 89' Chevy Silverado 4x4, which had its own unique features that set him apart from the others.
"It's just a hobby of mine," said Joe, who is Tsi'naajinii born for Kinyaa'aanii. "We got a flyer from the guys at a car show in Gallup so we came over."
The truck's most unique feature was the swivel bucket seats meant to help Joe, who has a disability, get out of his truck. Now, Joe is able to get out of the vehicle a lot quicker.
"It took some time to get out of the driver seat so I installed the swivel seat," he said. "I don't have any legs, these are prosthetics. It makes it easier and makes for a neat custom design."
Many divisions were apparent by taking a quick glance at each vehicle.
Some vehicles appeared complete much like Joe's truck, while others like Shawn Smith's 2000 Grand Prix SE were still under construction.
"It has a complete Pendleton interior," said Smith, who is Tabaaha, born for Ashiihi. "We, my family, hand stitched the entire thing. I think it looks really good. It's pretty."
"I think it was a great turn out," said Yazzie, "I'm really looking forward to next year and I'm hoping to keep this going for a long time."
The car club gave out first, second and third place trophies for over 10 different categories, including Lowrider car, bike, truck, muscle vehicle, original car, car that is under construction, best engine, best interior and peoples choice.