The daily Astorian., March 27, 2015, Image 29

History
W
My Classic Car
of the Muscle & Chrome and
Wheels & Waves Car Shows
ith the ocean as a backdrop, the famous
Turnaround and local businesses as the stage,
Seaside will open its doors once again this year for
its 17th annual car shows: Muscle & Chrome and
Wheels & Waves. The two shows have gone through
name changes and promoting alterations over the
years, but their heart mission of classic cars on display for people to enjoy
hasn't changed.
The Seaside Downtown Development Association was incorporated to
a nonprofit organization in 1993 to enhance the environmental and
economic vitality of downtown Seaside for the local community and
visitors.
With that in mind, and with the help of a promoter, the SDDA brought
the first car show to town in 1998. Called Hot Rod Happenin's, the event
invited cars 1962 and older to show and shine. Since it was held in
September, the show helped to extend the summer season for downtown
merchants. In opening the hearts of car enthusiasts and, of course, the doors
of all downtown businesses, an annual event was born.
In 2004, SDDA took on a new partnership with Flashback Promotions,
along with an enduring relationship with local businessman Gary Diebolt.
Gary brought the insight of a downtown business point of view and incor-
porated it into the car show, keeping in mind that everyone mattered.
Hot Rod Happenin's name has since changed to Wheels & Waves –
which is still used today, with show-quality vehicles from 1965 and older
on display.
Then, Flashback Promotions introduced the muscle car era to Seaside
with its June Muscle Beach Cruz car show, inviting vehicles from 1960 to
1978 and factory performance vehicles from 1979 to the current year. Entry
is open to high-quality special-interest vehicles.
With Muscle Beach Cruz at the start of the summer in June and Wheels
& Waves at the end of summer in September, the two shows bookended the
summer, drawing locals and visitors to Seaside for fun in the sun.
In 2009, Gary passed away, and
Seaside lost a business man, promoter
and wonderful friend to SDDA. Before The two shows have gone
he passed away, Gary, with his through name changes
endearing love of his craft and sincere and promoting alterations
interest for the association, introduced over the years, but their
Trent Campbell as the event's next
heart mission of classic
promoter.
Trent continued with SDDA, cars on display for people
moving the two shows forward. That to enjoy hasn't changed.
year, the Muscle Beach Cruz car show
was rebranded as Seaside Muscle &
Chrome. Trent worked on both Muscle & Chrome and Seaside Wheels &
Waves through 2013.
Now in 2015 and beyond, the SDDA looks forward to producing and
promoting both shows on its own. The association is excited at the prospect,
and hopes you enjoy the changes and additions to the productions.
Come see what’s going on in downtown Seaside – and enjoy the shows!
T hanks!
Seaside Wheels and Waves 2014 had the
opportunity to have Dennis Gage host and producer
from ”My Classic Car” in town to film his show. Our Car
show was the lead-off episode of the season!
The Seaside Wheels and Waves show will re-air on
the Velocity channel and MAVTV networks in June of
2015. You can get the full air schedule on the main page
of his website, www.myclassiccar.com
Feed The Seals!
“A Coastal Treasure you’ll Remember”
300 Broadway, Suite 10, Seaside, OR • 503-717-1503
In the Carousel Mall
Seaside Aquarium
Shop for her
Shop for him
W ith your help w e provided discount
coupons (totaling $29,100) to spay or
neuter 970 pets in C latsop C ounty in 2014
Stuff for BIG & ‘Lil Boys
210 Broadway, Seaside, OR • 503-738-5750
SPAY & NEUTER THRIFT SHOP
of Seaside, Oregon
600 Broadway along the Riverwalk
503.738.7040
200 N Prom, Seaside, Oregon
503.738.6211
www.seasideaquarium.com
SEASIDE CAR SHOWS 2015 | 9