CHARLESTON, W.Va. –– More than a thousand classic cars will line Charleston’s Kanawha Boulevard for the 10th annual Charleston Rod, Run, and Doo-Wop car show this weekend. The annual event attracts an average of 100,000 to 125,000 spectators to check out all matter of classic automobiles.
“It’s just about any kind of a car, pickup or anything you can think of,” said President Jack Jarvis.
The show continues to grow each year and is gaining in national prominence.
“Of the 12 southeastern states, we were rated in the top 20 events for October,” Jarvis said.
This year the lineup of classic rides will feature restored semi tractors which will be on display under Interstate 64. Jarvis added another great attraction is a Model T club which brings their car in pieces and will assemble the vintage car in about five minutes and drive away. The famous monster truck Bigfoot will also be on hand crushing some cars which Jarvis said is always a crowd pleaser, especially for children.
“Maybe it’s something your father had or your grand father had or maybe it was your first car,” Jarvis said. “People will try to find that car and restore it or have it restored.”
The classic car hobby is growing nationally and more and more attention is being paid to restored rides.
“A lot of times people will retire and need something to do and they’ll find an old car and start tinkering with it,” Jarvis said. “They’ll paint it, get some new tires, start driving it and all of a sudden their proud of it and want to show it off so they’ll bring it to a car show.”
Although the classic cars of the 50’s and 60’s dominate the cars on display, there are vehicles from every era including some modern models. More than 100 sponsors will also be on hand for the event showing off their latest products for the enjoyment of gearheads.
The event will feature several cruising events along the back roads of West Virginia for exhibitors wanting to take a drive. Concerts each night will feature country, rock, and doo-wop music and Charleston’s classic oldies radio station WCAW 680 A.M. will broadcast live from the event. The show starts Thursday and runs through Sunday.