Redwood AutoXpo rewards city of Fortuna
by Cerena Johnson, The Eureka Reporter, 3/26/2007
The Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo presented the city of Fortuna with a $2,500 check at the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday afternoon. The funds will support maintenance and improvements in Fortuna's Rohner Park.
"The City has worked with us so wonderfully," said Marilyn Strehl, treasurer of Redwood AutoXpo.
The Redwood AutoXpo is an annual event that takes place in July, in which several hundred vintage and exotic cars and tractors are judged and displayed.
Kathy Wildgrube, secretary of Redwood AutoXpo, said the event brings in thousands of people. Participants have come from as far away as Montana and Kentucky, she said.
"There are so many people going down the street, you can't see the sidewalk," she said.
Kathy Wildgrube presents the check to John Crotty at the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Picture courtesy of The Eureka Reporter.
Wildgrube said they have already received the maximum number of entries for this year.
A variety of activities take place during the Redwood AutoXpo. Along with the car shows, there is an arts and crafts show, a car cruise through downtown, a swap meet, a barbecue for participants and a sock hop dance. Profits from food vendors go to local nonprofit organizations. Wildgrube said the AutoXpo utilizes the entire park.
"It brings thousands of people into the community," said Parks and Recreation Director John Crotty, who accepted the donation on behalf of the city. "It's an opportunity for us to showcase our park to the city."
Crotty said events are hosted at Rohner Park nearly every weekend, especially with the addition of a cook shack. Along with the Redwood AutoXpo, some of the more popular events held in the park include Art and Wine in the Park, the Fortuna Rodeo and Hops in Humboldt.
"It's a great family weekend (event)," Strehl said.