Free community car showcase, is Saturday in Ellensburg
Brenden Adams stands next to a truck he is working on for his senior project Tuesday. (Brian Myrick / Daily Record)
Brenden Adams looks over the work he has done so far on a truck he is working on for his senior class project. (Brian Myrick / Daily Record)
The free car demonstrate this Saturday that spreads out around University Auto Center at Ellensburg’s west interchange to Interstate ninety likely has one of the longest titles of any vehicle showcase in the state, maybe the nation, perhaps in the world.
The sixth annual Metal on the Lawn-Brenden Adams’ Bday Party Car and Bike Display has grown in popularity through the years, beginning with up to seventy to well over two hundred cars and motorcycles in past years.
The community event, with free admission and no fees for cars put on display, also proceeds to recognize the quiet and upbeat determination of Brenden Adams who is likely the only person in the world with a infrequent chromosome disorder that has caused him, since four months old, to grow too swift and too much.
Brenden, at 7-feet 6-inches tall, isn’t growing any more and turns eighteen years old on Sept. 20. He’s a senior at Ellensburg High School and said earlier this week his health has been good, albeit he walks with a cane and takes medication for his joint agony.
“There’s, you know, up and down days I have, but I’m doing pretty good,” Brenden said.
He proceeds to love all things automotive and has been busy working on his senior project, restoring a one thousand nine hundred ninety one Chevrolet K1500 pickup.
There’s pride and a bit of a mischievous tone in his voice when he says he put a big, fuel-injected, 350-cubic-inch Corvette engine into the pickup.
Brenden plans to sell the pickup after graduation and use the money to fully upgrade and modify a two thousand four Chevy Silverado pickup.
Brenden said he still takes heart medicine for the complications caused by his growth.
It’s believed the disorder has played a role in medical problems faced by Brenden: heart problems, benign tumors, enlarged joints, arthritis, a bleeding disorder and related dental, skeletal, joint, jaw and mobility complications.
He’s had several corrective surgeries in past years, and his last was a minor one earlier this summer to lift his eyelids a bit, he said.
Brenden’s upbeat about the future. He’s planning to begin his own business installing custom-made sound systems, radios, CD players and other electronics into cars. He also will build custom-made speaker boxes.
“I’ve got the devices, now, and I’m ready to go,” Brenden said. “It’ll help me raise some extra money on the side.”
Like a good businessman, Brenden said those interested in installation work can go to his Facebook page or email [email protected].
Brenden’s father, Willie Adams, and family friends Ginger and Mike McIntosh, with a long list of volunteers have organized the car showcase over the years. Up until two years ago the display was at the couple’s rural home off Lester Road northeast of Ellensburg.
Brenden’s mother and stepfather are Debbie and Sam Ezell, and his father and stepmother are Willie and Julie Adams.
Kicking off the display six years ago was car club official and vehicle restorer Jerry England of West Richland. It got too big for the rural site and moved to University Auto Center in 2012. Willie said last year’s wildfires and smoky air diminished the number of vehicles, but this year looks to be a big one with fine weather forecast.
“This has indeed become a community-based car display,” Willie said. “It’s looking good; we’re expecting cars from all over.”
That includes Portland, Spokane, Wenatchee, the Tri-Cities, the Seattle area and California. Vehicles coming for display can be brought to the display anytime during the event, and Willie said those planning to stay for most of the showcase can bring their vehicles in before ten a.m. Saturday, the official begin time.
An attraction at the demonstrate will be John D’Agostino of Kustom Kars and Celebrity Kustoms of Discovery Bay, Calif., known for the many vehicles he’s customized for movie starlets, sports celebrities and other widely known public personalities.
Willie said the relaxed car display has taken on a life of its own over the years and is like a big reunion of friends, family, neighbors and folks from all over who like cars and motorcycles of all types.
Brenden said the event is beginning to emphasize the demonstrate more and his bday less. No presents or cards for him should be brought to the display, Brenden said, but after a pause, he added he’s not going to turn down any if someone just happens to bring some.