CLEARLAKE — Bill Morrill, of Loleta was the “Mothers” Choice Award” winner in the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce”s inaugural Clearlake Cruise-In held at Austin Park last weekend. Morrill”s 1956 Buick Century Wagon took several honors in the event, which was held in memoriam of Maynard Albertson, founder and late owner of Konocti Motor Company in Lower Lake.
Clearlake Car Club”s Joe Colabella, in welcoming guests to the event, said that “Maynard Albertson Memorial Clearlake Cruise-In” makes for a long name but doing so was of extreme importance. He said that Albertson put Lake County on the map in the world of cars.
“He felt allegiance to this county. He loved this place,” Colabella said. “He was proud of what he did and if you did it, you did it right. It was all about the cars, about the people and about the community.”
Albertson”s wife, Karen, along with several members of his family, displayed two of his cherry masterpieces, one of which is headed for the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles for permanent display. The family accepted a plaque of appreciation commemorating the event.
Saturday activities kept guests busy from dawn to dusk. A poker run took participants to all parts of the county. A special Mothers” Day keepsake was offered at each stop to all mothers participating in the run. The end result was an eloquent bracelet adorned with unique charms representing various Lake County establishments.
Guests gathered around the stage at Austin Park Saturday afternoon, where they hooted and hollered for their favorite pin-up girl contestant. Rock-a-Billy babe Leayla Burns, of Lakeport took top honors. Erika Allen, of Clearlake, in her hot pants and high heels, earned second place and Beverly Emmel, of Lucerne, in her classic Betty Paige bangs, took third place.
Lakeshore Drive was closed from Olympic Drive to Redbud Park for about an hour Saturday night, while pre-1973 vehicles cruised the drive. Some showed off the power of their vehicles lighting ?em up laying rubber along the strip.
The event concluded with a special Mothers” Day giveaway at Robinson Rancheria on Sunday.
In addition to the “Mothers” Choice Award,” Morrill”s wagon was also awarded “Best Interior in Show” as well as “Best 1950s Stock.”
Other awards were presented as follows: “Best in Show” and “Best 1930s Modified,” Gene and Joyce Davenport, of Eureka, 1932 Ford; “Best Paint in Show” and “Best 1960s Modified,” Valerie Yaw, of Ukiah, 1969 Firebird; “Best 1020s Stock,” Jim Harrison, of Lakeport, 1929 Model A; “Best 1920s Modified,” Rick Alves, of American Canyon, 1922 C Cab “Grim Reaper;” “Best 1940s Modified,” Jack McManus, of Clearlake, 1941 Cadillac; “Best 1950s Modified,” George and Marla Smoker, of Eureka, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air; “Best 1960s Stock,” Jim Liberman, of Lakeport, 1964 Ford Sprint; “Best 1970 Stock,” Jim Harrison, of Lakeport, 1970 AMX; “Best 1970s Modified,” Robert Fortim, of Clearlake, 1972 Olds Cutlas; “Best Stock Truck,” Anthony Mynick, of Clearlake, 1962 Scout; “Best Modified Truck,” Rick Domingues, of Kelseyville, 1966 Chevrolet Stepside; “Best Sports Car,” Lee Company, of Clearlake, 1966 Ford Cobra; and “Best Rat Rod,” Luke Glanzer, of Clearlake, 1930 Ford.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
