As many of you know, I have done photographic coverage of events across the country, mostly large, "national" shows. I am interested in compiling a list of the best "local/Independent" shows and would like recommendations from you all (beyond the obvious such as Lonestar, TROG, Hill Climb, Dirt Drags, Custom Car Revival, etc). I know there have been topics like this in the past, but I can't find many on the search function. Links to any of those discussions would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
I got 2 for you, both hosted by the same local CC, the Aces in So Cal. First is their annual Poker Run, held the past few years in the canyons in Orange County, running for a bit on one of the best roads anywhere, Live Oak Canyon Rd. It is a tight twisting road that runs through So Cal horse country under a canopy of Oak trees. It's a wonderful road that attracts cars and bikes from all over, every weekend about a million bikers of all types run down this road. This year the event is being held on Saturday, Nov 4 at Oneil Park. Second is the Hot Rod Ressurection, held the past couple of years at Old World in Huntington Beach, it's a touristy old German style village that makes a great location for a hot rod gathering. The old buildings and brick paved roads make for a great setting and outstanding backdrop for pictures. Here's some pics from this years event: Personally I prefer the poker run, because it involves more driving than parking and looking, and the roads are some of the best roads to drive anywhere.
Sins of Steel in Davisburg, MI is put on by Boomer. He started this traditional hot rod/bike show after he got the screws put to him by the Billetproof guy after KIRK! sold it. It's the first Saturday of June. Great show.
Hot Rod Resurrection is held in the spring. I don't know if there is a date set for next year yet, check the Aces website.
Here is one in Rochester, In. Oct. 14th. The Blacktop Cruisers Red hot car show. It's one day only and they have it down town around the court house on main street. Usually have around 550+ cars. Lots of trophys for lots of classes. Also a nice swap meet.
The Jalopy Showdown, Latimore Valley Fairgrounds, Latimore, Pa. ...third Sat. in May and the Jalopyrama @ the Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster, Maryland. October 14, 2017.
Around here in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky none larger than the Pumpkin Run Nationals in Owensville Ohio held at the Clermont County Fairgrounds this year marks the 42nd annual show usually draws close to 3000 vehicles for the three day event. Everything from Traditional Hot Rods, Kustoms, Street Rods, Hot Rod Trucks, Muscle Cars, Lead Sleds, etc. Copy of the current flier below. Joe
I know you know about it, but I'll list it anyway... Old North State Invitational in Winston-Salem. NC. This year its on September 30th. Contact @the-original-mayday on IG for more details.
Hello Tom, The most recent upcoming event in El Segundo (LA South Bay) is the annual Automotive Driving Museum all Gassers event. (AUGUST 26) This event showcases Gas coupes, sedans, and trucks from the late 50’s and early 60’s. The event is the 4th annual, all Gassers event for racing enthusiasts. The museum is open to the public and will have cars inside and in the back parking lot. Last year, they had cars lined up next to the building and the overflow took up the curbside parking in front. It is a So Cal event that should not be missed. Jnaki The guest speakers are Ed Iskenderian and Bones Balogh, two icons of So Cal drag racing scene. Also, check out the gassers videos playing in the museum. I was told that those Gasser movie clips are pretty good...and old. Get there early for the driving “set up” morning and also the closing “drive away” event at the end. They are unscheduled fun parts of the event.
