On August 27, 2022, the 16th, and final, Wheels ‘N’ Windmills Car Show was held in the charming background of the town of Solvang, California. Over 250 classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, custom/modified cars and trucks, and special interest vehicles were on display or competed for awards in over 30 classes. All proceeds from the event were donated to four chosen local Santa Ynez Valley charities (see the charities page for details). A new GM V8 engine (purchased with funds provided through a grant) and a custom-built automatic transmission (donated by Goleta Transmission) were raffled off and all the proceeds from the sale of the raffle tickets were donated to the Santa Ynez Valley High School and the Santa Maria High School auto shop programs (see the raffle page for details). A Friday night Barbeque/desert auction, Saturday “Poker Walk”, “Silent Auction, and special “Event T-shirt” sale also took place during the event which provided additional funds for the charities.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the City of Solvang, the numerous merchants and individuals that provided donations and services for this year’s event (see the sponsors page for details), and most of all, the car show participants that brought their vehicles and the thousands of spectators that came to enjoy this year’s event.
Special thanks to Mike Boggess (owner of Park Central Web Design) and Pete Ruiz (owner of Class Act Entertainment). Mike developed our website and donated his time to maintain and keep it updated for over 20 years. Pete, and his family, have been on hand as our DJ for every car show since we began doing the car shows on the “Avenue of Flags” in Buellton and when we moved the event to Solvang in 2005. He has provided great music during each event and even MC’d some of our award ceremonies in Solvang.
We also want to give a special thanks to the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops for performing the American Flag presentation and helping out during this years and past events.
Last, but certainly not least, my wife and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone that has been on our car show committee or worked with us over the years volunteering their time and energy to plan and put on each event. Without these dedicated people, putting on each event would have been impossible. A special thanks goes out to the Hoagland and Grand families for supporting us and the organization during the good times and through the tough times. To the people who have supported the Wheels ‘N’ Windmills Car Show organization and participated and/or attended our events, you will be forever in our hearts. All of you have provided us with countless memories that we will be able to reflect on and enjoy forever.
When we started putting on the car shows 22 years ago, never in our wildest dreams did we think that our events would be as successful and rewarding as they turned out to be. The final total of the proceeds donated to charity from all of the Wheels ‘N’ Windmills Car Show organization events was $451,135.
Sincerely,
Bob and Joanne Stokes
Please use the “Feedback” link if you would like to provide input or have a question.
For all of our loyal supporters and anyone else that would enjoy going back in time.
Starting in March, this section and the adjoining license plate links, will provide a summary, related documents, and pictures of the history of our car show events. I’m looking forward to reviewing, reliving, and providing the “Going Back in Time” segments for your enjoyment. Please check back for the first segment from our beginnings with the “Avenue of Flags Car Shows” held in Buellton, California.
Keep on Cruisin’.
Stay well and safe,
Bob Stokes
Former President, Wheels ‘N’ Windmills Car Show Organization
We’d like to hear about your experience at this year’s show, good or bad, to help us make next year’s show even better.