Hundreds of colorful, shining Fords, Buicks, Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles will rumble into Carson City this weekend for the ninth-annual Silver Dollar Car Classic.
The four-day event, with a kick-off cruise tonight, is more than a car show. From a showing at a private car museum to a drive-in movie and a hole-in-one chance at a million dollars, the event has grown every year.
"It looks like we're going to beat our previous record of registered cars," said Candy Duncan, executive director of the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Last year, the record was set at just more than 300 cars, she said.
Tonight is the "Kick-off Cruise Night" at Q's Steaks Bar-B-Cue & Salads at 230 Fairview Drive. Music will be provided from 6 to 9 p.m. by a deejay from Bill McClain's mobile music.
Although participants can register Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Friday is the big day. Registration is at Mills Park on Highway 50 East from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participation will be limited to 400 vehicles.
Friday will also feature an afternoon tour of Garth Richards' private collection of Cadillacs.
At 6 p.m. , cars will line up at the Pony Express Pavilion in Mills Park to cruise to the street dance in the west parking lot of the Carson Nugget casino at 507 North Carson St.
Live music will be provided by the Rag Tops, featuring the New York Party Babes.
"I can hear them now," said Susie Groth at the Nugget, "'Get up and dee-ance!'"
Saturday is the Show and Shine. Car owners will polish and buff their classic rides for show from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the grass at Mills Park. Bring your own eats or pick up a cold lemonade and taco from the food vendors in the park. Craft vendors will also be on site.
A special concert at the Mills Park pavilion presented by the Carson City Redevelopment Authority will start at 6 p.m. The '70s revival features Ambrosia, Poco and Gary Wright. At press time, there were $30 and $25 tickets left in the front and middle of the seating, while the $18 back of the arena seats were sold out. Silver Dollar participants get 15 percent off concert tickets at registration.
Saturday will close with a free drive-in movie, "Grand Theft Auto," sponsored by Concours Parts and Accessories. Registered participants can drive their cars onto the grass for viewing, while the public is welcome to sit on blankets or folding chairs.
Sunday is the poker run with a possible prize of $1 million. Empire Ranch Golf Course has purchased an insurance policy on their million dollar hole-in-one. The winner of the poker run will get the chance to whack a ball down the fairway. Make the shot and make $1 million.
"It's a long shot, but it's a doable deal," said Dwight Mallard at Empire Ranch. "It adds a nice dimension to the poker run."
A barbecue sponsored by Mallard's Restaurant and an awards ceremony will wrap up the Silver Dollar Car Classic Sunday afternoon.
On The Net
http://www.silverdollarcar.com/
9th annual Silver Dollar Car Classic events calendar
Today
6-9 p.m. Kick-off Cruise Night at Q's Barbecue entertainment with Bill McClain
Friday -- Mills Park
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vehicle registration at Mills Park
Noon - 6 p.m. Event Registration
2-4 p.m. Ice cream social at a private car museum for participants only
6 p.m. Cruise of Champions
7-11 p.m. Rock 'n' roll street sance at the Carson Nugget featuring the Rag Tops, and the New York Party Babes
Saturday -- Mills Park all day
Crafts, food, music and displays
8-10 a.m. Registration
7:30-10 a.m. Lyon County Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Show & Shine
6 p.m. Concert featuring Classic Hits Live: Ambrosia, Poco, and Gary Wright
9 p.m. Drive-in movie "Grand Theft Auto"
Sunday -- Pony Express Pavilion
8 a.m. Lyon County Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
8-10 a.m. Registration. All-day crafts, food, music and displays
Noon- 3 p.m. Barbecue and awards ceremony
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Show & Shine
7:30 p.m. Parade laps at Champion Speedway
9 p.m. Drive-in movie