Frog Follies late this month. '48 and earlier cars only, great swapmeet and usually close to 4,000 cars in attendance. Held in Evansville Indiana. Tim
Old North State Invitational in Winston Salem NC Steel In Motion at Union Dragway SC both are awesome shows
Somernites Cruise in Somerset KY. Last Saturday of every month from April to October, September is Rod month and usually a great turnout (1100-1800 cars). Also the James Dean Rod Run in Fairmount Indiana and the Duck Tail Run in Gas City, always the same weekend as the James Dean event in Fairmount. http://www.ducktailrun.com/ http://www.jamesdeanartifacts.com/james_dean_run.html http://www.somernitescruise.com/
Hello, Of course, all of the big name, annual hot rod events in So Cal are well documented, GNRS, LARS, Early Times Pancake,etc. But, the other local venues have a huge following because they started drawing not just hot rod people, but the general public. So, to start things off in So Cal are two big events in September. (Long Beach Belmont Shore 2nd Street Car Show and the Moonlight Beach Woody Show in Encinitas, just an hour south towards San Diego) Having been to both in the past few years, plan ahead for parking at both places, as there are very limited parking areas and a hike may be in the mix. Get there early… Jnaki Belmont Shore in Long Beach (28 years old) The Belmont 2nd Street Car Show has been going on for 28 years. The main street is blocked off for approximately 14 blocks, from the western entrance to the eastern bridge. Once the show was easy to see on both sides, but since the city put in a center divider with plants, street corners are the preferred crossing areas. But, the cars get better every year. It is becoming a big event in So Cal. Growing up in Long Beach, this area was our cruising area and the top restaurant for us is/was the Domenico’s Pizza parlor that is still in business after 63 plus years. The enticing thing is that 2nd Street is completely closed to traffic and for the whole length of the area are great looking hot rods. The added bonus is that there are many top notch restaurants for a quick bite or a leisurely long lunch. Did I mention the shopping all along the street from independent stores to the Gap and Banana Republic? If you get tired of the whole hot rod crowd and scene, just take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk along the nearby Alamitos Bay. (Eastern end of 2nd St.) That should put a star on your day. (The only exception in this annual hot rod event was in 1999. Ford Motor Co. used the 2nd Street car show to showcase the upcoming 2000 model Ford Excursion…much to the amazement/dismay of hot rod enthusiasts. It was relegated to the farthest end of the street, all by itself. It made the hot rods look small by comparison. Now, the So Cal cars and coffee events are used for sneak introductions.)
Encinitas (San Diego area) (38 years) Wavecrest at Moonlight Beach: Hello, This event is held just steps away from the ocean and beach. Normally, there is plenty of parking for just beach use, but for this event, the big parking area is completely full of classic woodies. So, parking in the neighborhood or at the local motels and walking is the mode of the day. Jnaki Historically this is the largest single gathering of woodies in the country, although Santa Cruz and So Cal will give them a run for their money. The San Diego Club puts on an amazing event to help close out the Woodie season. Presented by the San Diego Woodie Club. Wavecrest 2017 Information Wavecrest is the largest of all woodie meets. It is always held on the third Saturday of September each year in Encinitas, California. In 2017, the Wavecrest Woodie Meet will be held on: Saturday, September 23, 2017 Wavecrest is an extended weekend packed with many activities, outlined below: Thursday Evening, September 21st 5:30- 7:30pm DEMA RODS AND WOODIES NITE, ENCINITAS This event, sponsored by the Downtown Encinitas Merchants Association, kicks off the Wavecrest weekend activities. This gathering of vintage hot rods and about 80 woodies takes place on historic Highway 101 in Encinitas, CA between D & I streets. Early arrivals from out of town join local woodie owners to begin the Wavecrest experience in an old fashioned cruise night atmosphere. There will be live music and awards, so don’t miss it. Friday, September 22nd 5:00 - 7:00 pm WELCOME TO WAVECREST PARTY The welcome to Wavecrest Party is held at the pool and cabana area at the Best Western Inn & Suites (host hotel) on Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas. This is a great opportunity to get the best selection of Wavecrest merchandise while enjoying some light refreshments and visiting with woodie friends from all over the country. Saturday, September 23rd, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm WAVECREST This is it …… Wavecrest, the granddaddy of all woodie meets. At Moonlight Beach at the end of Encinitas Blvd in Encinitas, CA you will experience the longest running and largest gathering of woodies in the world. Woodies begin arriving in the wee hours and by 8:00 am there are around 300 woodies of every size, shape, description on display. Throughout the day there is Hawaiian and surf music performed live, along with fabulous raffle prizes and awards for the best of the best. Wavecrest merchandise and food will be available at the event. Saturday, September 23rd, 5:00 – 10:00 pm WAVECREST DINNER, RAFFLE, AND AUCTION The post Wavecrest evening activities begin with drinks (beer, wine, sodas & water) in the pool/cabana area at the Host Hotel followed by a fabulous buffet dinner. After dinner there will be a raffle/auction which will be limited to high-end woodie items. The evening will end with entertainment in the cabana. Sunday, September 24th, 8:00 – 10:00 am WAVECREST SUNDAY WOODIE CRUISE To wrap up your Wavecrest experience, join 80-90 woodies on a cruise from Encinitas to Oceanside and back on the historic Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 101). The cruise (approx. 25 miles) will begin at the Encinitas Civic Center parking lot at 8:00 am and proceed north to the Oceanside Harbor with a photo-op stop on the beach below the Oceanside Pier. If you didn’t bring your woodie to the event, you can still join the fun by hitching a ride on the cruise.
