History meets horsepower at Dreamworks car show, raising funds for Relay for Life

By Peter Zinn, The Canby Chronicle

More than 30 classic and custom vehicles filled the Dreamworks Collision lot on June 28 during their 17th annual charity car show, raising money for Relay for Life while drawing in nearly 200 participants and visitors. Beyond the polished chrome, restored classics, and customized creations, the annual event brought together car enthusiasts of all ages from across the area in support of cancer research and community fundraising.

Despite the overcast skies that were constantly threatening rain, visitors wandered between rows of vintage pickups, rat rods, and restored classics, while owners shared the stories behind the vehicles they have spent years, and on occasion decades, searching for and preserving. The display ranged from carefully restored classics to imaginative custom builds, including a Volkswagen “Baja Bug” build for off-road adventure as well as a hydraulic-equipped GMC Caballero that was proudly being displayed on only three of its four wheels.

Among the vehicles on display, bearing the title of first entry, was a first-generation Ford F-Series owned by Keith Dunn. Unlike many show vehicles that are restored after being rediscovered, Dunn’s truck has been in the family since his father purchased it from a farm near Goods Bridge following Oregon’s Christmas Flood of 1964.

Dunn said his father purchased the truck after the flood, despite its complete submersion, and together with Keith and his brother, brought it home and installed a replacement engine before putting it to work as the family vehicle. Dunn’s father drove it to work every day, and Keith even learned to drive with it at age 13, more than six decades ago. Even on the lot, evidence of its working life still remains as a section of the hood has been noticeably repaired. Dunn recalled, “I just wasn’t as far away as I thought,” when a tree was accidentally felled across the Ford while cutting firewood, a memory that surely drew as much laughter as curiosity from visitors.

While every vehicle carried its own history, the focus of the day remained firmly on supporting Relay for Life. As the event wound down early to keep the litany of show vehicles from having to suffer under the Oregon rain, visitors were encouraged to participate in a series of raffle events and purchase a hotdog or a donut donated by Cutsforth’s to go with their free coffee, in support Relay for Life before heading home themselves. Recognition was also given to several standouts. Among them, Jonathan Dewar was awarded for the second consecutive year with his Model A rat rod receiving the “Kids’ Choice Award” this year and “Hot Rod’s Pick” in 2025.

While trophies and raffle prizes acknowledged exceptional entries, the atmosphere remained less about competition and more about sharing stories and supporting a common cause with the local community. At the end of the day, the event raised $1591, bringing the total raised for the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life to nearly $15,000 over the last five years. After 17 years, and with the intention for many more, Dreamworks’ annual car show once again highlighted that a shared appreciation for classic automobiles and local history can help strengthen the local community.