OCTOBER 17 - NOVEMBER 6, 2023
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SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM
Vikings hold their inaugural Car Classic in Solvang Weekend-long automotive event picks up where the popular Wheels 'n' Windmills event left off
INSIDE
By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
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here was some concern that when the organizers of the popular Wheels 'n' Windmills Car Show was discontinued after last year there would be too much of a void in the event calendar for car enthusiasts in Solvang. However, the Vikings of Solvang, the longtime civic group announced they would be holding their own show to replace WnW. On Oct. 7, the inaugural Viking Classic Car Show took place along Copenhagen Drive and 1st Street in Solvang. Organizers estimated that over 250 cars were entered in the event. Prizes were given in 23 different car classes, and special awards were given afterward. Those who participated in and entered cars in the show said they were enjoying the event despite the unseasonably hot temperatures and many admitted there were some kinks to work out. "We've really enjoyed it so far," said Richard Alexander of Lompoc, who had been to the Wheels 'n' Windmills show and brought his
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The inaugural Viking Classic Car Show, run by the Vikings of Solvang, drew a good crowd despite unseasonably warm weather. Photo by Mike Chaldu
red '56 Chevy. "There's definitely a learning curve with this being their first year, but I think they'll work it out." Vikings Vice Chief Larry Humburger, who manned the club's booth wearing traditional viking gear and was taking pictures with some of the show's attendees said the vibe had
been pretty positive, but the "growing pains" were expected. "From what we've heard, everyone's pretty happy. We've been getting a few minor complaints, but everyone's been very understanding," Humburger said. "We had been planning to take this over for a while, and our committee chairman Roger
Lane learned a lot from the Wheels 'n' Windmills people last year. We were expecting some constructive criticism, and we'll use that in planning next year's event." The Saturday car show was just the centerpiece of the weekend for car lovers: On Friday, Oct. 6, the Vikings CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
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