Winthrop’s Vintage Wheels Show on Saturday (Sept. 11) will again feature actual vintage vehicles, but this year the show will be staged in a parade format only.
Ordinarily the show features cars, trucks, buses and other vintage rigs parked on the north end of Riverside Avenue, an area that becomes packed with strolling spectators. Because of COVID concerns, the event went virtual last year, with entrants submitting photos of their vehicles.
This year’s event was expected to return to the usual format, but a recent surge in COVID infections prompted parade organizers to revise the event to avoid close contacts.
The Vintage Wheels parade will start at 11 a.m. from the Winthrop Inn on Highway 20, proceed through town to the Winthrop Barn, then return by the same route to the motel. Spectators will thus have an opportunity to see the parade twice. After returning to the Winthrop Inn, the entrants will either disperse or take part in the annual Poker Run competition.
Spectators are encouraged to view the parade from the Methow Valley Thriftway parking lot, at the Winthrop Barn, or along Riverside Avenue. Masks are requested. Parking will be available at the Barn or at the Winthrop Town Trailhead.
You may also be able view some vintage trailers and antique bikes at Pine Near RV Park on Castle Avenue, and tractors at the adjacent Shafer Historical Museum. Anna Kominak, co-owner of the RV park, said at last week’s Winthrop Town Council meeting that she is unsure how many participants might show up because she has had little opportunity to market the event. “The momentum has been lost, and people are taking more precautions,” she said.
Event T-shirts will be available for sale the visitor information center at the four-way stop in Winthrop, for $20 (cash only).
All entrants will be eligible for awards from local merchants including Best in Show and People’s Choice. In the days following the parade, photos of each car will be uploaded to www.facebook.com/WinthropWashington to determine the People’s Choice and other winners. Trophies will be mailed to the winners.
Register your entry online at https://winthropwashington.com/events/wheels-show; in person on Friday (Sept. 10) from 5-7 p.m. at the Barn ($15 cash only); or in the Winthrop Inn parking lot before the parade ($15, cash only). Gather at the Winthrop Inn as early as 9 a.m.
