Where Coffee, Bigfoot and Hot Rods Meet

The Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup, Washington was the place to be July 26-28, when Goodguys came to town for the 32nd Pacific Northwest Nationals, presented by Griot’s Garage. 2,500 hot rods, customs and pickups were amassed from all across the U.S., and a good portion of Canada too.

Puyallup’s proximity to Canadian provinces, mainly British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan along our northern border, makes road tripping to the Northwest Nationals an annual event for hundreds of hot rodders from the Great White North, adding an element not present at many other Goodguys’ events. Maybe it’s their willingness to share Tim Horton’s donuts, or friendly demeanor overall, the mix of Canadians is undeniable, and a welcome addition to hot rodding in the Pacific Northwest.

Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals should be on your ‘bucket list’

Adding to the enjoyment of the event was the lack of rain, allowing open cars to participate alongside their closed counterparts. Moderate temperatures, dry days and a plethora of newly built machines made for a great event. Locally owned but internationally acclaimed Art Morrison Enterprises, sponsored the Builder’s Choice area, and it was great to see Craig Morrison discussing the finer points of chassis construction with many interested and engaged participants.

One of our favorite aspects of the show, the model car show put on by a dedicated group of hobbyists in the area, fills the tables full of fine examples of scale auto art. So compelling is their display, at some point we’ve vowed to take part in the model car show by bringing entries of our own.

For rodders throughout the West, if you’ve not been to Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals, it should be on your ‘bucket list’. Plenty of places to stay, an abundance of great food and microbreweries, and an atmosphere that’s less competitive and more conducive to sharing, it’s a good time waiting to happen, one you shouldn’t miss.

… it’s a good time waiting to happen, one you shouldn’t miss.

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