Denning restores 1936 Chevy for granddaughter

Bonners Ferry resident Keith Denning wants to leave his children and grandchildren an unique legacy while doing something he loves.

During this Rod Benders Border 3 Jamboree, people’s mouths will water when they see the cotton candy-colored vehicle Denning has restored as they stroll down Main Street during Saturday’s show.

He has restored a sweet 1936 Chevy pickup truck made specifically for his beloved granddaughter Briana LoPorto.

Denning has been restoring Chevy pickups for as long as he can remember.

He has 10 cars.

“I pick up pieces here and there, and I gradually get one completed,” said Denning. “Soon I will have one for each child and grandchild.”

Denning has restored more than 21 vehicles, with the oldest being a 1929 Model A . The newest vehicle he has restored is 1956 GMC. It also is the only car he has restored.

“This pink Chevy is cherry and surely it will l catch an eye or two on Saturday, with seven beautiful granddaughters in tow,” Dinning said.

Once he is done restoring the pink Chevy, he will give Briana the title.

The weekend revs up Friday with a cruise. Drivers are asked to meet in the Bonners Ferry parking lot at 5:30 p.m.

The kick-off will include directions for the event, plus questions, puzzles and prizes.

Borders 3 Jamboree follows on Saturday.  

The classic car show is in its 14th year drawing hundreds to Bonners Ferry for the exhibits and drive through ceremony.

The show takes place on Main Street beginning with check-in at 8 a.m. The Main Street show begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

Ed Robbins’ Model T vehicles also will be displayed.

 Classic cars will be judged and prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m.

A vintage tractor display also will take place on Saturday at the north end of Main Street from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

The display is being held in conjunction with “The Way We Worked,” an exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian which is on display at the Boundary County Museum.

After the car show, the fifth annual Pass in the Grass lawnmowers races will take place at 6 p.m. at the outdoor arena at Boundary County Fairgrounds. Racers from all over the nation are already pre-registered.

 To participate in the lawnmower races, call Sandy at 267-7041 for information and entry forms.