Moapa Valley Chamber Holds 22nd Annual Car Show

By JOE SOBRIO

The Progress

The Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its 22nd annual Car and Motorcycle show on Saturday, Oct. 15 in the Overton Park. The 2022 show had good attendance as the Chamber is still working to return it to pre-pandemic numbers.

Prior to 2019, attendance at the show was averaging in the hundreds of vehicles entered, according to Chamber Board member Kasen Kolhoss. In 2020 the Chamber had to cancel the event due to pandemic restrictions. In 2021 the Chamber saw numbers just above 50 entries. This year there were approximately 70 vehicles registered for the show.

“The event is growing again and has become a Moapa Valley staple,” Kolhoss explained.
Kolhoss said that next year the Chamber is already planning to hold the event at the Clark County Fairgrounds in anticipation of increasing attendance.

“The car show is a great way for the community to come together and share their accomplishments,” Kolsoss explained.

This year also showed an increase in the classes for showing vehicles. Now not only are finished cars permitted to participate, but a vehicle in any stage of restoration, or not, may participate.

Not only is the event a draw for car enthusiasts, but there are many vendors who attend to make the event a family-friendly day. This year showed about 20 vendors serving food, selling various car-themed crafts, and many other items for sale.

The event had awards for various classes, food, games, and several great raffle prizes ranging from gift cards to name-brand coolers donated from various local businesses.

Attendees were not just local, some came from Las Vegas, and others from neighboring states.
Every car entered, had a history and unique story that it carries with it.

Local resident Joel Thompson entered his 1965 Chevrolet Nova. Joel is relatively new to racing; he has been racing for three years. He also enjoys meeting racers at events and participates in events with his family.

Joel’s son Todd Shaul entered his 1964 Plymouth Savoy. It is a station wagon and a very fast car, Todd said. “That is something that no one suspects,” he said..
This fact allows him to enter and race in events that he otherwise may not be able to.

Finally, Todd’s son, and Joel’s grandson Carter Shaul stood next to his family proudly displaying his 2001 Junior Dragster. Carter is proud of finishing in the final bracket of a recent NHRA event as a first time racer.

Joel, Todd and Carter all attended the event, not only to show off their vehicles but to display their family’s commitment to vehicle restoration. As three generations each bring their vehicles and accomplishments, they all reflected on the event and the fact that it was a local event. Joel enjoys the fact that his son and grandson all spend time with him as they share their love of vehicles. This three-generation team enjoys their life in the Valley, enjoy this Chamber of Commerce event, that brings car lovers together and gives their family a chance to come together.

Those interested in attending next year may register online at Moapavalleychamber.com. That event should take place October 21, 2023.