Article and Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
The annual Hurley Pride Committee Festival was held on a blustery, chilly day, May 9. Plenty of vendors were on hand, as well as owners and admirers of vintage cars for almost as far in two directions as the eye could see.
One owner, Alfonso Torres, Sr. of Bayard and his wife Jean posed in front of the 1927 Tall-T that he, with the help of his nephew, Gilbert Torres and family, had been working on for about five years. The before pictures show what little he had to begin with.
According to his daughter, Syndi Barragan, it was a labor of love, with parts being gathered here and there. "This is the third show the car has been in. It got second place last year. Building this car was his lifetime dream, and his nephew helped him make it happen."
Gilbert Torres said his uncle Alfonso worked more than 40 years as a body and paint man, so he was quite familiar with the process of building a car almost from scratch. Alfonso Torres worked for Vern's Body Shop much of that time.
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
Jean and Alfonso Torres, Sr., stand in front of the Tall-T, he and his nephew and family built.
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
At the beginning of the building process.
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
Plenty of cars to admire at the festival.
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
A shiny old red Chevrolet pickup truck
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
A few people stroll the grounds, but most are hiding out of the wind in their tents
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
More cars to admire
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
Like what you see. Talk to the owner about it.
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
A 1952 MG, British flag and all.
Hurley Pride 2015 Festival
Owner Carrolee Turner stays out of the wind, but her white tiger enjoys the sun. The 1965 Olds is also owned by Otis, Carrolee's husband.