Bobbi McCracken and Bette Worth had a goal for SummerFest 2022, and it appeared they exceeded it.

On Saturday, Aug. 20, the festival brought thousands of people to Broadway Street in Aberdeen — between the blocks of Market, Wishkah, and Heron streets — to eat, enjoy cold alcohol-free drinks, walk shoulder to shoulder with some close and faraway friends, and to gawk at classic cars.

“We’re busy,” McCracken said at about 11 a.m., which was about two hours into SummerFest.

Michael Bush, from Spanaway, was there to eat some barbecue, and to show his son Dean, and Dean’s cousin Watson, some stellar vintage, American craftsmanship. The two young children were mesmerized by Gary Schrotberger’s regal blue 1960 Chevrolet Impala.

“I really do like this Impala,” said Bush as the children stared at the car’s interior, and the A&W Root Beer drive-in tray that hung on the driver’s side window sill. “I couldn’t really imagine driving something like this in Seattle. It’s mind-boggling.”

Bush said he would play YouTube videos of drag racing for Dean in order to ease his crying when the boy was a baby. Bush said his son has loved cars ever since.

Schrotberger, who had just returned across from where the food was, was happy to talk about his prized possession, which he’s owned since 1979. He’s glad he’s got something people like to look at.

“In 1961, I had a 1960 Impala,” Schrotberger said. “It was a two-door hardtop. I just love that look of a car, so I bought the other one. I’ve really had a lot of fun (with it.)”

Schrotberger loves how his car’s chrome shines along the sides of the vehicle.

The barbecue, however, was the star of the show.

Just after noon, when the barbecue tasting started, the lines appeared unending as people crowded in front of the barbecue tents.

At the tent for the Seabrook-based Frontager’s Pizza Co., where Chef Ron Wisner was slicing up lean, juicy tri-tip — served in a szechwan peppercorn sauce — people spent their time in line chatting as they waited to taste it.

Wisner, holding a sharp, carving knife, said he was trying to keep up. It looked as though the other tents were trying their best to keep up, too.

“We just started at noon, and you can see the line,” Wisner said.

Wisner was in good spirits.

“We love it,” he said. “It’s great to get out in the public and have fun.

In addition to many Grays Harbor County residents, Alisha Reynolds, and her three children, were in town from Florida. They were sitting by the “Kelp Forest” mural, and listening to local musician, Amanda Ransom, on the parking lot stage.

“She sounds wonderful,” Reynolds said.

Even though they hadn’t yet been at the festival for long, Reynolds said they were enjoying the food and entertainment.

While Ransom sang her heart out as she played the keyboard, one of the main events at SummerFest — the watermelon challenge — was held nearby. The challenge brought adults and children to a long table, in order to watch children in various age categories, and then adults, mash their faces into cold watermelon rinds.

Joseph Gifford, of Aberdeen, who was fitted with a clean, black, garbage bag like a prize fighter getting his hands wrapped before the big bout, was smiling after the challenge.

Joseph was happy and excited to come away with the win against his competitors in the 9- to 11-year-old age bracket, and a $10 Pizza Hut gift card.

Gifford, whose face was soaked in the red fruit juice, talked about winning.

“It was pretty good,” Gifford said as he was tapping his prize against his hand. “I won a Pizza Hut gift card.”

Gifford said the watermelon was “pretty messy,” but how eating the fruit was fun. Then, he described his close victory.

“I was in first place, but someone was right behind me,” said Gifford as his mom, Jennie Gifford, was standing close by with a proud glow.

“Joseph loves pizza,” she said. “He was so excited.”

Jennie was writing down the names of the places they liked in what seemed like market research for future family meals.

“(SummerFest) is awesome,” Jennie said. “There are so many great vendors. The barbecue is really good.”

Wil Russoul, who was the emcee for the festival, was ecstatic.

“I think this is the largest turnout so far,” Russoul said. “The biggest thing so far is we get to taste the barbecue.”

Russoul said he loved that the classic cars were added to the festival, and how the the festival brought so many people downtown.

Nearby local businesses were quite busy with people waiting for hot and cold coffee and tea drinks at Tinderbox Roasters, and then cold beers, cocktails, and lunch fare at The Tap Room.

Bryce Romero, owner of The Tap Room, said it was actually a great afternoon.

“It was better than last year by a mile,” Romero said.

Aberdeen City Council member David Gakin, Ward 2 Position 3, was enjoying his day with his daughter, Katie. The father and daughter were volunteering at the Buddy Moo’s ice cream station.

“It’s been really great,” Gakin said. “I’m surprised by the turnout. We’ve been here since 10 a.m., and it’s had a steady turnout ever since.”

Gakin said his favorite was seeing the children who were having a lot of fun.

“No one seemed to be dragged here against their will,” said Gakin with a laugh. “There’s nothing but smiles. Seeing the kids with balloons was great. It’s a great environment here. Well done.”

Kevin Mooney said how the other pitmasters were working well together to serve the full, satisfied public.

“I like being with the public, and with the community, said Mooney, who will soon open his buisiness, Big Moon’s BBQ, in Montesano. The restaurant opens Nov. 3.

Mooney said he ran out of the tri-tip during the sampling session. He wasn’t the only one. But, he wasn’t disappointed in running out.

“I think the festival is awesome,” Mooney said. “It’s a great chance to bring the community together.”

In addtion to his team that won the pork ribs category, Kick Ash won the chicken category, and Vitamin Q won the “Ranch Beans” category. In the “mystery meat” category — where the competitors didn’t know that it was Spam until they arrived — Vitamin Q, Sweet Spot, and BS BBQ tied for first place, according to McCracken. Vitamin Q won the overall contest.

While the weather cooperated through most of SummerFest, Worth was a little concerned by the drizzling that fell downtown. Fortunately, the new attraction — the tasting — made people more accepting of the rain drops. The weather dried up a couple hours into SummerFest.

“I think the tasting really helped,” Worth said. “We sold out of 500 raffle tickets, 250 tasting buttons. We’ll definitely have tasting again next year.”

Worth said the vendors and the volunteers helped so much to make the event what it was.

“It’s so crazy,” Worth said. “We had a lot of volunteers. It took a lot of weight off of Bobbi (McCracken) and I.”

The band, The Six, which followed Ransom’s set list, got people dancing on the parking lot that sits parallel to Broadway Street.

“The Six is fabulous,” Worth said. “Amanda Ransom was wonderful.”

McCracken sounded tired as she sat on a chair by the “Walking Tacos” and popcorn stand.

“I would love to put my feet in a bucket of water,” McCracken said.

McCracken said she and Worth spoke to the vendors — which sold food, drinks, and crafts — during the event.

“They all (did) extremely well,” McCracken said.

McCracken said she loved seeing everybody. Russoul did too.

“The other thing is we get to see everybody again,” Russoul said. “I want to thank all the volunteers. This is a great thing to put on.”

Photos by Matthew N. Wells | The Daily World Dean Bush, left, and his cousin Watson, stare at the regal blue 1960 Chevrolet Impala, which was part of the car show on Saturday, Aug. 20, at SummerFest 2022. The children, and Michael Bush, Dean’s dad, were enamored by the paint job, and the bullet tail lights on the classic car.

Local musician Amanda Ransom sang her heart out as she played on her keyboard on Saturday, Aug. 20, at SummerFest 2022, in downtown Aberdeen. The singer’s soulful voice rang through the festival, which drew thousands to the area.