Hot cars, hot day at Car Show

BY Aprile McKinnon

The 17th Annual Canyon Lake Car Show organized by the Canyon Lake Car Club proved to be a resounding success as evidenced by the hundreds who attended despite October temperatures hitting triple digits.

The enjoyable day brimming with automobiles, cuisine, melodies, and additional attractions was jointly hosted by the Canyon Lake Car Club and Canyon Lake POA. In this specific year, hundreds of vintage and customized vehicles predating 1998 graced the scene, delivering an enthralling exhibition for the hundreds of onlookers.

In addition to the admiration of incredible classic cars at every turn, the show included the customary water skiing performance on the lake that introduced an exhilarating and distinct component to the gathering.

Many Canyon Lake families have made the annual show a cherished tradition to either participate in or attend.

Brent and Danielle Baum have been Canyon Lake residents since 1999. The couple has been coming to the Car Show for 11 years.

“Whether participating or spectating, we always enjoy the show,” Danielle said. “It always has so many amazing cars.”

Brent’s parents, Byron and Cathy Baum, moved to Canyon Lake just two years ago, but have attended many of the car shows through the years. Brent owned the 1950 Ford Shoebox that was at the car show and when his parents saw it they fell in love with the car and had to have it. They purchased the car from their son and have enjoyed it ever since.

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association

The car has been in many car shows and has taken Best of Show. Meanwhile Byron and Danielle have the 1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe which they enjoyed showing over the weekend.

Greg Capps and his 3-year-old daughter Reese, who helps her dad with his Marina Blue 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, 327 4 barrel, enjoyed the car show immensely. Greg’s father and mother showed their 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. Grant and Donna Capps have been Canyon Lake residents since 1979 and have enjoyed the car show in Canyon Lake with their family for years.

“I love cars and I love showing my car, and getting my whole family together,” Grant said. Grant has had his Chevelle since high school. Three generations of the Capps family gathered together at the Lighthouse restaurant during the car show and enjoyed the festivities together.

Helping Hands took away donations of 141 jars of peanut butter as part of the Canyon Lake Car Club’s Peanut Butter Drive. Many chose to donate money so that the Helping Hands could purchase more peanut butter. These donations of peanut butter go to support low-income families and seniors in particular who are facing the tough decisions of paying their utility bills or buying groceries.

“Two important reasons for peanut butter,” Robert Sasser, founder of Helping Hands, said. “First is very heartfelt. We came in contact with a 90+ year old disabled senior living alone on nothing but peanut butter and water. After getting the situation under control, she mentioned several of her friends were doing the same. It turned out that was a way of life for seniors struggling to pay rent and utilities. They are forced to make a choice. Secondly, it is the most inexpensive source of protein. Most of the local food pantries struggle every month to get food to our Neighbors in Need. Helping Hands is serving more than 2,000 local struggling people. We are not taking on new clients until we can secure a resource that will assist us in covering our cost. Even with that intention, we added 41 new seniors this month.”

Brent and Danielle Baum and their 1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

To put on the annual Canyon Lake Car Show, many volunteers and donations are required. The event would not be possible without all of the support from those who generously contribute their time and money.

The 2023 Canyon Lake Car Show Award Winners included:

1900 -1929: Best of Class Ronnie Johns 1929 Ford Sedan 111 CLC and Associates; Award of Excellence Steve Del Castillo 1919 Ford Roadster 51.

1930 – 1949: Best of Class Danny Dorati 1930 Ford Sedan 171 The Kipp Family; Award of Excellence Jim Dickerson 1939 Ford COE 49.

1950 – 1959: Best of Class Gerrit Verhagen 1957 Chevy 210 154 Joe Leicht Ins. Agency; Award of Excellence Dana Stevens 1956 Chevy Nomad 80.

1960 – 1966: Best of Class Sean and Lisa Mason 1964 Chevy Chevelle 200 Auto Air Pros; Award of Excellence Jean-Paul Rosa 1966 Ford Shelby Cobra 100.

1967 – 1972: Best of Class Wayne Powell 1968 Plymouth Barracuda 131 Canyon Lake Auto Tire Pros’ Award of Excellence Michael Lunder 1968 Chevy C-10 39.

1973 – 1979: Best of Class Don Kopriva 1979 Pontiac Firebird 8 California Lifestyle Screendoors; Award of Excellence Delvin Lillie 1974 Pantera 118.

1980 – 1989: Best of Class Shawn at SoCal Rod and Customs 1987 Chevy C1500 22 Canyon Lake Muffler.

1990 – 1997: Best of Class Billy John 1994 Chevy C1500 201.

Specialty Vehicles Class: Best of Class Tim Huizenga 1951 Chevy COE 56 Canyon Lake POA; Award of Excellence Jimm Rawson 1950 GMC FC150 26.

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Associations Award: POA CHOICE Mike Ducharm 1959 Pontiac Bonneville 93 Director Jeff Bill; POA CHOICE Leon Motte 1954 Chevy Corvette 210 Board President Bill VanVleet.

City of Canyon Lake Award: City Choice Saul Alvarado 1965 VW Bug 11 Mayor Jeremy Smith; City Choice Richard Miller 1968 Chevy Camaro 71 Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse.

Best Engine: Jim Penner 1963 Chevy Nova 174 Bob Earleywine of Bob Earleywine Performance.

Best Interior: Roy Jolly 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster 52 Howard Dague, Classic and specialty Car Interior Craftsmen.

Best Paint: Robert Maldonado 1955 Chevy Side Step 180 Marc Navarro Owner of Macco of Temecula and car enthusiast.

President’s Choice: Matt de los Cabos 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 63 Perry Beggs, President of the Canyon Lake Car Club.

Best of Show: Ryan Carter 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille 197 Wayne Powell President of the Drifters Car Club.

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association

Three generations join together to enjoy the Canyon Lake Car Show and some lunch at the new patio at the Lighthouse Restaurant. They are Grant and Donna Capps, Chloe Stuart, Jenny Stuart, Greg, Elysia and Reese Capps, Danika, Katie and Yanko Bolanos. Mother and Father Grant and Donna Capps entered their 1964 Chevy Chevelle SS and their son Greg Capps entered his 1967 Convertible Camaro in the show. Classic Cars are in their blood. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Greg Capps and his daughter Reese pose in front of Greg’s 1967 Convertible Camaro at the Canyon Lake Car Show. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association

Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association