What do a 1954 Chevy Bel Air, a Corvette sports car, a 1960 Lincoln Continental, two Army Jeeps, the Cupcake Lady's van, and a fire engine all have in common? Besides them all having four wheels, all were on display at Sinclear Elementary School for Friday's annual "Things That Go" event.
The exhibit of 18 vehicles was intended to highlight the first-graders' study of a "Things That Go" unit.
Sal Alvarez of Ceres brought by his customized 1954 Chevy Bel Air which he has owned for seven years.
"The memories I'm building right now is way worth it," said Alvarez, who restored the car in his garage at home with his wife. "I raised all my kids in it. It's fun."
The car sports some added features that didn't come with the car when it rolled off the assembly line. He added 20 extra teeth to the grille that originally came with five. He also had the chrome parts, such as around the headlights and the bumper hand engraved. The car still had the smaller tires having been at a low rider show in Merced recently. When he goes to a hot rod show he puts the white walls back on.
On the playground, Ceres firefighters brought by a pumper and informed students of the various working parts of it. When the siren was blown they placed their hands over their ears.
Commercial vehicles driven to the campus included the sales wagon for the Cupcake Lady of Turlock and a service vehicle from Honey's Air & Solar.
Other unique vehicles on display included a Hummer and a Mazda Miata. Steve Kellogg brought by his 1960 Lincoln Continental convertible by. His wife is best friends with a Sinclear teacher. In years past he has brought an RV, a couple of big-rigs and scissor lifts from his company, Florin Liquidators on McHenry Avenue. He showed features about the car, including the large trunk, and the odd shaped air conditioner near the floorboard. Kellogg also pointed out that the Lincoln did not come with seatbelts.
Work crewmen from Turlock Irrigation District brought a vehicle equipped with a large auger to dig holes for utility poles and to lift workers high up to repair power lines. Select students were allowed to wear protective helmets and gear.
Sinclear Elementary, which recently celebrated its being named a 2014 Distinguished Elementary School and its 10th anniversary, is known for its unique programs. Last month the school hosted the fourth annual "Bring Your Parent to School Day." Each May the school hosts a Career Day in which a number of occupations are represented to students.
