By ETHAN DEWRI

Kettle corn and car wax blended with the usual scent of freshly cut grass in Redlands’ Sylvan Park on the morning of September 7. The songs of Elvis and the giants of American rock and roll competed with the laughter of children darting amid the game booths and the cheerful chatter of local venders beside their colorful wares. Summer’s last hurrah was in full swing.

However, the real stars of the show were the cars. Row after row of gleaming hoods, sparkling paint and polished rims from every era covered the park’s sloping hills as a part of Youth Hope’s annual fundraising function. Proceeds from the event will go toward the nonprofit’s mission to support homeless and underprivileged youth in Redlands and surrounding communities.