Karson car show back for 27th run

Now in its 27th year, Karson Kruzers' Run What Cha Brung Car Show has built a reputation of being old school in its approach to everything from presentation to how well it treats participants and the public. There is no cost to attend.

The event kicks off this evening with pre-registration from 6-9 p.m. at the Carson Mall parking lot. A street dance with music by disc jockey Bill McClain takes place 7-11 p.m. and nearby, Paradise Cove Cafe will serve up live music by AM & FM as Concerts at the Cove continues.

"We have gone back to Carson Mall (returning from a two-year stint at Bodine's), which gives us great exposure on Highway 395 and is also located near downtown eateries and shops," said Lorretta Marcin, long-time Karson Kruzers member and event planner. "This is a great location and being close is good for local businesses."

Registration fee is $75 and drinks and T-shirts will be available on site. The show is open to all vehicles and organizers expect close to 275 entries.

The fun continues Saturday at Fuji Park with car registration from 7-9 a.m. Breakfast, which is also open to the public, will be served from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and includes scrambled eggs, ham, pancakes, coffee and milk. Cost is $3.50 for adults. Tri-tip dinner will begin serving at 3:30 p.m. until food runs out, and is again open to everyone. Cost is $7.50 for adults. Cost for children at either meal is $3.

"Run What Cha Brung is a family event and a lot of locals come out so we make sure this is an affordable outing and we have other things going on," Marcin said.

A clown will be there doing face painting and balloons for the children and children's activities are planned from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Adult games run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Judging takes place 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a judges are invited to show up that morning.

"The more judges the better," Marcin said. "We usually have about 30 judges, many of them returning and they receive dinner for two, a T-shirt and mug.

"All we ask is they be 18 years or older and get there at 10 a.m. for a mini workshop."

Karson Kruzers members are allowed to display their cars, but are not included in the judging and neither are they judges, keeping the show free of any perceived favoritism.

Vendors will be on hand selling an array of items, giving those weary of bench racing an opportunity for a little retail therapy.

Saturday at 6:30 p.m., the public is invited to come out for the Parade of Cars up Highway 395 from Fuji Park to Harbor Freight and returning to The Nugget Casino for a street dance, from 7-11 p.m.

Sunday begins at 8:30 a.m. with a poker run, returning to Fuji Park for the raffle at 11:30 a.m. and awards presentation at noon. Raffle items this year includes $250 in tires, donated by South Carson Les Schwab and a $200 gift certificate from Sun King for window tinting, among others.

Model Dairy has once again stepped up providing food and has "been an excellent sponsor," Marcin said. "Our trophy sponsors are Super Sports, Gilson's Autobody and Reno Auto Wrecking, and they're so appreciated, because we know in this economy what a challenge it has been."

Karson Kruzers support several local events and charities, among them Safe and Sober Graduation, Shop with a Cop and they provide goody bags for children with special needs.

"We make a little money that allows us to give to the community," Marcin said. "We have a formula we follow and have laid a solid foundation for this event, but we try to keep an open mind and keep learning, improving and making each year better,

"The most important principle though is to give them more than they've paid for and they'll come back."

For more information, a complete schedule or to download a registration application, visit karsonkruzers.com.