Ever seen a rusty relic steal the show from a polished classic? That’s the magic of Lewis County’s Rust or Shine Car Show! Beyond the gleaming chrome and charming patina, this festival celebrates automotive passion while raising vital funds for veterans’ mental health. What’s your favorite kind of ride: perfectly restored or full of character?
The annual Rust or Shine Car Show and Music Festival in Lewis County stands as a unique celebration of automotive passion, offering a distinctive experience that transcends the conventional car display. Unlike many traditional shows that strictly feature perfectly restored project vehicles, this event proudly embraces a wide spectrum of automobiles, from highly polished classics adorned with chrome to charmingly rusty rides, unified by the shared love for cars and the stories they tell. This inclusive approach has solidified its reputation as Lewis County’s largest car show, drawing participants and spectators alike to the Veterans Memorial Museum.
Beyond the impressive array of vehicles, the Rust or Shine Car Show serves a profound charitable mission, acting as a vital fundraising platform for two significant local organizations: the Veterans Memorial Museum and Veterans Journey Forward. This core purpose elevates the festival beyond mere entertainment, embedding it with a sense of community responsibility and a deep respect for those who have served. The event exemplifies how local gatherings can foster engagement while simultaneously providing crucial support for meaningful causes within the community.
The sheer scale of the Rust or Shine Car Show is consistently impressive, with annual turnouts regularly exceeding 400 vehicles. This high participation rate not only creates a vibrant spectacle for attendees but also underscores the enduring appeal of automotive culture in the region. Each car entered, whether a vintage hotrod or a more contemporary model, contributes to a diverse visual tapestry that reflects the varied tastes and dedication of car enthusiasts.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, the festival offers a rich tapestry of entertainment and activities designed to appeal to all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music performances from talented local bands, browse offerings from numerous local vendors, and savor delicious options from an assortment of food trucks. Further excitement is generated by a popular pin-up contest, engaging raffles, and the much-coveted hand-made trophies awarded to standout vehicles, ensuring there’s always something captivating happening.
A significant portion of the funds raised directly benefits the Veterans Memorial Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the sacrifices of veterans. The museum provides an essential educational resource and a place of reflection for the community, ensuring that the stories of service members are never forgotten. The Rust or Shine festival’s contribution helps maintain and expand these vital educational programs and exhibits.
Equally important, the event supports Veterans Journey Forward, a local nonprofit co-founded by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jesse Lloyd with the assistance of Museum Executive Director Chip Duncan. This organization focuses on providing critical mental health support to veterans, a mission born from Lloyd’s personal experiences and the tragic loss of a fellow Marine to mental health struggles. The Rust or Shine Car Show’s proceeds enable Veterans Journey Forward to continue its life-saving work, offering solace and assistance to those who have bravely served our nation.
While attendance at the tenth annual Rust or Shine Car Show and Music Festival is free to the public, vehicle owners looking to compete for one of the unique hand-made trophies can register their cars for a fee of $20. Scheduled for Sunday, August 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Museum located at 100 SW Veterans Way in Chehalis, this annual gathering promises another day of community, cars, and compassion.
The success of this impactful community event is made possible through the generous support of its dedicated sponsors. This year’s event has been proudly sponsored by local businesses including Bob Holland Insurance, RB Engineering Inc., Attention to Detail LLC, Guild Mortgage Company, and Pomps Tires Service Inc., all playing a crucial role in enabling the festival to continue its important work for veterans and the Lewis County community.
