Story and photos by Mark and Susan Wing (unless otherwise noted)

The Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque have an annual tradition on showing our Model T’s at the New Mexico State Fair.  Senior club members Mark and Sharon Dominguez organized our appearance there this year – the 80th anniversary of the State Fair.  They had arranged for a new staging area for us to meet and park trailers – for those members transporting their car greater distances.  One of the advantages of this fenced staging area was the security that it afforded – with access controlled by State Fair employees.  The club members began arriving before 7AM, and by 8AM, it was time for the 18 Model T’s to enter the parade grounds.

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We were directed to an area on the main street of the parade grounds with Neil O’Brien leading the way in his 1920 Luverne Fire Truck.  After all of our cars were parked, it was time to relax, talk to interested spectators, eat fair food, and enjoy the exhibits.  As usual, the State Fair was well attended and our club members got a chance to talk to a wide-range of people about the history of the Model T, our club cars on display, and the fun and advantages of joining our club!

Tin Lizzie club member Steve Suttle had donated a Danbury Mint 1/25th scale model of a 1925 Model T pickup truck to be given away to Model T voted most popular by the viewing public.  The Model T’s were numbered on their radiator shells and a voting box centrally located to receive the ballots.  As 3PM approached, our customary departure time, it was announced that the winners (by a long shot) were Stan and Janice Gauna and their 1917 depot hack.  The Gauna’s are very generous at gatherings at venues like the State Fair and encourage children to sit in their depot hack, press the horn, and imagine driving the car.  No doubt this warm and giving spirit translated into votes and hopefully makes a life-long impression on the children.  Congratulations to Stan and Janice on winning the prize and thank you to Steve Suttle for donating the Model T model!

In recognition of the State Fair’s 80th anniversary, Fair organizers had special awards for our club.  They awarded a “Special Appreciation” ribbon for Don Mitchell’s 1927 Tudor, a “Participant’s Choice” ribbon for Art Gebeau’s 1922 boat tail speedster, and an “Appreciation Award” to Mark and Susan Wing’s 1924 Model T coupe.  It was quite a surprise and the organizers expressed their gratitude to the Tin Lizzies for showing at the State Fair every year.

At 3PM, the police provided a motorcycle escort for our 18 Model T’s to the depart the fair grounds on what was a sunny, enjoyable, and relaxing day.  Thank you to Mark and Sharon Dominguez for organizing this event and coordinating the new staging area!