Marty McFly may have mistaken downtown Jamestown for 1955 with the large gathering of antique cars along Third Street for Motor Mayhem on Friday.
Antique cars and motorcycles lined the streets as crowds stopped to take photos of their favorite vehicles. Proud owners sat beside their prized possessions, telling interested parties about their makes and models. Some were customized, others were 100 percent original.
“I grew up with these cars,” said Ray Harris, of Russell, Pa., as he stood next to his customized 1948 Ford. “That’s when cars were cars. They all looked different. I could name every single different car, the make and model just by looking at it. Today’s cars all look the same.”
Harris’ Ford took four straight years to customize. Working with his son, Matthew, the duo labored over the car extensively, cleaning off the rust as they stripped down the car to just its frames and beginning to work from there. Visiting scrap yards and sometimes dealerships, they designed the car with other old car parts such as the Thunderbird side mirrors or the Dodge Lancer hub caps.
“It’s a creative outlet which you can continue to enjoy after you finish,” said Matthew, who now does car work for a living, owning a business called Dagmar Customs in Los Angeles. Matthew also starred on shows such as Overhaulin’ and worked on one of Jay Leno’s cars.
Duane and Emily Baker, of Jamestown, have been visiting Motor Mayhem for the past four years. From the antique cars to the motorcycle stunts to the food vendors to the music, they love it all.
“There are so many cars,” said Emily, who stated she believed Motor Mayhem to be one of the biggest antique car shows. “All the side streets are closed.”
Festivities were kept up with music on both ends of Third Street throughout the day. A stage at the corner of Main and Third streets featured live music by Amanda Barton and Bill Ward between 4-6 p.m. and the band Ruckus between 7-9 p.m. A stage at Renaissance Square, corner of Third and Lafayette streets, featured music by Two for Flinching between 4-6 p.m. and DJ Dan Myers from 7-9 p.m.
A Kidz Zone featuring a bounce house, games and other activities occupied Third Street between Washington Street and Foundry Alley, in front of the Renaissance Center – all of which were coordinated by Eventz by Scott.
Motor Mayhem was presented by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and sponsored by Media One Group, Shults Auto Group and the Comfort Inn, with additional support from Harley-Davidson of Jamestown and the Der Kobblers Automobile Association.
Original article by The Post-Journal.
