HERMISTON, Ore.-Hortencia by Alondra’s Sweets hosted a cars and coffee car show on the morning of October 10.
The café, run by Hortencia (Nabel) Calvillo, at 508 E. Main Street in downtown Hermiston officially opened in May, held a grand opening in September, and has quickly become an ingrained part of the community, hosting special events and promotions.
Juan Calvillo, Nabel’s husband, came up with the idea of hosting a car show at the café after talking with one of his co-workers, Juan Lopez, who also happens to be President of the Hermiston Car Club.
“I went to one of the car club meetings and collaborated with them to bring this out here for the community to see,” said Calvillo.
After the success of the car show that was part of Melon Fest in late August, Calvillo knew there was opportunity for more shows in the region and invited other clubs to Saturday’s event.
About 20 cars in total showed up for the show, a mix that was about half-and-half, with classic hot rods and muscle cars and newer model Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, and more.
The winner went home with a trophy for “Best Classic Car” in the First Annual Hortencia by Alondra’s Sweets Car Show.
Calvillo hopes to make the car show an annual event, perhaps holding it earlier in the spring or summer next year and expanding the attractions and prizes.
Fall events and new menu items
Calvillo is now trying to organize a truck night show at the café for late October.
For a truck light show, trucks with custom lighting that can be turned on or even programmed on their grills, roofs, sides, wheel wells and trailer edges park and put on a light show.
Tickets for a sip and paint event at Hortencia by Alondra’s on October 16 are now sold out, however, spots are still available for a Pumpkin Painting Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 23.
The event is $40 per person and includes a pumpkin, painting supplies, a drink, and a cookie. Only 25 spots are available for the event and reservations can be made online.
On October 24, Hortencia by Alondra’s will host its first-ever coffee rave, with DJ daisyTrrip from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free to attend.
“They’re popular in Portland,” said Hortencia Calvillo, of the coffee-fueled dance parties featuring live music. “I think this might be the first one ever in Hermiston.”
Hortencia by Alondra’s also now serves Shirley Temples, which were popular with the classic car crowd and can be made in Red Bulls or Lotuses.
The homemade biscuits and gravy were also a big hit over the weekend, and Hortencia plans to have Halloween-themed cookies available on October 31.
Friendships and community partnerships
Fellow business owners and consultants Nancy and Alberto Gutierrez, of Umatilla, also attended the car show.
Hortencia is one of the Gutierrez’s clients, but, perhaps more importantly, the couples are good friends, with the Calvillo’s agreeing that events, such as the car show, couldn’t happen without Nancy coordinating things and Alberto’s support.
“We’re close friends and we’d be here backing them up even if we weren’t involved,” said Nancy. “It’s so exciting to see the growth with different events and more foods on the menu.”
New fall hours at Hortencia by Alondra’s Sweets are 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
