'2009 Winter Rod and Speed Show' in Albany is a Major Success (VIDEO)

More than 100 cars turned out for the event at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany.

Photos and video by Tim King Salem-News.com

(ALBANY, Ore.) - A car show held over the weekend to benefit a little girl who is ill, may have turned out to be the biggest hot rod event in the history of Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The event was for Cricket who is sick & needs the community's help.

A variety of cars of all types were on hand at the 2009 Winter Rod and Speed Show; the event was held indoors so there was no impact from the winter weather.

It will likely be the first of many indoor car shows, based on the event's success, according to organizer and local drag racer Rich Bailey.

The proceeds all go to a little girl who needs the help of her community. Cricket is battling cancer and her family needs all of the support they can find to help deal with the tremendous costs associated with her illness.

Cricket made it to the show and got to take in the sights, even receiving a ride in one hot rod.

Mike Adams of Adam's Rib Restaurant in Salem, says the hot rodders of the Willamette Valley long ago established their desire to help people who are less fortunate.

It would be fair to say that this latest event brought out the best in street rods and people. Hot rods are an all age sport, and young admirers mixed with seasoned builders and rodders in supporting the event that supports Cricket.

One thing that is popular in Oregon is the vintage hot rod using only parts that would have been available during the heyday of the street rod, in the 1950's.

Rather than using modern engines and high technology, these cars are authentic; the same thing that would have cruised the streets fifty years ago.

Some of the cars at the show make regular appearances at places like the Woodburn Dragstrip.

Ron and Vicki Smith brought her 1968 Camaro out to the event. When it isn't gleaming at a car show, it's blazing the quarter mile in just over 13 seconds.

Ron's mid-60's Mercury Cyclone wasn't ready and missed the show, he'll probably have it on display next year.

Either way, this couple was a great example of today's grown up hot rodder who still enjoy the cars of the muscle car era.

105 cars made the 2009 Winter Rod and Speed Show at the Albany Expo Center. CapRacing crew chief Jerry Abbot says that if you missed the event but still want to help Cricket, you can visit capracing.com or stop by Adam's Rib Restaurant at State Street and 12th, just east of the state capitol.

Here is the video by Tim King:

Video