Donut Derelicts at Huntington Beach in So Cal (GOING ON 31 years) Hello, This weekly event is the home for most hot rodders in LA and Orange County. It continues to have one of the largest hot rod followings, let alone, great donuts. The event and location has been shown on several TV hot rod building shows in So Cal. The majority of the cars are hot rods, trucks, and mild customs. The flashy sports cars sometimes show up, but are surpassed by the sheer numbers of old and new hot rods. Those sports cars usually go to the Cars and Coffee events scattered all over So Cal. I used to go to the beach just down the street at 5 am prior to sunrise and wait for the break of daylight to paddle out for the best waves. That always got me an hour or two of pristine rides before the crowds showed up. These hot rod/custom guys know it “unofficially” starts at 6:30 am every Saturday morning, but they start rolling in an hour or so ahead of the masses, too. The good thing about this style of event is that no one peels out or has an idiotic display of horsepower for their hot rods… it has been relatively, trouble free. The cars and coffee events, on the other hand, always draw idiots who wish to show off in their “slightly, modified” Mustangs and sporty cars. Jnaki “Donut Derelicts is an informal weekly car show held in Huntington Beach, California, United States since approximately 1986. The event takes place in the parking lot on the north-east corner of the intersection of Magnolia Street and Adams Avenue on Saturday mornings between approximately 6:30 am and 8:30 am. The show is completely informal; it has no rules, no fee, no prizes, no formal competition, and no flyers. Nonetheless, several hundred cars show up each Saturday morning. The gathering started with just a few friends showing up at a donut store every Saturday, and grew from there. One of the original participants, automotive artist Rick Finn, made a T-shirt design in 1989 that has become the logo of the event, and is sold (in many variations now) at the donut store on which the event originally centered. The event has spawned a number of imitators in different cities.”
One of my favorite shows anywhere. Great cruise and the show cycles several times a morning with cars coming and going. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
One of the other Coronado Island (actually a peninsula reaching south to the border), San Diego, CA mainstays in the car enthusiast world bites the dust: http://www.coronadonewsca.com/news/...cle_ba81cf74-d927-11e6-b71c-37a01f02fa86.html Hello, The Coronado Speed Festival Event for 2017 that would have taken place at the Cornado Island Naval Base this Fall season, bites the dust. A 19 year tradition goes away due to rising costs. But secretly, in some circles, it was the security that was the imminent danger, not the costs. Thousands of people actually on the base... talk about security dangers. What, car guys and girls as terrorists? Just use the rising costs as a reason and not show fear in the light of world dangers. Have you ever been sailing on the San Diego Bay and gotten near one of the ships being reconstructed or is just docked? Instantly, a small inflatable with a security guard and machine gun comes toward you to ward off any continuing forward motion. Seeing that, most instantly turn around and go the opposite direction. Jnaki So, for lack of any other reason, rising costs jump to the forefront and one of So Cal's best automotive show, shine, and racing bites the dust. Another car event going to car heaven...awww... HEMMINGS DAILY Citing expenses, Coronado Speed Festival 2017 calls it quits Since the event was on the huge Navy Base, the noise did not affect anyone but the officials. But, as security woes come into play, you could see the writing on the wall. Thousands came to enjoy the event, but now it is no longer the “other” Coronado car event. The “other” Coronado Island car event that takes over the main drag in town…27th Annual Motor Cars on Main Street Car Show (April 30th) Coronado, CA. For So Cal/San Diego hot rod/car enthusiasts, the 2018 28th annual “Motorcars on Mainstreet Car Show” in Coronado, (in the middle of San Diego Harbor) will continue the car event tradition in this little town. There are all sorts of choices for staying at the “Hotel Del” from rooms to beach cottages. But, for hot rodders, once a year, just a few blocks up the street from the hotel, is a great car show. The quiet street in Coronado turns into a serene place to view San Diego area hot rods and customs. Ocean breezes, small town on the bay, great places to stay, super restaurants, and an overall great drive anywhere on the San Diego Bay. It is usually held on the last Sunday in April from 10-3 PM. The huge Coronado Bridge leads right into the main part of town. But, if you park on the hotel/convention side of the downtown, San Diego Harbor, you can take a cool