Classic cars return to Main Street this June By Taylor Shillam
Classic car owners and enthusiasts alike can kick off the summer in style at the Borders 3 Jamboree. Over 150 classic cars are expected to take the streets in the heart of downtown Bonners Ferry on Saturday, June 4, and the entire community is invited.
An annual event put on by the local Rod Benders classic car club, the Borders 3 Jamboree has classic fun in store for guests of all ages. Main Street will be lined with classic cars hailing from across the region. In past years, participants have entered their classic cars from Idaho, Montana, Washington, and even from Canada.
Local vendors will gather to support the car show in its prime downtown location surrounded by local restaurants and shops, offering a comprehensive Bonners Ferry experience to all in attendance.
Often described as "more than just a car show," the Borders 3 Jamboree was created to celebrate history and community while bringing people together to share in a love of classic cars. Guests of all ages can come to observe the cars and the culminating drive-through awards ceremony, with plenty more family friendly fun lined up throughout the day.
"We'll have kids’ activities around noon that will include hula hooping and limbo contests," shared event leader Kat Cowell. "We'll give out prizes and candy to the kids." Vintage T-shirts from past years of the Jamboree will be for sale, and raffle prizes will be available to win.
The event will kick off at 8am with participant registration. Registration will close at 11am to allow judging to begin, followed by the awards ceremony closing out the afternoon around 2pm.
Traditionally, awards have been provided for the top 12 participants, along with awards for Best in Show, Rat Rod, Best "In Progress," and more, presented in a rolling awards ceremony that takes place near the Visitors Center.
"They roll into the intersection by the Rusty Moose, and we present the award and take the participant's picture with the car," Cowell described.
The Jamboree is about more than classic cars and family fun, however; the event is designed to bring community members and organizations together in mutual support. "All of our funds go toward supporting local charities," Cowell said. "We have already donated to the Distinguished Young Women this year. We support the 4-H program and the veterans group locally."
Distinguished Young Women of Bonners Ferry is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards education, talent and leadership in young women. This year's Distinguished Young Women will present the trophies for Jamboree winners. "We always plan on supporting downtown businesses," Cowell added. "We are open to all charities that want to do raffles or sell baked goods at the event."
The Jamboree also recruits organizations like youth softball and baseball teams and 4-H groups to perform light volunteer work in exchange for a donation box set up at the event's registration table on their behalf and a donation from the club itself.
Community support is certainly needed for an event the size and scale of the Jamboree. "It costs money to put this show on," Cowell said. "We have to have insurance, a DJ, port-a-potties, just to name a few expenses, in addition to advertising, trophies being made, banners being put up, and more."
Those who are looking to volunteer their support for the event and get involved in the local classic car community can attend the Rod Benders club meetings, held weekly leading up to the Jamboree. Club meetings are typically held at the Chick-N-Chop at 5:30pm on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Rod Benders classic car club began in 1999. Its passion for bringing people together and sharing in a love for classic cars has allowed them to host car shows, events, monthly meetups, cruises and more. The club is actively seeking to grow its membership base, ready to welcome new members of all kinds to join in planning the Jamboree.
"We need more members if we want to continue to have a car show in Bonners," Cowell shared. "We have lost several members recently to our club members being older. You don't have to own a classic car to join!" The club is also seeking volunteers willing to offer support on the day of the show.
As June 4 approaches, so does a day filled with classic cars, competition, food, fun, and a celebration of the community surrounding Bonners Ferry. Everyone is invited!
More information about the Borders 3 Jamboree, including registration forms and sponsorship information, can be found online at IdahoRodBenders.info. The club also regularly posts updates on Facebook at Facebook.com/rodbenderscarclub.
Stay tuned for the announcement of a lineup of additional activities to be held on June 3, a list of participating vendors, and more event details to be released in the coming weeks.
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