Oak Harbor merchants adding car show on Fourth of July

In an effort to attract more visitors to Pioneer Way on the Fourth of July, Oak Harbor’s downtown merchants are adding a car show to the mix. Anyone with a slick car or motorcycle they’d like to show off is invited to participate in the Motorized Classics show, organized by the Downtown Merchants Association. From 2-5 p.m. July 4, cars will be allowed to park on Pioneer Way as long as they’re registered in the show. There are more than 90 parking spaces available with room elsewhere if needed, said Kathy Collantes, who’s running the event and is a broker at Go Realty on Pioneer.

By Ron Newberry • June 17, 2014 7:07 pm
A pet parade introduced last year during Fourth of July festivities on Pioneer Way was popular for all parties involved. A car show is planned this year.
A pet parade introduced last year during Fourth of July festivities on Pioneer Way was popular for all parties involved. A car show is planned this year.

In an effort to attract more visitors to Pioneer Way on the Fourth of July, Oak Harbor’s downtown merchants are adding a car show to the mix.

Anyone with a slick car or motorcycle they’d like to show off is invited to participate in the Motorized Classics show, organized by the Downtown Merchants Association.

From 2-5 p.m. July 4, cars will be allowed to park on Pioneer Way as long as they’re registered in the show. There are more than 90 parking spaces available with room elsewhere if needed, said Kathy Collantes, who’s running the event and is a broker at Go Realty on Pioneer.

“We did it last year to some extent,” said Collantes, pointing to participation from the Island Classic Mustang Club. “We thought it would be a good idea to do it again. This year, we’ve opened it up to anybody. As long as it’s nice and clean, you’re welcome.”

Those interested in participating in the show must register in advance and may do so by contacting Collantes at 360-632-6740. Admittance to the street will occur from 1:30-2 p.m. at Dock and Pioneer.

The car show is the latest idea to draw business to Pioneer Way following the Fourth of July grand parade, which begins at 11 a.m. and will travel along Bayshore Drive before connecting with Pioneer at a later stretch.

The parade was rerouted away from Pioneer Way’s historic core during and after it was changed to a one-way street in 2011.

The car show will join a pie bake-off and pet parade, popular ideas that were incorporated last year. Other events on Pioneer include a vendor fair that will begin at 10 a.m.