Each year, the Blue Mountain Festival in Grand Terrace, California, showcases not just the beauty of our community but also the rich automotive history of its residents. This year was no exception, as numerous local car enthusiasts, brought together by the GT Cars & Coffee group, participated in the parade, transforming the beautiful streets with a dazzling display of classic cars and nostalgia.
Longtime residents of Grand Terrace recognize the iconic figures of the community, such as Juanita Bigelow, who proudly drives her prized 1957 Baby T Bird. Just across from her , the Schnetz brothers—Larry, Nick, and Randy—showcase their remarkable collection of vehicles. From the restored and modified red 1969 Chevy long bed to Randy's beloved 1957 Chevy Bel Air, which he bought at the tender age of 13, mowing lawns, these cars are not just vehicles; they are cherished memories. Randy's green Bel Air is now a complete Restomod he built himself, showcasing the dedication and passion of our local car enthusiasts.
Brother Larry boasts a stunning 1957 Corvette, which he purchased from friend Guy Portillo's sibling. This gem has been lovingly restored and features key Restomod upgrades. Randy's family isn't the only one with a noteworthy collection; down the street lives Barney Barnett, another car enthusiast who proudly owns five cars and one truck, including four 1957 Chevrolets, a '58 Corvette, and a classic 1932 Ford. Barney made quite an impression this year, escorting Councilwoman Castillo in his beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Convertible.
Guy Portillo himself shone in his beautiful yellow 1956 Ford truck, complemented by longtime friend Daryl Bruhl in a sleek 1963 Porsche Super 90. The bond among these car lovers runs deep, tracing back to the early 1960s, fueled by a shared passion for vintage vehicles and camaraderie at GT Cars & Coffee.
Adding to this rich tapestry is Johan Gallo’s wife, Donna (Henry), who has lived around the corner since 1960, bringing along about 360 years of collective automotive history. Donna's father was also a car enthusiast, renowned for his restoration of an MG TC, keeping the legacy alive.
Moreover, the festival held a special place in the heart of Suzanne Santoya and her beautifully restored Chevy Truck, honoring her father, a highly decorated Veteran recognized during Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day events at Freedom Park. Kathy Innes also made waves with her stunning 1955 Chevy. An accomplished midget car racer, Kathy’s car is affectionately named “Lil Nervous,” a tribute to her pre-race jitters, proving that resilience and spirit shine brightly in the face of challenges.
Last but certainly not least, the McGuire family played an essential role in the GT Cars & Coffee community. Christy McGuire proudly showcased her late father’s 1983 Chevy El Camino, embodying the pride and patriotism of a veteran and keeping his memory alive in each event.
Without the participation and support of GT Cars & Coffee and its beloved members, along with other support and sponsors such as the city of Grand Terrace, The Lions Club, And the foundation of Grand Terrace , the parade at the Blue Mountain Festival in general would not be what it is today. The Community is incredibly grateful for Grand Terraces Cars and coffee and their ongoing involvement and engagement in every community event. We were utterly captivated as the parade of classic cars and vehicles made their way down the picturesque streets of Grand Terrace, each car telling a story, celebrating our shared history, and reminding us of the importance of camaraderie, community, and the love of automobiles.
Here's to many more years of friendship, passion, and the engine's roar that brings us all together!