Hot Cars In Challis
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
The Center of Idaho
Challis, is a bustling little cluster of a town with no real stoplight and a bounty of hardcore ranchers and mechanics. The most happening spot in the area is the Allied hardware store or your flavor of church. The local art scene flourishes at MadDog Gallery supported by the Challis Arts Council where you can find all manner of beautiful leather art, silver and stone jewelry along with pottery, photography and paintings.
With a population of around 900, Challis is a unique mountain town made up of a handful of streets, lots of desert mountains and the Salmon River. The River of No Return Endurance Runs brings a huge crowd, while the hot springs and hikes are a big seasonal draw, with one colloquially known as ‘Goldbug’ being a bit of both.
There’s a ton of backcountry recreation to be had in the sleepy town but occasionally something pops up that draws statewide attention.
Mechanical Melodies
Every first Saturday in June, Challis Classy Chassis holds the annual Show N’ Shine car show, with gorgeous vehicular entries from all over the state, this year including glazed Cobras, golden-spoked Chevy Bel Airs, a ‘67 Dodge Daytona and any number of fleeked-out trucks dating back to the early 1930s.
This most recent Show N’ Shine marked the group’s 15th year, and also took place while the local Farmers’ Market held up a hefty hodgepodge of local bounty. Fresh clean vegetables, honey, crafts, and cars. It was genuine bucolic bliss.
At Show N’ Shine, people from all over the state parked their hotrods and set up tents—hoods held high and engines chromed out. The old-school blast was in full swing as Jukebox Charlie, Chuck Felton, pumped the classic American tunes in his portable hubcap-holstered DJ booth, with everything from Elvis, The Everly Brothers and Bread to the DJ’s namesake, Johnny Paycheck.
The sun was warm and bright in spite of several cloudy thunderstorm moments. This is Idaho, after all, and the weather changes quicker than a hare on a hunt.
A large crowd ogled the jalopies, enjoying BBQ from Real Deal Smokehouse and dollar beers from the Challis Lodge. Sourdough pancakes, sausage and egg were sold early in the day by the Legionnaires from the Philip Kirk Post No. 109 in Challis while local firefighters raised money selling their own ice cream. Later in the day, Farm Bureau Insurance began giving out soft-serve ice cream for free.
There were 41 gorgeous classic cars with a few modern Mustangs maintained to peak condition and driven to Challis from all over the state. It’s always a fun and free show without an entry fee or admission. While not exactly competitive, the show does give prizes along with T-shirts and a raffle. This year a brand new Michelob Ultra golf bag and a Busch Light camping chair were raffled as well as a $5 potluck where the winner won the entire pot of $315.
The prize categories were for:
Top 10 – Participants’ Favorites
1. 1934 Ford 2-Door Sedan by
Mike and Connie McGowan of Challis
2. 1977 K-20 Pickup by Steve Arnison of Challis
3. 1947 Ford Pickup by Connie and Mike Mc Gowan of Challis
4. 1957 Ford Pickup by Jack Anderson of Challis
5. 1952 Nash by Bill Price of Twin Falls
6. 1952 Ford F-1 by Jordan Ganow of Salmon
7. 1967 Chevy Camaro by Sherry Johnston of Hansen
8. 1969 Mustang Fastback by Monte and Penny Stein of Pocatello
9. 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner by Randy Batin of Mackay
10. 1937 Ford Coupe by Judy Lysinger of Challis
Club Founders Award
1957 Ford Pickup by Jack Anderson of Challis
Best of Show
1964 Chevy El Camino by Rick Boyles of Idaho Falls
Kids’ Choice
1969 Plymouth Roadrunner by Randy Batin of Mackay