SPIRIT LAKE — When Spirit Lake residents lovingly describe the city’s Labor Day parade as the world’s shortest, they’re not kidding.

The pint-sized parade drew about 40 spectators Sunday morning, who were undeterred by the spectacle’s size or the overcast weather, cheering enthusiastically as three members of the Roy Racy VFW Post 1473 proceeded along Main Street on foot and a single vintage car brought up the rear.

It was a blink-and-you-miss-it parade. But the early Labor Day fun spilled over into City Park, where a car show, food and vendors attracted a crowd.

Michael McPhail Jr. had the best seat in the house for the car show. He got to watch the vehicles, many of them vintage, roll in from his spot at the Rathdrum Lions Club booth in the park.

“It’s really nice,” he said. “I’m glad the weather is holding.”

He was joined at the booth by his dad, Michael McPhail Sr. The father and son were volunteering together.

“When you retire, it doesn’t mean you stop doing things,” he said with a smile.

Parked on the dewy grass was a bronze-colored 1933 Dodge 22 — a somewhat nondescript vehicle, but one with a certain charm that drew the eye.

“It’s not a show car,” said Athol resident John Wheeler. “It’s an old car. But it means a lot to me.”

The Dodge was originally built 90 years ago and then rebuilt 60 years ago. The body is original, while the engine, transmission and paint job are from 1963. It was a gift to Wheeler from a family friend, which he’s treasured ever since.

Beside Wheeler’s vehicle was a blue 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport 396, owned by Tim Komberec. The men are neighbors and spent the morning shooting the breeze with folks who came to check out their cars.

“It goes really fast and makes a lot of noise,” Komberec said of his Chevelle, which he began restoring about five years ago. “I take it out, but not as much as I should.”

The vehicle is a real conversation piece, stirring fond memories in passersby.

“For people my age, it’s like a magnet because we all had one,” Komberec said.

Not all the cars on display in Spirit Lake City Park were blasts from the past. Russell Davis of Sandpoint proudly showed off his vivid violet Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, which turned heads all morning.

“I’ve had it since 2016 and I’ve not had my foot to the floor,” he said. “This is as scary as anything.”

Davis said he takes the Hellcat to shows throughout the area in order to connect with other car enthusiasts.

“I do it for other people,” he said. “Generally speaking, we’re all on the same page here.”

At a different car show last fall, Davis said the Hellcat was badly damaged by a careless driver who moved some traffic cones in order to steer around the hot rods. But the beloved vehicle survived.

In City Park, a man stopped in his tracks when he spotted the Hellcat. He’d witnessed the crash last year.

“You’re back!” he said to Russell.

Russell smiled. There was no place he’d rather be.