Newcomer wins top honors at Rod Run to the Rock

Longview resident and novice car shower Willis Kilthew was awarded Best in Show for his 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle.

A car show novice won top honors during this year’s Rod Run to the Rock on Saturday in Castle Rock.

Longview resident Willis Kilthew won the Pepper’s 49ers-sponsored Best in Show trophy for his 1965 Chevrolet Chavelle, which he had acquired just last year and represented his first entry into a car show.

Kilthew said he had been to Rod Run to the Rock beforehand with his brother but had not competed until this year, and said those who feel like they would enjoy getting into the car show scene should find a vehicle they really like and make sure they take the best care of it they can.

Kilthew was among around 90 entrants competing that weekend in what was the 21st annual Rod Run to the Rock, held yearly during Mt. Mania weekend.

Organizer Jim Grose said he is very grateful to the many sponsors who continue to support the event, stating they have been a “blessing” to help the show continue running.

“There are some really outstanding cars here for a little hometown show,” said Grose, who himself raises classic cars and is proud to enter one or two into the show, acknowledging he does so just for fun and not for a trophy.

Vehicles represented at this year’s show spanned a number of classic decades going back as far as the 1920s, and included stock restorations as well as hot rods and other personalized customizations.

“It’s all beauty in the eye of the beholder,” said Grose of the many kinds of vehicles on display, stating no one style or era is bound to take home a trophy.

Thanks to the help of sponsors, more than a dozen cars were given awards in different categories, while a number of donated prizes were raffled off, as well. Proceeds raised from the show, including entry fees, will be put back into the community through different non-profit programs.

For more information, including show to get ready for next year’s car show scheduled for July 25, call organizers Jim and Donna Grose at (360)274-5655.

Classic cars lined the streets of Downtown Castle Rock Saturday for the 21st annual Rod Run to the Rock during Mt. Mania weekend.