Birthday bash draws 8,000

From across Eldorado Park's manicured grass and rows and rows of cars, the 1951 Mercury looked familiar -- very familiar.

Then, almost in cadence with the traditional '50s tunes playing from the 96.3 KKLZ remote, it was that voice. The car, come to find out, was the vehicle driven in "American Graffiti," by the character Joe Young, who was president of the movie's Pharaohs Car Club. The voice belonged to actor Bo Hopkins, who portrayed Young in the classic film.

Hopkins, along with the car's owner, Wayne Williams, and fellow "American Graffiti" cast member Paul LeMat, who played John Milner in the movie, were among the many dignitaries and celebrities who attended Gasoline Alley's 10th annual Birthday Bash in North Las Vegas over Memorial Day weekend.

"We have such a great time touring with the car," Hopkins said. "We just got back from Sweden and an all-American car show. They certainly know the movie, too."

The 460 cubic inch, Ford-engined '51 Merc was one of 350 hot rods, street rods, classics, vintage and historic cars on display at Mike and Mary Kinney's "little neighborhood birthday bash," which raised more than $31,000 for the Lili Claire Family Resource Center in Las Vegas.

"I think by the time we get done counting all the donations and collecting the outstanding commitments, we're going to set a new record," said Mike Kinney, whose Birthday Bash committee has helped raise nearly $180,000 for Lili Claire since the car show's inception in 2000.

Between a kick-off party at the Cannery and the car show at Eldorado Park, Mike Kinney estimated about 8,000 people attended both events.

"This thing just gets bigger every year and that's OK with me," Mike Kinney said.

To get things started at the park this year, a special proclamation for the event and its organizers was presented by North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon.

Already looking forward to 2010 are Ray and Diane McCollum, whose 1964 Chevy Chevelle Sport Coupe was meticulously restored by the retired couple during the last couple of years. The high school sweethearts have been married 36 years and wanted a car that reminded them of their teenage years. The car is a champagne color with a stock 350ci crate engine.

"This is a really basic car," Ray McCollum said. "But, it's comfortable, reliable and just what General Motors needs to build today, I think."

One of the first things Bruce Levin did when he moved with his family to Las Vegas from Springfield, N.J., was to join the local MOPAR Club with the 1973 Dodge Charger he drove across the country (at 6 mpg!). The die-hard Richard Petty fan looks to his favorite race driver for inspiration when he works on his car, although the 512ci, 645 horsepower engine might be a little beyond what Petty may have run. "I admit I went a little overboard with the motor," said Levin, who works in the suit department at Dillard's.

Then, there's Jim Ferrell and his early '70s Plymouth Superbird. Remember that awesome rear wing? Well, Ferrell's Superbird is the real deal and he has all the documentation to prove the car's history and value, right down to the famous and historic six-pack carburetor system. Ferrell, a small business consultant in Las Vegas, is also a wonderful story teller and automotive historian, and owns several classic vehicles, including a rare 1968 Ford GT500 KR.

Howard and Terry Howe drive their 1955 Chevy Bel Air hardtop every day to work at Tucker's Classic Auto Parts. Even in summer, air conditioning, power brakes, a 350ci engine and 4-speed Saginaw transmission only add to the classic car's drivability. The Howes purchased the car at auction in Phoenix, only to discover the owner lived 10 miles away in Henderson, where they picked up more spare parts.

"I had Chevys as a kid, but nothing this nice," said Howard Howe, noting the Bel Air's odometer reads 726,000.

Awards are given every year in several categories, including Best of Show, which went to a 1941 Willy's Coupe owned by Robert Royal, of Lake Havasu, Ariz. Judge's Pick was presented to Las Vegan Pete Tritsch for his 1956 Buick Roadmaster. The Long Distance Award went to Jay Clairborne, who drove his 1964 Chevy C10 Pickup from Auburn, Calif.

As always, Mike Kinney was overwhelmed with the response to the car show. "We just get so much support from the community. I can't thank everyone enough," he said.

Kinney acknowledged several local supporters, as well as the efforts of the Birthday Bash steering committee that includes many of his friends and neighbors.

"We're already working on some big plans for next year," said Kinney, who was recently named to the local Lili Claire Foundation board of directors.

Proceeds from the car show benefit the Lili Claire Foundation, an organization that assists children and families living with neurogenetic conditions.

For more information about Gasoline Alley's Birthday Bash, call Kinney at 371-7469 or access www.birthdaybash.net.