30 Years of Love, Cars, and Memories: The Main Street Cruizer’s Pizza Run Car Show Journey

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Jan and Orville “Sonny” Smith, a husband and wife car enthusiasts from Caribou County, Idaho, have attended the Main Street Cruizer’s Pizza Run Car Show for nearly three decades, according to a report from hjnews.com. The annual event, which draws hundreds of participants and spectators, features vintage vehicles, food vendors, and community activities. The Smiths’ long-standing involvement highlights their dedication to local traditions and automotive culture.

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What is the Main Street Cruizer’s Pizza Run Car Show?
The Main Street Cruizer’s Pizza Run Car Show is a staple of Caribou County’s summer calendar, held annually in Montpelier, Idaho. Organized by local volunteers, the event showcases classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles, with categories for restoration, design, and performance. Proceeds from the show support community initiatives, including fire department funding and youth programs. The 2026 edition marked the 40th anniversary of the event, with organizers describing it as “a celebration of heritage and camaraderie.”

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Jan Smith, 62, and Orville “Sonny” Smith, 65, first attended the car show in 1996, when they were newlyweds. “We’ve missed only one year since then,” Jan Smith said in a statement provided to hjnews.com. “It’s more than a car show—it’s a chance to connect with people who share your passion.” The couple’s collection includes a 1967 Chevrolet Impala and a 1955 Ford F-100, both of which have been featured in the show’s “Best in Show” category over the years.

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How has the event evolved over the past 30 years?
The car show has grown significantly since its inception, with attendance doubling in the last decade. In 2026, organizers reported over 1,200 vehicles参展 and 5,000 attendees, compared to 300 vehicles and 1,000 visitors in 1996. The event now includes live music, a car wash fundraiser, and a “Kids’ Zone” with games and crafts. Local businesses, including Pizza Run, the event’s namesake, sponsor prizes and provide food for attendees.

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Orville Smith, a retired mechanic, credited the show’s longevity to its focus on community. “This isn’t just about cars,” he said. “It’s about people. Every year, we meet someone new or reconnect with someone we haven’t seen in a while.” The couple’s participation has also supported local emergency services. Proceeds from the 2026 show included a $10,000 donation to the Caribou County Fire Department, which uses the funds for equipment upgrades and training.

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Why does the event matter to residents?
For many in Caribou County, the car show is a symbol of resilience and unity. The region, which has faced wildfires and droughts in recent years, relies on community-driven events to foster connection. “When we gather to celebrate cars, we’re also reminding ourselves of what we’ve overcome,” said Sarah Thompson, a Montpelier native and longtime show volunteer. The 2026 event included a tribute to firefighters, with a display of vintage fire trucks and a speech by Caribou County Emergency Management Director Mark Reynolds.

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Reynolds highlighted the role of volunteer organizations in the county’s safety efforts. “Events like this help raise awareness about emergency preparedness,” he said. “They also give us a chance to thank the people who keep our community safe.” The Caribou County Volunteer Fire Department, which operates with a staff of 40 volunteers, has seen increased demand due to rising wildfire risks. Funding from the car show has been used to purchase firefighting gear and support public education campaigns.

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What comes next for the Smiths and the event?
Jan and Orville Smith plan to continue attending the car show, though they have not yet decided if they will remain active participants. “We’ll see how our bodies hold up,” Jan Smith joked. Organizers of the Main Street Cruizer’s Pizza Run Car Show have announced plans to expand the event in 2027, including a new “Retro Fashion” segment and a partnership with a regional automotive museum.

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The 2026 show also featured a special exhibit on the history of car culture in Idaho, curated by the State Historical Society. The exhibit included photographs, vintage ads, and interviews with local car club members.