Between the 1963 VW Bug modeled after the car on "Herbie The Love Bug," the 1982 Delorean from "Back to the Future," and the famously nicknamed 1952 Ford F-3 from "Sanford and Son," the 13th annual Kingsburg Car Show had something for pop culture and car enthusiasts alike.

With over 325 cars parked in self-chosen groups, there was more than enough variety to interest the crowds of people there. Some parts of Draper Street were so full of people that walking across it was slow going.

Car Show Committee Chairman Mike Henenfent said that he would bet there were over 7,00 people in attendance.

"I really have no official count," Henenfent said. "There were a lot of people from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m."

But no one seemed to mind the crowd.

Betty Sommerville, owner of The 50's Place and car show committee member, said the elimination of the classes contributed to the difference in atmosphere. In past car shows, cars were segregated according to the various classes and categories. This year, that restriction was tossed out.

"Nearly everyone who came in the shop was buzzing," Sommerville said. "They loved the idea of no classes and being able to park with their friends, and they loved the idea of merchant awards."

Merchant Awards allowed local businesses to get involved in the car show by having a say in who received an award.

Guest judges from the Chevy SSR Club handed out awards for many sponsors. The Kingsburg Police Department picked cars to receive a few awards that it had sponsored.

"It took 55 minutes to read the awards," Mike Henenfent said. "A lot of people walked away with something. It was very fair and balanced."

Besides the Merchant Awards, seven others were given: Ladies Choice, Car Show Committee, Best Flames, Best Paint, Best Motor, Best Interior, and Best of Show.

The awards are as follows:

Ladies Choice: Tom Stolle of Visalia for his 1932 Ford Roadster.

Car Show Committee Award: Mike May of Fresno for his 1937 Ford Pickup.

Best Flames: James Gardner of Fresno for his 1955 Studebaker.

Best Paint: Michael Jones of Selma for his 1942 Ford Truck.

Best Motor: Robert Colclasure of Bakersfield for his 1932 Ford Roadster.

Best Interior: Mike McCaughy of Fresno for his 1957 Chevrolet Convertible.

Best of Show: Byron Hisey of Newman for his 1941 Willy's Coupe.

"People take such pride in their cars," Mike Henenfent said, adding that it was great to see so many different owners receiving something for their work.

Mike said that the day went perfectly.

"The weather was right. . .cars came from Bakersfield, Merced [and many other cities]"

To join in the fun, some merchants even had their own cars on display.

Betty had her yellow and purple 1955 Chevy parked outside of her shop.

When asked specifically kind of car it was, Betty was proud to answer.

"It's a two-door hard top, it took three years to build that. I love it, too," Betty said.

Betty added that the car was still in the shop right before the show, but that she took it out to display it.

"I wanted to show it," Betty said, adding that she has jokingly been told she drives like a grandma, because she drives so cautiously.

Betty said that the show made for a busy, fun-filled time.

"You had to see it for yourself," Betty said. "I've never seen so many people. It was a fabulous day."

April 25, 2007