Rockabilly Riot makes its way to Carson City

If it has a motor, it’s in Mills Park this weekend as the Rockabilly Riot has come to Carson City.

The six year event is normally held in Reno, but moved to Carson City for the first time. It’s held in conjunction with the Carson City Sheriff’s Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge event.

The event featured a host of hot rods, rat rods and motorcycles for people to admire and possibly buy.

“So far, it has been good,” said Vince Wells, one car owner. “It has been nice and relaxing.”

Rockabilly stretched across Mills Park, with vehicles scattered across the grass, mingling with a variety of vendors and food trucks.

“This is very nice, lots of old, unique cars,” said Carson City resident Craig Hartman. “I love the old hot rods.”

There were all sorts of vehicles from 1950s sedans and trucks to 60s style hot rods, and owners came from all over the West Coast to showcase their treasures. There were older rat rods with their rugged exteriors showcasing what they have under the hood, shining hot rods and some vintage motorcycles.

One feature of the event was the pinup station, with a collection of Reno hairstylists offering pinup hair and make up, along with a pinup wardrobe to further enhance the cars’ era.

“It is fun to be out and see the people and the cars and all of it is great,” said stylist McKenzie Kelly.

Kelly and the other women working at the Janice Lokke and Friends pinup station have been working Rockabilly Riots for five years, and love to get out and show people about the pinup culture.

“People get excited about getting their hair and makeup done,” Kelly said. “And it is fun because everyone wants to walk around the event all done up.”

Many people were excited to be in the park because of the shade and scenery it provided.

“I love this park, I think it is awesome,” Kelly said.

When the event was up in Reno, often is was in parking lots or on the streets, so many of the returners said it was always extremely hot.

“Usually it is on the hot asphalt, but it is nice so far with the trees and the grass,” said Gail Wells. “It is much better than being in downtown Reno.”

In addition to the car show, Rockabilly Riots also features a tattoo exhibition, a burlesque show and various car-related events. There will also be a Street Dance Party at 9 p.m. tonight at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. For a full list of events, visit http://renorockabillyriot.com/events.html.

The event runs until Sunday afternoon.