Bumpy’s Classic Car Show keeps growing, benefiting cancer research

The Bumpy’s Classic Car Show in downtown Puyallup has quickly become a favorite summer event for locals and visitors alike.

In its fifth year, the event is keeping the memory alive of Paul Gaetz, a car buff who passed away in the summer of 2009. A team of 40 volunteers began work to plan Saturday’s (July 18) event in January, but the foundation for the event started long before the winter months.

“It all started with Brian Gelston, the owner of Bumpy’s, and I,” said event organizer Bill Schuldt. “We lost our good friend to brain cancer, and we wanted to do something in Paul’s memory.”

Not only does the annual event keep Gaetz’s memory alive, all proceeds from the show go directly toward the American Cancer Society.

“Through out the last four years, we’ve donated $40,000 to cancer research,” Schuldt said. “We’re hoping to break $50,000 this year.”

Brian and wife Heather are in charge of the books for the event each year, ensuring the most amount of cash possible goes toward fighting cancer.

Each year, the event has grown. The first year, 150 cars were entered into the show; last year the popularity grew to 258 cars.

“It just keeps going up every year,” Schuldt said.

Each year, 31 awards are given out to the best entries in the show. The car show isn’t all the event has to offer. There’s a raffle, beer garden, live music, food at Bumpy’s and Charlie’s, and a live auction.

“We have over 100 businesses and individuals who have donated raffle and auction prizes,” Schuldt said. “That’s been growing every year, too. It’s really quite the day.”

For the spouses of car lovers, Schuldt says the show is conveniently located within walking distance to the Puyallup Farmer’s Market.

While the show is dubbed the Classic Car Show, Schuldt says even the newer Camaros and Mustangs are a sight to see at the show.

This year, the car show welcomes automotive journalist Lance Lambert, and the Bumpy’s Classic Car Show will be part of his Vintage Vehicle Show.

The $20 registration for cars begins at 7 a.m., and the show begins at 9 a.m., with awards presented at 3 p.m. Saturday at 116 E. Main in Puyallup.

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Bumpy’s Classic Car Show keeps growing, benefiting cancer research."