ferry to Coronado for a different look at the whole area. The bridge gives fast panorama views of the whole bay. The ferry gives you the water view of the bay and bridge. However you get there, the event will be pretty cool. Plenty of restaurants and shops for those inclined, as well as the beach just a few blocks away. The long Silver Strand Peninsula leads all the way south to a huge outdoor outlet center and a stone’s throw away…the Mexican Border at Tijuana Jnaki For those inclined, the Coronado Naval Base is just down the street and the whole northern part of the island (really a peninsula) is basically a complete US Naval Base with submarine training, airport, barracks, training facilities, etc. It used to be the place for the Coronado Speed Festival every fall season. So the Main Street (in town and the residential area) annual car show is now Coronado Island's primary car event. “Coronado MainStreet’s annual car show, MotorCars on MainStreet, featuring over 400 pre-73 restored classic, rod and custom cars & trucks, will be Sunday April 30. It’s staged in downtown Coronado, one block from the beach, at Isabella & Orange Avenues, from 10-3 PM. Co-Sponsors Ron Baker Chevrolet, El Cordova Garage, the City of Coronado, EDCO and the County of San Diego welcome participants and spectators to the grand gathering. There will be live music featuring The Cat-illacs and Jumpin’ Jack Flash will be spinning Solid Gold in Star Park. Thousands of spectators are expected and viewing is FREE. Each year a one-of-a-kind tee shirt featuring a Coronado landmark and show winners from previous years is created. Tee shirts will be available at the event for spectators to add to their collection. Car registrations are $45 and may be available the day of the event, space permitting.” Next event: Sunday April 29, 2018
The City of San Clemente Car Show is 23 years old. Saturday June 16, 2018 | 10:00am-3:00pm | Avenida Del Mar (rain in 2017) Hello, One of the best small town car show events is just at the Southern end of the Orange County line. San Clemente is the last city in Orange County going south. Southward is the massive Camp Pendleton Marine Base, all of the way to Oceanside. (ASIDE: If you ever get a chance to drive your car on the Marine Base, the Basilone Road drive is worth it. Hot rods, cruisers, family cars, from the main gate at the Oceanside Entrance behind/through the mountains and out, just south of San Clemente at the Trestles surf spot…It is a hidden gem.) This past June 2017 the downtown San Clemente event drew a ton of people, but it actually rained in the early morning and…(Yes, it rains in So Cal and it still follows the mantra: April Showers and May Gray brings…etc.) Did it keep the cars and people away? There were no garage queens on display and the rain was a welcome sight in parched So Cal. The rain did not last all day and it became clear for a great event. Those dry towels came out after the rain stopped and it was: “On with the show.” Jnaki This last year brought out some great cars and trucks. But, after the event, everyone was surprised by the photos that appeared in various websites. The event happens in two, long, local, city blocks, about a ½ mile of cars, trucks, customs, etc. It starts from the upper reaches of Coast Highway at Del Mar in downtown, all the way towards the beach. It is a great place to spend the day…cool restaurants, local stores open, short distance to the pier and beach, etc…It is just families, couples and car enthusiasts from all over, enjoying the day. Check them out. It used to be a Father’s Day event, but ran into some local grumblings and competition from another Father’s Day event farther north. But, this year, it is back to the battlefront vs the big boys in Pomona and 20+ other events. If you want hot weather, go inland. The beach weather is predicted to be 75 degrees and clear. A sunny, So Cal coastal day in the making. (We all have heard that before...) Looking away from the ocean towards the I-5 Freeway. Looking toward the ocean. “Snap” aerial photos 2017
Rpm Nationals in Santa Margarita October 2018, traditional rods racing on a private airstrip, great event
Hello, Since June is now in session, the San Clemente Car Show is just around the corner. It is one of South Orange County's biggest car shows. Yes, it is on the same day as the "big one" in Pomona. (An ongoing battle for 23 years) But, that is what is came about by the social media campaigns by families and such. (no Sunday, actual Father's Day extravaganzas...) Here is a cool sample of the local artistic talents for the San Clemente Car Show for the past several years: Jnaki Much credit is to be given to the San Clemente's Downtown Business Association for keeping the Hot Rod spirit alive in South Orange County. Kudos...
Ruidoso, NM Inn of the Mountain of the Gods in October.... Great location Hosted by Early Times of El Paso
The Jalopy Journal
