Photos: Jay Ofsthun Memorial Show & Shine brings Alaska car enthusiasts together in Anchorage

Updated: 2 hours ago Published: 2 hours ago

The 46th annual Jay Ofsthun Memorial Show & Shine was held Sunday on the west end of the Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage.

“It’s the largest car show in Alaska,” said Midnight Sun Street Rod Association president Raelyn McGinnis. “The show was founded in 1978 as a fun day with cars any make or model. We have cars from Fairbanks and the Peninsula. People come out of the woodwork to come to our show.”

McGinnis estimated there were 400 to 450 vehicles at the event held in partnership with the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.

Sitting next to his 1932 Chrysler Victoria, Mike Smith said, “Lots of nice cars here. I wonder where they hide them. You don’t see them driving around Anchorage.”

Kitty Farnham was keeping an eye on her grandchildren Sterling, 4, seated behind the wheel, and Parker, 2, as they played in her 1955 MG TF 1500, affectionally called Luci. Farnham said her grandchildren “have seen it in the garage. It’s fun to see it out on the town. It doesn’t take car seats well.”

Tom and Allyson Gallagher were standing next to their 1949 Cadillac Series 61 2 Door Club Coupe with original paint as people snapped photos of them with the Jay Ofsthun Memorial Trophy they had just won. “I was totally shocked,” said Allyson. Her grandfather bought the car new in 1949 in Tampa, Florida, for $2,200. “It’s been in the family the whole time,” she added.