SIERRA CITY — The Big City Rod Run, now in its 15th year, took over Sierra City on Saturday. Fifty-two cars participated, decorating Main Street with a colorful array of custom autos.

Showcased cars came from several automotive eras, were exceedingly personalized, and often had a heavily modified or replaced drivetrain. Some had a more artistic focus, with the most notable example being the “steampunk” styled 1952 Chevrolet Thrift Master truck, which hides the engine to provide the illusion of steam power. That truck, by Mark and Marie Lehmann, won Tahoe National Forest Engine 332 and Smokey the Bear’s “Smokey’s Choice Award.”

This year, the Best of Show award went to Charlie Catron and his highly modified 1934 Blown Ford Coupe. The specimen was undoubtedly one of the cleanest in the show, with a bright red finish, subtle flame decal, and polished engine.

Hanne Waller added one fun detail: her 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S sported a “Chucky” doll under the hood and won the “This One’s For the Girls” award from My Sisters Cottage. Another car was themed with stuffed tiger dolls in the trunk and behind the rear window.

An exciting addition to this year’s Rod Run was a car parade, which allowed spectators a great opportunity to witness their favorite hot rods in action. Andy Leuzinger’s Pro 4 Mod stole the show, opening up the taps just a little in his built-for-the-track beast. The racing car won the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office’s “Best Getaway Car” award.

The festivities also included a raffle and music from the Danny Horton Trio. The band kept the day entertaining with a set list of country classics.

This year was touted as the final Big City Rod Run, attributed by organizer Jim Westfall to being unable to find volunteers. Before the final parade, however, Westfall explained that people had stepped up upon hearing the news and that the show was likely to continue again next year.

A great number of local businesses sponsored awards. Although proceeds this year were slim, Sierra City Improvement Group will also generously donate $1000 to the Western Sierra Food Bank in Downieville. A special “She Never Took Her Foot Off the Gas” award was presented to Sandy Blake of Roseville, a crucial volunteer at every Big City Rod Run. Westfall would also like to give a special thanks to Judy Behlke, Robert Cheney, Tim and Nick Westfall, and Linda Voracek.

The awards and winners were as follows:

BEST OF SHOW: 1934 Blown Ford Coupe – Charlie Catron, Nevada City

FOUNDERS AWARD: 1934 Blown Ford Coupe – Charlie Catron, Nevada City

SMOKEY THE BEAR – SMOKEY’S CHOICE AWARD: 1952 Chevy 3100 Thrift Master Pickup – Mark and Marie Lehmann, Reno

BASSETTS STATION – BEST PAINT JOB: 1932 Ford Sedan, Bill Morris, Graeagle

BUTTES RESORT – THAT’S A BUTTE: 1966 Chevelle Malibu, Jack Hayden– Citrus Heights

CHP – RED LIGHT RUNNER: 1940 Ford Coupe, Gary Blauser, Meadow Vista

MOUNTAIN MESSENGER – NO BAD NEWS: 1963 Chevy C-10, Evan & Debbie Jahromi, Fairfield

MY SISTERS COTTAGE – THIS ONE’S FOR THE GIRLS: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Hanne Waller, Reno

RED MOOSE INN & CAFE - BEST MOPAR: Sandee Jacobs & Tom Bernal,1934 Plymouth 5 window coupe, Jackson

SARDINE LAKE RESORT – A BIG FISH IN A LITTLE POND: 1953 Chevy Corvette w/boat –Collette Young, Chico

SIERRA BOOSTER – HAL’S BLAST FROM THE PAST: 1964 Ford Fairlane, Lee & Gloria Taylor, Fairfield

SIERRA CITY FIRE DEPT – JUST A HUNK OF BURNIN’ LOVE: 1951 Ford F1 Truck, Michael Griffin, Truckee

SIERRA CITY MERCANTILE – THE ARTIST CHOICE: 1947 Dodge Power Wagon, Orville & Stef Boger, Nevada City

SIERRA CITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – ONE RIGHTEOUS RIDE: 1964.5 Ford Mustang Coupe, Laki & Barbara Malamatenios, Grass Valley

SIERRA CITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – HELLFIRE & BRIMSTONE: 1939 Chevy 2-door sedan, David Nye, Georgetown

SIERRA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL – BEST ART CAR: 1932 Ford Coupe, Bob Leary, Grass Valley

SIERRA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: 1970 Porsche, Steve & Karen Thomas, Cool

SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF – BEST GETAWAY CAR: Pro 4 Mod, Andy Leuzinger, Sierra City

SABRINA’S AT THE FORKS – LUNCH A BUNCH ON THE DOWNIE RIVER: 1968 S.S. Camero, Tom Coleman, Gridley

SIERRA SKIES R.V. PARK – BEST TRAILER QUEEN: 1955 Chevy Bel Aire, Craig Helrich (Goose) Sparks

SIERRA PINES RESORT – PERFECT CATCH: 1933 Willys Coupe, Bill Fitting, Rough & Ready

SNOWBUSTERS CLUB: 1967 Pontiac Lemans, Rene & John Biondo, Reno

SORRACCO’S SALOON – BEST TRUNK TO STUFF A BODY IN: 1934 Ford 5 Window Coupe, Rod Silva, Sacramento

TOMS SNOWMOBILE – BEST SLED: 1951 Mercury Convertible, Bud Clark, Cool

OLD SIERRA CITY HOTEL – BEST OLD RAT ROD: 1939 Steel/Rust Ford – R.D. Vanetti, Chilcoot

BIG SPRINGS GARDEN – THE BIG BS AWARD: 1981 Corvette, Chip Lakocy, New Castle