Cruisin' Classics take final spin as annual car festival shifts downBY BRIAN ROSENTHAL
Joy Hawkins said she takes her light blue 1964 Chevy Cobra to car events across the West. But of all the places she goes, Hot August Nights is her favorite.
"This is great," the Salt Lake City woman said, admiring the car and soaking in the sun at Victorian Square in Sparks. "Reno knows how to treat nice cars."
Hawkins and thousands of others enjoyed an action-packed Saturday, the final full day of the 10-day classic car festival. Events included musical performances, best of show presentations, hula-hoop contests, an eating competition and car cruises through downtown Reno and Sparks.
Extra police were on hand in case of trouble during or after the cruises. Riots broke out in downtown Reno after the 1998 Hot August Nights cruise, leading to 11 injuries and 280 arrests.
Everything was going as planned, Bruce Walter, executive director and CEO of Hot August Nights, said earlier Saturday.
"We said a week ago, 'Let's get this party started,' and we got it started, and it's just kept on growing," he said. "We've had an excellent event."
With a record number of registered cars -- 6,000, all 1973 or older -- all eight venues have been packed all week, Walter said.
But event participants, attendees and vendors said Saturday that crowds have been smaller and business has been slower than in years past. They pointed to the economy, the weather and more planned events.
"I don't see quite as many participants, and I see some of the prices are down," said Harry Whetzel, 62, of Keizer, Ore., who said he has been coming to Hot August Nights for nine years. "That's just the economy here in Reno as well as nationwide."
Mostly, event participants and attendees focused on the positive on a sunny Saturday.
"Everybody looks like they're having a good time," said Carolyn Evans, of Reno, watching her 2-year-old granddaughter try to master the hula hoop before a contest at the Atlantic Casino Resort Spa. "This is a totally fun family event."
More serious business occurred at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, where auctioneers worked to sell the last classic cars in the lot. Auction officials said earlier in the week that sales have not been significantly affected by the recession.
Fred Barnett, of Eugene, Ore., examined a pickup minutes before the car he wanted to bid on, a 1964 Ford Galaxy, went on. The 56-year-old said he was having a good time.
At Victorian Square, Nick Avedesian watched the cars from his Round Table Pizza booth. Sales have been down this week, but everybody has still had fun, said Avedesian, a field marketing manager.
"It's great to see people of all ages here, appreciating the beauty and creativity of these cars," he said.
Minutes later, event organizers announced the Best of Show Ultimate Classic Car for Sparks. Ron Gendron, 61, of Shasta, Calif., won with his bright green 1953 Willys Aero Eagle.
"I'm floating on air," Gendron said.
As the cars cruised down Virginia Street and Victorian Avenue on Saturday night, Walter reflected on the week.
"Everything has been absolutely fantastic," he said. "I couldn't be more pleased."
Hawkins and thousands of others enjoyed an action-packed Saturday, the final full day of the 10-day classic car festival. Events included musical performances, best of show presentations, hula-hoop contests, an eating competition and car cruises through downtown Reno and Sparks.
Extra police were on hand in case of trouble during or after the cruises. Riots broke out in downtown Reno after the 1998 Hot August Nights cruise, leading to 11 injuries and 280 arrests.
Everything was going as planned, Bruce Walter, executive director and CEO of Hot August Nights, said earlier Saturday.
"We said a week ago, 'Let's get this party started,' and we got it started, and it's just kept on growing," he said. "We've had an excellent event."
With a record number of registered cars -- 6,000, all 1973 or older -- all eight venues have been packed all week, Walter said.
But event participants, attendees and vendors said Saturday that crowds have been smaller and business has been slower than in years past. They pointed to the economy, the weather and more planned events.
"I don't see quite as many participants, and I see some of the prices are down," said Harry Whetzel, 62, of Keizer, Ore., who said he has been coming to Hot August Nights for nine years. "That's just the economy here in Reno as well as nationwide."
Mostly, event participants and attendees focused on the positive on a sunny Saturday.
"Everybody looks like they're having a good time," said Carolyn Evans, of Reno, watching her 2-year-old granddaughter try to master the hula hoop before a contest at the Atlantic Casino Resort Spa. "This is a totally fun family event."
More serious business occurred at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, where auctioneers worked to sell the last classic cars in the lot. Auction officials said earlier in the week that sales have not been significantly affected by the recession.
Fred Barnett, of Eugene, Ore., examined a pickup minutes before the car he wanted to bid on, a 1964 Ford Galaxy, went on. The 56-year-old said he was having a good time.
At Victorian Square, Nick Avedesian watched the cars from his Round Table Pizza booth. Sales have been down this week, but everybody has still had fun, said Avedesian, a field marketing manager.
"It's great to see people of all ages here, appreciating the beauty and creativity of these cars," he said.
Minutes later, event organizers announced the Best of Show Ultimate Classic Car for Sparks. Ron Gendron, 61, of Shasta, Calif., won with his bright green 1953 Willys Aero Eagle.
"I'm floating on air," Gendron said.
As the cars cruised down Virginia Street and Victorian Avenue on Saturday night, Walter reflected on the week.
"Everything has been absolutely fantastic," he said. "I couldn't be more pleased."
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