Classics, hot rods and more at Bluebonnet Car Show on April 26
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
BURNET — Nothing against them, but you probably won’t find any Toyota Priuses during the Lake Area Rods & Classics Bluebonnet Car Show on April 26.
It’s not that the Prius isn’t a good car, but, let’s face it, the little engine just doesn’t fit next to the roar of a 1968 Camaro or a 1957 Chevy.
And you’ll likely find several of those along with a lot more classics and rods during the event.
“We’re expecting everything from hot rods to antiques and every classic in between,” said Shirley Anderson, president of the Lake Area Roads & Classics. “We’re hoping for about 200 cars in the show. We’re really expecting a good turnout.”
The show will take place at Cecil Atkission Motors, 2601 South Water (U.S. 281). The cars will start lining up at 8 a.m. with the awards being handed out at 3 p.m. Admission for spectators is free.
“We want people to come through, look at the cars and ask questions,” Anderson said. “Usually, the owner of the car is pretty close to it, and they’ll gladly answer your questions.”
This is also a judged show, so entrants are hoping to go home with some hardware and bragging rights. And that translates into the cars being in tip-top shape.
Even for somebody who doesn’t know the difference between a spark plug and a differential, a car show — especially a classic one — is a chance to admire these amazing vehicles. Some will look just like they did when they sat on the dealer’s showroom floor. Others will show the creativity and hard work their owners poured into them.
While Lake Area Rods & Classics is sponsoring it, none of the members will show in the event. Many of the cars and vehicles will come in from other areas.
The love for these vehicles often harkens back to the owner’s high school days. During a previous Friday night outing, many club members expressed how they fell in love with muscle cars such as the early Camaros, Mustangs, GTs and Chevys in high school and never lost that affinity for them.
And who doesn’t love the look of a 1957 Chevy, all shined and tuned up, cruising down the road? The sound of a 1968 Camaro rumbling down the highway definitely gets your attention.
Anderson said that’s a big reason many people own these cars: to grab folks’ attention.
As for the show, Anderson said the colorful paint jobs often attract people’s attention, but, as they learn about each particular car, its owner and his or her story, they’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the vehicles themselves.
People interested in showing a car can learn more by going to www.lakearearodsandclassics.com. Owners can still register their vehicles the day of the show for $20. Proceeds from the show go to benefit local children’s charities.
“We have a lot of fun,” Anderson said. “Car people are a lot like people who camp. They love to share their stories with each other, and they’ll be happy to answer questions.”
Plus, this show is right across the street from the 2014 Bluebonnet Air Show.
“We’ll have pretty good seats,” Anderson added with a laugh.
daniel@thepicayune.com