Rockabilly car show coming to Carson City

More than 550 rat rod cars are expected for Rockabilly Riot’s debut event in Carson City.

“This is a four-day party wrapped around a car show and celebrating a culture,” said Joel Dunn, executive director of the Carson City Visitors Bureau.

Distinguished as a custom car that exaggerates the hot rod style of the 40s through early 60s, it isn’t your average classic car show.

“These are traditional, running daily driven cars,” explained producer Paul Sampson. “There’s no trailer queens.”

Cars are accepted up to 1972.

“We’re very diverse,” he said.

The show will run June 23-26, with the car show in Mills Park, It will also feature a tattoo expo, cruise down Curry Street, a body paint expo, burlesque show and an after party and street dance each night at Jimmy G’s Cigar from 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Sampson, who has produced car and tattoo shows along with concerts since 1971, has run a Rockabilly Riot in downtown Reno for the past five years. The last year drew more than 700 cars.

He said he’s hoping to build a successful run in the capital city.

“Everybody’s been great to work with,” he said. “It’s something we want to keep going here for the next 10-15 years. Carson City understands and celebrates the car culture.”

Thursday night will kick off with a prom with a “no poodle skirt” theme.

A burlesque show at the Carson Nugget will be at 11:15 p.m. Friday. Doors open at 9:30. A body expo the same time and place will be Saturday night.

A pin-up contest featuring Marilyn Caruso and Goldie Golden will be from 4:45-6 p.m. in the Marv Teixeira Pavilion. Grand prize is $1,000.

A tiki party will wrap up the event on Sunday.

Rockabilly bands will be playing throughout the weekend at the Gold Dust West, Marv Teixeira Pavilion and the Max Casino.

There will also be drag races, a poker run and a cruise, along with other featured car events.

“It’s all about the cars and the people who build them,” Sampson said.

For a full list of events and how to enter, go to http://www.renorockabillyriot.com/.

During the same time, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office will be hosting the 13th annual Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge also in Mills Park.

Participating officers will challenge their motorcycle skills by completing a series of courses.

“It will definitely be an event worth seeing,” said Sgt. Scott McDaniel. “These guys are very skilled with what they do. Very impressive.”