LeMay Museum opens on June 2 with celebration

LeMay
America's Car Museum is opening June 2.

If you live in the Northwest, now is the time to get your tickets for the grand opening of LeMay -- America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Wash. The museum will open its doors on June 2 at 9:45 a.m. Pacific.

The ceremony will include a blessing by members of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, followed by remarks from special guests including Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and Nancy LeMay. The events will take place on the museum's 3.5-acre Haub Family Field.

At 11 a.m. the doors to the 165,000-square-foot, four-level facility open to the public.

During the day, the museum will host an outdoor car show with food vendors and a beer garden. Seattle Mariners player Edgar Martinez will be on hand to sign autographs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There's also a free concert with Asleep at the Wheel and Tacoma's Kim Archer. The concert starts at 5 p.m.

The LeMay Museum started as a 3,400-car collection, mostly bought or saved, by founder Harold E. LeMay. The collection has been cut down to about 1,500 cars, 350 of which are on display at one time. LeMay was a refuse collector who also did towing and salvage, which is how he amassed such a collection.

"This is an important event for the city of Tacoma, so we want this opening to be a celebration," said David Madeira, president and CEO of LeMay. "For all the people who have put their heart and soul into the creation of this beautiful museum, and for all the car lovers and people who like a good party, June 2 will be a great time to experience America's Car Museum for the first time."

Admission for adults is $14, $12 for seniors and military members, children ages five to 12 cost $8. Check out www.lemaymuseum.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the museum.