Allen Velthoen proudly built his Wurlitzer Military Band Organ from scratch.
It took him six years to put together this “unique, one-of-a-kind” – as he refers to it – duplex orchestral organ, which eliminates downtime. As one music roll is being rewound, the other is played, he explained.
Completed in early February, Velthoen, who lives in Modesto near Ripon, was able to display his old fashioned-style band organ at the recent Almond Blossom Festival parade.
Next up for Velthoen will be the Chili Cook Off & Car Show benefiting the Ripon Rotary Club Foundation on Saturday, April 20, at The Falcon’s Lair, 1225 Canal Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is a major fundraiser of the local service organization’s Trade School Scholarships (given each year to students at Ripon High and / or Ripon Christian High who are interested in going to trade school after graduation) and Community Needs.
Velthoen will have his Wurlitzer Military Band Organ, which operates on a power generator, on a trailer hitched to his truck, playing music from 1920s and ‘30s during the Chili Cook Off and Car Show.
He’s familiar with the inner workings of the band organ, having spent over 50 years specializing in rebuilding and repairing player pianos, organs, Nickelodeons, and roll scales.
This is his second-ever band organ that he’s built from scratch, according to Velthoen.
Featured with this latest model are 14 brass trumpets, an array of percussions, and some 282 organ pipes, for starters. “The rest is wood,” he said.
The colorful façade was hand-carved in Mexico, Velthoen added.
His Wurlitzer Band Organ is available for special event (call 209.480.3761).
As for the Chili Cook Off, this will be a chance for participants to win cash prizes.
The top prize for best chili is $500. Second place is $300 while third place is $100.
Cost for those in attendance is five tastings for $5.
The rules of the cook-off will once again be defined by the International Chili Society – participants can use a combination of ingredients resulting in a dish seasoned with chili peppers and spices per cook’s favorite.
They’ll be responsible for supplying their own utensils and products as related to their chili submission along with the maintenance of the proper temperature necessary for safe serving.
They can also enjoy the car show, featuring vehicles of all makes and models. Cost per car entry is $25 in advance, $30 at the door – call Tim at 408.702.7259 or email TMRKJL@yahoo.com.
Chili participants can contact John at 209.204.3462 or email johnmangelos@gmail.com.
In addition, vendors, both local businesses and small shop owners, are being sought for this event. Cost is $50 per booth.
For more information, call Annette Rodan at 209.610.8042.
