Spotlight On: Crafty Kate and the Classic Burger Classic Car Show

Spotlight On: Crafty Kate and the Classic Burger Classic Car Show

Wide open roads. A backdrop out of a postcard. This region is ripe for driving down the road, windows down.

I recently came across a flyer that piqued my interest, and it may just pique yours, too—especially if you like classic cars. Even more so if you like classic cars and burgers.

For this week’s Spotlight On, we are interviewing Crafty Kate from www.craftykate.com about a special event happening not too far from Inyo County.

Please tell us a little bit about Crafty Kate and your experience living near the Eastern Sierra.

Crafty Kate is a nickname. I did craft services in the film industry; it has nothing to do with arts and crafts. I’ve always loved living in the desert because I’m a car nut, and cars don’t rust like they do on the coast. The people in the desert support each other; that’s why we have so many volunteers.

What inspired the creation of the Classic Burger Classic Car Show six years ago?

Well, actually, it was eight years ago. We were on hiatus two years because of Covid. I had taken a 1930 roadster and was taking pictures out in front of Classic Burger. I had sent them to the owner, Abdul. I have known Abdul since he was a kid.

Then he came up with a great idea: we should do a car show. The only stipulation I had was if we did a car show, it wasn’t for profit and we had to give the money away.

What makes this show different from other car shows?

I feel like the fact that it’s in Inyokern, formally known as the home of the Dust Devils, the oldest living dragstrip until they were shut down in 2005 due to FAA regulation. There’s a lot of car culture and a car history in the area.

What’s the story behind one of the most memorable cars you’ve seen at the Car Show?

Well, the funny thing is, is that it’s not actually about a car. It’s a story about someone who came from Idaho with snow in the trunk and made snowballs for us when they got there, or that we had a helicopter there once.

What would you say to someone who’s never attended before?

First, I would say we’re a fundraiser for the Ridgecrest animal shelter. We’re all volunteers. We have a great time, and it’s a community event. Car show, vendors, food, fun, a live auction, and a coloring station for the kids.

When is the event happening and how can people find out more information about it?

The Classic Burger Classic Car Show is April 18, 2026. It will be held at Classic Burger – 6525 Inyokern Rd, Inyokern, CA 93527. For more details, you can always go to craftykates.com.

You’ll find Classic Burger Classic Car Show details, sponsor submission, and contact information on the website.

Our 2026 banner sponsors are: Classic Burgers, Gary Charlon State Farm, Rods West, and Crafty Kate.
Our T-shirt combo sponsors are: Classic Gyro, Gateway Hardware, Howlin Coyote Bar, Get Smashed, Roy’s Motel and Cafe, Blue Rocket Car Wash.

Our trophy sponsors are: Full Custom Ian on YouTube, The Details Podcast, Gateway Hardware, Blue Rocket Car Wash, Howlin Coyote Bar, Isabella, True Value, Sierra Gateway, Kern River Napa, Dropped Addiction CC, Wicked Mudders, CEBE, O’Reilly Auto Parts, in memoriam, Ron Schiller, and Gordy Adams.

There you have it, folks. Try and make it out if you get a chance. As always, it’s stories like these that remind us what makes our communities special: people coming together, sharing what they love (in this case burgers and cars), and giving back in the process.

Thank you to Kate for answering our questions!

TM Rush