Roseburg Benefit Car Show Returns March 14 and 15, Raising Funds for Search and Rescue and Local Children in Need

ROSEBURG, Ore. — One of Roseburg’s most enduring community traditions is returning this spring.

The 47th Annual Roseburg Benefit Car Show will be held March 14 and 15, 2026 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, presented by the Umpqua Flatheads and the Stray Angels Car Club.

While the event is known for showcasing classic cars, restored favorites, and crowd-pleasing custom builds, organizers say the real reason it has lasted for nearly five decades is simple: it has always been about more than cars. It is about community, and it is about helping people.

The Umpqua Flatheads began in 1974 with a shared love for Fords

The story begins in late 1974, when a group of local car enthusiasts met with the goal of forming a car club. Many of the members shared a particular interest in Fords.

In 1975, the group officially became the Umpqua Regional Group of the Early Ford V 8 Club of America, and they quickly adopted the nickname that is still recognized today: the Umpqua Flatheads.

In the early years, members raised funds through car washes to support the club, and built friendships through picnics and trips along the Oregon coast and around the local area.

The first show in 1977 became the start of a long-running benefit tradition

In March 1977, the Umpqua Flatheads decided to host a local car show with proceeds benefiting the Kidney Association.

That decision sparked what would become the Roseburg Benefit Car Show, an annual event that has continued year after year and has raised thousands of dollars in support of local children’s charities and other community needs.

Stray Angels later joined as co-sponsor

As the event grew, the Stray Angels Car Club joined with the Umpqua Flatheads to co-sponsor the show, helping strengthen the event while keeping the original mission intact.

Supporters say the partnership has helped the car show remain successful and community-focused while continuing to draw participants and visitors from across the region.

How Graffiti Weekend grew from a simple idea into a major community tradition

The car show weekend is closely tied to another Roseburg tradition that has grown into a major draw of its own.

In 1982, a member of the Umpqua Flatheads suggested organizing a car cruise. July 10 was selected, and solicitations were sent out to car clubs across Oregon to participate.

Harvard Avenue was chosen as the route, and several groups played a role in making it happen, including:

• The Umpqua Flatheads stationed at the A and W
• The Stray Angels at Pete’s Drive-In
• The Timberland Corvettes selling T-shirts

The cruise was open to any vehicle, and organizers said the turnout of both vehicles and spectators was beyond expectations.

In 1983, the Stray Angels added a Show-N-Shine at River Forks Park north of Roseburg, helping expand the weekend even further.

Today, Graffiti Weekend has grown to include nearly 22 different activities, each hosted by a car club or group. Some events are free, while others charge a small fee, staying true to the original philosophy of keeping it an affordable family tradition while supporting the community.

The Saturday night cruise still brings 600-plus vehicles downtown

The Umpqua Flatheads continue to host the annual Saturday night cruise, which now includes 600-plus vehicles cruising a closed route through downtown Roseburg.

Several of the original members are still active in the Umpqua Flatheads today, and in addition to the major annual events, members continue to meet for social outings throughout the year.

This year’s beneficiaries: Search and Rescue and the Special Equipment Fund

Organizers say proceeds from this year’s Roseburg Benefit Car Show will benefit Douglas County Search and Rescue and the Douglas County Special Equipment Fund.

The Douglas County Special Equipment Fund is dedicated to helping provide specialized, adaptive, and critical equipment for local children with disabilities, supporting families and helping meet needs that can be difficult or expensive to cover.

The event also supports Douglas County Search and Rescue, which responds to emergencies across the county.

According to Deputy Larissa May, Search and Rescue Coordinator with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff is responsible for Search and Rescue activities within Douglas County under Oregon law.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue program includes a Division Lieutenant, two full-time SAR deputies, on-call SAR managers, and approximately 80 dedicated volunteers.

SAR teams are deployed to many different types of missions, including:

• Searching for lost or missing people
• Rescuing injured individuals
• Recovering individuals who have died while outdoors
• Evidence searches tied to criminal investigations

Deputy May said each SAR volunteer is responsible for obtaining their own personal equipment, including boots, clothing, and a 24-hour pack. Additional equipment is provided by the organization, including SAR vehicles, radios, GPS units, ropes, harnesses, helmets, litters, and other rescue equipment.

Funding raised through events such as the Roseburg Benefit Car Show helps provide certification training and education for SAR team members, and helps purchase, upgrade, replace, and maintain equipment used in the field.

Organizers say the show has raised more than $400,000 for local charities

In a sponsor letter shared by organizers, the Roseburg Benefit Car Show stated that over the past 46 years, the event has generated more than $400,000 for local charities.

Supporters say that kind of long-term impact is part of what makes the event more than just a weekend show. It is a tradition that has helped meet real needs in the community for decades.

Sponsorship and donations help keep the tradition going

Organizers are also encouraging local businesses and community members to support the event through sponsorships and donations.

According to the sponsor letter, sponsors receive:

• Two complimentary tickets to the show
• Recognition at the show as a sponsor

Organizers listed a suggested minimum donation of $50, with checks payable to the Roseburg Benefit Car Show.

Vehicle applications now available for those entering the show

Vehicle owners who want to enter a car in the show are encouraged to apply early.

Vehicle applications are now available online, and must be completed and returned by February 20, 2026.

A photo of the vehicle is required with the application and will not be returned. Trophies will be awarded Sunday after the show.

Applications and full details can be found at strayangelscarclub.com.

Event details

The 47th Annual Roseburg Benefit Car Show will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Hours:

• Saturday, March 14: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 15: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

After nearly 50 years, the Roseburg Benefit Car Show continues for the same reason it began.

It brings people together. It celebrates craftsmanship and tradition. And it turns a love for cars into real support for the community.

Information from various sources:

• Umpqua Flatheads History
• Roseburg Benefit Car show
• Douglas County Search & Rescue