LONG BEACH PENINSULA — The echo of rumbling engines and lingering aromas of burnt rubber and exhaust have faded following three days of fuel-injected fun that marked the successful conclusion of the Long Beach Peninsula’s summer visitor season.

Classic car aficionados from across the Pacific Northwest converged on the peninsula for the 39th annual Rod Run last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Presented and hosted at Beach Barons Field in Ocean Park, festivities kicked off Friday evening in Ilwaco, where hundreds lined Howerton Avenue in anticipation for the Slow Drag. John Marugg, driving a 1978 Dodge Magnum XE, finished first in the event. In keeping with Rod Run tradition, the 1978 Dodge will be immortalized on Slow Drag shirts designed by artist Don Nisbett for the event next year.

On Saturday, the classic car action continued with 860 registered chrome-accented vehicles from the days of Doo-Wop and malt shops rumbling along Pacific and Sandridge, eventually congregating at Beach Barons Field in Ocean Park where events were held until the evening, before departing for the popular evening cruise around the Peninsula.

Top trophy cars included:

• Host Car: 1965 Mercury Cougar owned by Katrina Stotts;

• Participants’ Choice: 1961 modified VW Fun Hugger owned by Daryl and Tina Whitney;

• President’s Choice: 1959 Corvette owned by Barry Chunn;

• Spectators’ Choice: 1957 Buick Riviera Estate Wagon

Despite some noise complaints, DUIs and other annoyances associated with any large event on our peninsula, overall it was regarded as a success by police.

“Rod Run went well this year,” Long Beach Police Chief Flint Wright said. “The crowd was in a good and friendly mood this year, which always makes it easier. Long Beach had no real issues this year.”

The number of extra officers brought in to help with the weekend was increased from 15 to 25. “Last year I had real concerns with crowd behavior, so that is why we increased the number of officers,” Wright said. “We also increased enforcement of things like negligent driving and open alcohol containers.”

Wright said his officers arrested five or six drivers for driving while intoxicated and turned them over to the Washington State Patrol.

“WSP was very helpful again this year, as were the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office and Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. It was definitely a group effort,” the chief concluded.