Saturday’s 50th Anniversary Pageant of the Thunderbird was a fitting last hurrah for summer on a sparkling day of sunshine and fun at beautiful Twila Reid Park in Anaheim. The Early Birds of Southern California, sponsors of the pageant, invited T’birds from all eras and other Ford owners from around the region to display their beauties in this once-in-a-lifetime landmark event. And, of course, LCOC members and their cars were part of the fun.
Lincolns (and T’birds) up to 2005 were invited and several decades of mid-century vehicles were displayed.
Halsey Posada’s original 1972 family-owned Mark IV, which trundled in all the way from La Mesa near San Diego, was a first place winner.
New LCOC member Rick Soden’s gorgeous Sunset Yellow 1956 Premiere convertible made its show debut and immediately rewarded Rick with a trophy. It was a stunner from all angles as was Matt Means’ 1960 rare black Mark V.
Here’s Rick getting his trophy from Jim Ayres, left, and wining one of the numerous raffle prizes.
Dale and Kay Derstine arrived in their special Mark III. Elayne Bendel’s ’64 convertible and Jim Ayres’ ’88 Mark VII plus a newer sedan helped span the decades.
All eras of Thunderbirds, plus some nifty Fords of the ’50s and custom trucks combined for a beautiful and colorful show field.
But the cars weren’t nearly the whole story of this golden anniversary event. There was food and many special baskets and prizes. Numerous happy owners took home either a golden trophy or a special prize souvenir or both from the pageant, making it an unforgettable show for all. Meeting old friend Nyles Beuchel after 35 years not seen was a special treat. Our thanks to the Early Birds for their great show and kind invitation to LCOC.
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