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PHOTO COURTESY OF MILD TO WILD

Marten leaving Mild to Wild in good hands

By John Larson

Chas Marten had hoped to do Mild to Wild for 20 years, but decided recently to step down one year short of that goal.

This weekend marks the 19th time Marten has served as show director of Mild to Wild, which attracts car and motorcycle enthusiasts to the Tacoma Dome from up and down the West Coast.

For many years before starting Mild to Wild he organized outdoor car shows in Fircrest, Lakewood and other cities around the South Sound.

The first year Willie Forstein exhibited a car at Mild to Wild was 1996. He had a car at the Good Guys show in Puyallup, where he first met Marten. Unlike many shows where anyone can fill out a registration form, pay an entry fee and show up with their vehicle, Mild to Wild is an invite-only event.

Marten approached Forstein in Puyallup and issued an invitation. “I did not know what to say,” Forstein recalled. “To be picked for Mild to Wild, it was such an honor.”

“The show is recognized as one of the best on the West Coast,” Marten said proudly.

Marten’s wife Sue, their three sons and their wives have assisted in organizing the event. For car show participants, this is much more than a hobby; it is a passion, according to Marten. “I have been a car nut since day one!”

Since 1996 Forstein has brought a different car to display at the show. He often ran into Marten at rod runs in the area and the two became friends. Forstein has worked at Mild to Wild the last few years.

When Marten expressed an interest in turning the show over to Forstein, he talked it over with his wife Marie. She was all for it, and Forstein accepted the offer.

This show will be something of a transition, with Forstein closely involved as he prepares to take the reins from Marten. “It is not an easy thing to do,” Forstein said. “It is a hell of a lot of work.”

In recent months Marten and Forstein have traveled to Spokane, Portland and Salem, Ore. to meet with car owners.

“For me it is like running around with a celebrity,” Forstein said. “Chas is so well known.” He added that everyone they have encountered has wished him well as he prepares to take over the event.

Forstein has organized some outdoor shows so he understands the planning and logistics involved. But preparing for a massive show in a major sports arena is a learning experience, he acknowledged. “This has been very exciting for me.”

Both men feel the show is special because all participants are equals at Mild to Wild. From the working-class guy who scraped up $10,000 to trick out his muscle car to a high roller exhibiting a car worth $1 million, everyone is treated the same.

“It puts everyone on the same level,” Forstein observed.

Marten always wanted the event to be fun, with no hint of jealousy in the air.

“That was my dream,” he said. “It has been the way I wanted it the entire time.”

This year’s show will have hot rods and muscles cars, as would be expected. In recent years motorcycles have assumed a more significant role. Some of the top car and motorcycle builders in the Northwest will be at the event.

A big highlight this year will be “Ferrambo” from Mike Warn from Divers Street Rods of Startup, Wash. Combining the drive train of a 2002 Ferrari Modena with the body of a 1960 Nash Rambler wagon, the unique vehicle won the 2008 Ridler Award at last month’s Detroit Autorama.

Two other cars from Divers Street Rods will be featured, a 1940 Pontiac Convertible and a 1932 Hi-Boy Ford Coupe.

Vendors selling a variety of products and services will be on hand, including fabricators, upholsterers and painters. Anyone who has ever marveled at the flames and stripes on a custom car or motorcycle will want to check out the air brush and pinstripe artists, known as “pin heads” in car show lingo. The largest gathering of such artists in the nation takes place at Mild to Wild, where attendees can observe their creativity in action.

Some vendors sell car-themed clothing and collectible items. A few new vendors were added this year, including the Pampered Chef and cabinet makers. “We are trying to bring in things that are not just auto-related,” Marten observed.

Marten believes Forstein will improve the event. “He says he is going to keep it going for another 20 years. I hope he does.”

While Marten is stepping down from Mild to Wild, he promises he will still get out to local car shows to display his own vehicles.

“Think of all the people Chas has touched with Mild to Wild,” Forstein remarked. “They all feel at home at this show.”

Mild to Wild takes place from 1-10 p.m. April 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 26 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 27. Tickets are $15, with children 10 and under admitted free with a paying adult.

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