HOTRODS & CLASSICS
OLD TIMERS ROD RUN 2001
The old timers rod run is held every year in the town of Port Angeles in Washington State. This run has been Pre-49 until this year, but they changed it to pre 64 now and more later iron did indeed attend. These guys put forth a great event and good time. Every year they come up with a new theme and a new cruise. The T-shirts they sell reflect the theme of the show, this year they were tie dyed to reflect the "Return to the 70's Theme". The show is two days long and we normally head down on the Friday of the show weekend. This year we tacked a day on and went down Thursday. This extra day gives you time to do pretty much what you feel like doing. There is a lot to see in this area.
Coming from Canada eh, you head south towards Anacortes and head to the Keystone ferry terminal. The actual ride over on the ferry is about an enjoyable 30 minute ride. Just long enough to grab lunch and coffee and your there. You actually land at the Historic community of Port Townsend, and we recommend you take a driving tour if you have the time and look at some of the great buildings there.
About an hours drive gets you into Port Angeles. Once there, most of the locals can direct you to the fairgrounds, which is where the camping and entertainment takes place and is one of the nicer fairgrounds we have been in... very nice . Saturday night supper is supplied, again all cooked or prepared ???? by the club members and is followed later that night with a dance and live music.
During the course of the weekend, many of the members and I assume their children are throwing, distributing, giving away, flinging and generally finding curious ways of dispensing 'Old Timers Bucks'. If your are fleet of foot, or can do a great con, you collect this money for later use. This year myself and my better half gave most of our money to the grandkids and kids. There is know way in hell we can chase after it anymore... 15 years of abuse on my knees from floor laying and back surgery for the little woman has ruled out this activity although we would love to do it. God, I suddenly feel really old. Basically what ever fell in our lap was it.
In saying that it does not preclude anyone from going home without something. The members are very fair with the auction and especially with the kids.
Friday night there is a cruise-in to a local Pontiac Dealership, Ruddells Auto Mall, a local landmark who kindly donates their lot for the purpose. We are curious were this dealership moves all of it's own inventory to during the cruise in. It seems like a lot of work and they should be recognized for it. The band that plays for the Saturday Night dance also plays at the cruise in. Friday night was cool and windy with a few showers and dampened the event a little.
The Saturday run/cruise is always great and is combined with games at various stops and sometimes involves a poker run. The Friday night rain showers gave way to a mostly sunny day for the run. The members lay out these cruises to provide some spectacular scenery that only the West Coast can provide.....great ocean vista's mixed with varying country side and the cruise usually reflects the theme of the show.
The cruise ends up in downtown Port Angeles where they block off half of the main street for the cars. It would appear the whole City gets behind them and the Local citizens seem to enjoy it and It's been my experience they are more then willing to help out if you need it. The car show is held in conjunction with other activities and a hugh craft fair. There are different live bands performing throughout the day and various food stalls and craft booths setup and the caliber of the crafts on display is very good. The show and all the activities going on around the area are all free to the public.... cool
Sunday morning provides a Continental Breakfast and coffee. There are normally no awards on Sunday morning but a few where handed out this year. Usually these awards take place usually on Friday Night at the local car dealership cruise in. Awards come in the form of homemade trophies and are usually very humorous, and coveted. We love it
Later Sunday morning the club distributes booty to the participants. This is where that hard earned 'Old-Timers Bucks' funny money comes into play. They hold up a prize and everyone bids on it. This is probably one of the funniest parts of the weekend and enjoyed by all. This show is such a great success in no small part to the club members who go out of their way to make this a fun car show for all and do it with a very small membership with a big imagination.
When it comes time to say adieu, all the club member that can get away, stand in line and thank all participants for coming and offer handshakes all around. Way cool !
We are told that next years theme will be 'Hollywood' were you would dress up as some well know Hollywood Celebrity... should prove interesting and funny. We are already planning our costumes.
All in All a great show, good people and well worth your consideration and this car guy gives is a 8 out of 10.