Tacoma’s new LeMay-America’s Car Museum roared to life this morning with ceremonial speeches and a traditional Native American blessing.

Crowds began gathering at the $60 million museum’s grass showfield, next to the Tacoma Dome, shortly after 9 a.m. for a free car show and remarks by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and the museum’s CEO David Madeira.

Owen repeated the museum’s expectation to pump $34 million annually to the South Sound area. “There will be a great return on this investment for everyone,” Owen said.

Gov. Chris Gregoire sent last minute regrets.

The governor was to have been on hand to help open the museum but canceled yesterday. Her staff said she needed to be with her husband as he recovers from cancer surgery.

Museum officials are expecting more than 10,000 people to attend grand opening events this weekend.

Harold LeMay’s widow Nancy said, “I know Harold is looking down and saying, ‘Well done.’”