The echoes of engines carried over Fairfield Saturday morning. And had you come toward those sounds, you would have been witness to a gathering that was a tribute to Trysten Fellers and his memory.
Towering above Fairfield’s business district were the long extended pipes of conrete pump trucks, courtesy of A Jay Concrete Pumping, with their lines forming a metal arch over Fairfield’s Central Avenue. Further down the street another truck held an American flag waving with every breeze.
Starting at the new office of 7-Electric, and running down to the Community Hall and along the side streets, an array of cars, trucks, motorcycles and big rigs were on display.
Lining the streets were classics, such as a 1932 Chevy. And there were cars and trucks, some of a fairly old vintage, that had just that morning been used on the farm, and there were cars that would pass for every-day rides, were it not for their age.
Trysten Fellers’ graduation photo
Because many of those who rode their rigs into town were friends of Trysten, a young man taken from his family and friends at such a young age, a lot of what was on display reflected the younger crowd, and what they brought to the show just made it even better.
Jason Stott was the organizer of the show. Jason had been close friends with Trysten’s parents “for decades,” and had gotten to know Trysten when he worked with him at HL Ventures over a couple of years.
Cory Japp’s 1985 Chevy and Bryce Riphenburg’s 1991 Jeep.
Asked how Trysten would have reacted to the show, Jason said, “Overwhelmed!” He then added, “I felt completely blessed that our friends in our communities came out to support” the show.
Asked what Trysten would have thought of the display, Jason replied, “He would have been happy… he would have had a good time.” He told the Sun Times that it was a young crowd, “off the farm,” people that knew Trysten.
Jason said that there were “over 120” entries to the show.
Darcy Lewis’ 1962 Chevy Nova.
Jason said he and the family wanted to thank the Town of Fairfield and Mayor Loren Tacke for giving the greenlight to the show and to A Jay Concrete Pumping for their pumper truck. He also thanked everyone who donated and volunteered.
During the show, the Sun Times took a photo of Trysten’s family standing next to a yellow 1967 Chevy pickup. There’s a story behind that truck.
Trysten’s aunt, Rene’ Peters, acquired the truck. It was Trysten’s favorite, and that truck was to be his one day, according to Trysten’s grandmother, Karen Hansen.
Ian Goetz and his 1971 Buick Skylark.
Karen told the Sun Times that the show came off “wonderfully… better than expected.” She went on to say that she “didn’t expect so many people or vehicles.” Karen’s voice began to break as she said “a lot of people loved Trysten, and he loved ‘em (cars and trucks) loud with lots of lights!” When asked how her grandson would have reacted to the display of cars, trucks and motorcycle, Karen said, “Rory, his mom, put it best when she said, ‘his ADD would have been going off,’ he would have been saying, ‘LOOK AT THIS ONE… LOOK AT THAT ONE!’ He would have absolutely loved it!”
Karen said the turnout “meant everything to the family; the love of the community for Trysten.” She also said that the question they were asked most was “You’re doing this again, right?” Yes, they are.
Trysten’s aunt, Rene’ Peters, said the show “went really well. It showed how important Trysten was to the community. He touched many more people than we thought in his 22 years.” Asked what Trysten would have thought of the show, Rene’ said he would have “been impressed, but he would have said that his was louder” She also said that the desire for the show was to bring together young and old, with everyone getting along and enjoying a good time.”
Bruce Nelson's 1932 Chevy
Trysten’s mom, Rory Fellers, said the family was “amazed” and that the turnout was a “great celebration of Trysten.” She was also impressed with the amount of funds raised for the scholarship fund that was created in Trysten’s name.
We asked Rory, as we did everyone else we spoke with, what they thought Trysten’s impression of the car show in his honor would have been. In reply, Rory said, “He would have loved it! He would have not known where to look first. At one point we had everyone start their engines, and Trysten would have loved the noise, and he would have giggled with pleasure.”
Cory Japp’s 1985 Chevy and Bryce Riphenburg’s 1991 Jeep
Rory gave credit to Jason Stott for the success of the show, saying that it was his idea.
During the show, Trysten’s dad, Sonny Fellers, told the Sun Times that there is something in the works to fill the need for skilled workers that will bring the local school and the companies that need those workers together. We’ll have more on that as it develops.
Here’s the results of the 2022 Live Your Dash Auto Show benefit for Trysten Fellers Memorial Scholarship:
120 total auto registrations
Silent Auction: $10,009.77
Auto Registrations + keep the change donations: $3,060
BackYard Pack Raffle: $2,635
50/50: $650
Cash Donations (1st Bank of Montana donation bucket & match, anonymous, & Auto Show award givebacks): $3,420
Covered Wagon Ranch of Big Sky Montana, owned by Kurt & Melissa Puckett, Facebook raffle for two night stay at the Ranch: $1,200
Vendors and food: $1,060
TOTAL: $22,034.77
Face Painting Donations: $261 This went to Trysten’s Helpline Foundation.
Trysten’s Helpline Foundation was started by Trysten’s grandparents, Mark and Karen Hansen. This is a nonprofit that will donate to those who need just a little helping hand, for example: elderly couple who need firewood; a family who loses a loved one suddenly; a hard working single mama who’s hit a rough patch.
The foundation has given to the Fairfield Food Pantry. If there is a family or person who could use a small boost to get them through a tough situation, please reach out to one of Trysten’s grandparents, Mark and Karen or his Aunt Rene’.
The winners of the first annual “Live Your Dash Auto Show” on May 7 in Fairfield were presented metal plaques for first place and cash for consolation.
Nikki Gulick of Iron Horse Metal Works made and donated the awards and Sonny and Rory Fellers with HL Ventures donated the cash prizes for the auto show.
The winners were:
Loudest — First Place: Tony Hershey, 71 Chevelle SS; consolation prizes: Robert Pope, 1970 D100; Corey Japp, 1985 Chevy; Ian Goetz, 1971 Buick Skylark.
Sparkle & Shine — First Place: Kendal Weaver, 1951 Mercury; consolation prizes: Kalvin Rorher, 1879 Kenworth; Jay Ratliff, 1962 Chevy.
Ugliest — First Place: Tyle Sasek, 1974 Bug; consolation prizes: Tate Levy, 1952 International L10.
Trysten’s Choice — First Place: Tyrell Thompson, 1978 Ford; consolation prize: John Myer,
Purple Peterbilt semi-truck.
There were 87 silent auction items, plus five items that made up the Backyard Raffle
Lots of people made this possible. Trysten’s Family & Friends are very appreciative of the money that was raised to keep his love of helping others alive and sending young adults to trade schools.
We are certain he was smiling and giggling at everyone on Saturday. We look forward to next year. If anyone has any suggestions please let us know.