2025 Nisqually Valley Spring Expo Car Show Recap
This year's Nisqually Valley Spring Expo was full of fun, food, and community connections—and the Car Show was no exception! The two-day event took place at Yelm Middle School on April 26–27, 2025. There were classic cars, local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly excitement!
Graham Auto Repair was honored to sponsor Saturday’s Car Show. We had a great time connecting with so many of you! The Prairie Street Rod Association once again helped organize the event. They brought an amazing lineup of vehicles from across the decades for us to judge. Our General Manager, Chris, along with our Yelm Production Manager, Bart, served as judges for the event. They took their time walking the show, studying every detail to choose their winners with care. Their thoughtful judging helped make the day extra special!
One of our favorite highlights? Some of our very own Graham Auto Repair kids helped present the awards to this year's winners! The beautiful awards were designed by Moore Designs, the Sunday Car Show sponsor. It was so special to have the next generation of car lovers there to celebrate with us! Scroll down to see all the award winners and their classic rides from Saturday's Car Show.
The 2025 Car Show Winners Presented by Graham Auto Repair
🏆Best Pre-1950s
Don Prater | 1929 Essex
🏆Best of 1950s-1960s
Russ & Linda Becker | 1953 Ford F100
🏆Best of 1960s–1970s
Dale Hodson | 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Super Sport
🏆Best of 1970s–1980s
Paul & Christine Sopak | 1973 Mercury Montego GT
🏆Best FoMoCo
Kevin Merriott | 1956 Ford F100
🏆Best GM
Gary Allen | 1968 Camaro
🏆Best Mopar
Frank Perales | 1968 Dodge Dart GTS
🏆Best Traditional Hot Rod
Tom Spencer | 1923 Ford T-Bucket
🏆Mayor’s Choice
Darrell Dotson | 1975 Ford Pinto Pony MPG
🏆 Best of Show | Sponsor's Choice
John Thomson | 1938 Cadillac La Salle 4 DR Sedan
Wrapping Up This Year's Spring Expo
Leading up to this year's event, Tina from the Yelm Chamber of Commerce, helped rally the town in the most creative ways! She helped organize a Hot Wheels Car Show with our team, referred a hilarious "Sign War" between local businesses (watch this video on Facebook), and recruited businesses for Sunday's inflatable race. One of our own youth suited up to race as a dinosaur!
These fun community moments are exactly what we love about being part of Yelm!
What's Coming Up Next?
We’re excited to return as one of the judges at the Prairie Street Rod Association’s Car Show on Saturday, July 19. We are also one of the sponsors for this year's Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally on July 26th. Make sure you attend the event and enter their raffle drawing! There are so many prizes—You could even win one of two free oil change services at Graham Auto Repair!
Summer Vehicle Maintenance
Planning your next road trip or just looking to stay ahead of repairs? Now’s a great time to book your oil change service and free digital vehicle inspection with our team. We’ll help you drive with confidence all summer long!
- 📞 Call Graham: (253) 375-8343
- 📞 Call Yelm: (360) 515-9776
- 📲 Book online for fast & easy online scheduling: Click Here
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