Phelan Phamily Phun Days returned to the Tri-Community on October 2nd, attracting many to the annual event that includes a parade, a car show, vendors, and live music.

The day was packed with fun-filled family activities, beginning with a parade that started at 9 am. After the parade, attendees were able to walk onto the downtown area of Phelan Road, where entrees into the Champagne Classic Car Show were parked and waxed for display. The proud owners were often sitting in lawn chairs next to their vehicles.

Susan Truitt attended the event with her husband Charles, and they entered a light blue 1957 Chevy Bel Air into the car show. She says her favorite part of the day was getting to see all the older vehicles because it’s a hobby she and her husband share.

One of the day’s most popular events began at 11:30 am and took place behind the Stater Bros on Brawley Road. This event was the Burn Out. Vehicles lined up at the turnaround at the end of the street to burn out their tires in front of the masses that lined the top of the dirt hill and along the road. For vehicles that maximized the cloud of burnt rubber from their tires, they were rewarded by loud, boisterous cheers of approval from the crowd.

Throughout the day, several competitions were open to the public. They included musical chairs, a burping contest, an animal imitation calling contest, a pizza-eating contest, and a hula hoop contest.

The hula hoop contest attracted ten contestants and started around 12:30 pm. Girls and boys of different ages gathered in front of the T-Mobile stage to compete, and very quickly, that number began to shrink. Suddenly, only two young girls were left in the match, and the duo seemed poised to drag the event out all day. The two faced each other as they worked the hoop with their waists when out of nowhere, one of the hoops dropped to the floor, and a winner was crowned: Emily Miramontes. After the victory, she said her sides hurt from the hoop.

Beside the T-Mobile stage, Emilia Romero sat at one of the tables with her husband Eduardo and their son Eddie in the beer tent. “We’re just having so much fun,” she said with a smile. “It’s Phun Days. It happens every year.” In the past, she’s participated in the event’s parade. But not this year. “It’s great that we are able to get out of the house to see other people, to be able to be part of our town.” On the stage next to the tent, the band Modd Rodds plays music inspired by beach party tunes.

The 2021 Phelan Phamily Phun Days proved to be a fun event for all who attended. PICTURES FOLLOW CAR SHOW WINNNERS

Car show winners are: