PALMDALE – The Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and the Antelope Valley Mall presented their annual Public Safety Expo, Car Show and Chili Cook-Off. This year’s event was held on Saturday, June 15th, and featured 17 public safety organizations serving the Antelope Valley.
The highlight of the event was a dunk tank, generously donated by Lancaster Harley-Davidson. Deputy Greg Chatman did a fantastic job of encouraging the crowd to “Dunk-a-Cop.” Sheriff’s motor deputy, Jason Jackman and Palmdale Station Captain, Don Ford, took turns being dunked. The Antelope Valley Search and Rescue Team operated a rock wall, which was also a big hit with the crowd.
There were numerous chili contestants and over 50 car show entrants. The Rustic Jailhouse Chili, operated by Kela Nagel and her neighbor Ginger Balcom, had a facade of a jail with bars. The women were dressed in black and white striped prison uniforms serving chili through the jail bars.
Another team sponsored by Palmdale Sheriff’s featured masked “Lucha Libre” participants serving chili and taking photographs with the crowd. The Lucha Libre team won the “Most Spirited Booth” award for their zany antics.
This year’s event raised funds and awareness for “999 for Kids.” This is a joint charity between the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Children’s Services. This organization provides funding for extracurricular items and activities to abused, physically and/or mentally challenged youth. It is part of the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation which includes numerous programs for at risk youth.
For more information about this and other youth programs offered by the Sheriff’s Department, visit the Sheriff’s website at www.sheriffsyouthfoundation.org or www.lasd.org
And the winners are…
CAR SHOW WINNERS
- Best of Class – Commercial Vehicle Pre 1965: Pat & Carol Fegan 1949 Cheverolet
- Best of Class – Commercial Vehicle Post 1965: Keith Jones 1965 Ford F100
- Best of Class – Rat Rod: Micheal McKie 1940 Ford
- Best of Class – Pre 1948: Johnny Garcia 1947 CheveroletConvertible
- Best of Class – Post 1948: Charlie 1956 Cheverolet
- Best of Class – Pre 1965: Don Winters 1965 Chevelle
- Best of Class – Post 1965: David Turell 1969 Mustang
- Best of Class – Original: Steve Sgrignoli 1957 Chevrolet BelAire
- Best of Class – Custom: Rob Reader 1931 Oldsmobile
- Best of Class – Special Construction: Pete & Cindy 1967Camero
- Best of Class – Paint: Larry Walton 1939 Chevrolet
- Best of Class – Interior: Larry Walton 1939 Chevrolet
- Best of Class – Engine: Bob Pina 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe
- Best of Class – Engineered Vehicle: Mike Johnson 1933 Willys
- People’s Choice – Car Show: Cory Kennedy 1971 AMC Javelin
CHILI COOK OFF WINNERS
- Best Traditional Chili – 1st Place: Rustic Jailhouse Chili (The Rustic Café & Bakery; Kela Nagel)
- Best Traditional Chili – 2nd Place: John’s Chili (Al & Brenda Lopez)
- Best Traditional Chili – 3rd Place: Gunfighter, Inc. Chili (Dave Sauer)
- Best Non-Traditional Chili – 1st Place: Lucha Libre (Palmdale Station, Frank, Lindsay & Charles)
- Best Non-Traditional Chili – 2nd Place: CHP Volunteers (Lancaster CHP)
- Best Non-Traditional Chili – 3rd Place: Probation Department
- Most Spirited Booth – 1st Place: Lucha Libre (Palmdale Station, Frank, Lindsay & Charles)
- Most Spirited Booth – 2nd Place: Jailhouse Chili (The Rustic Café & Bakery; Kela Nagel)
- Most Spirited Booth – 3rd Place: Gunfighter, Inc. Chili (Dave Sauer)
- People’s Choice Chili Award – 1st Place: Jailhouse Chili (The Rustic Café & Bakery; Kela Nagel)
- People’s Choice Chili Award – 2nd Place: Lucha Libre (Palmdale Station, Frank, Lindsay & Charles)
- People’s Choice Chili Award – 3rd Place: Gunfighter, Inc. Chili (Dave Sauer)
(Information via Sgt. Andrew Nagel of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.)