Car show expected to draw big crowd
Around 100 classic cars and trucks are anticipated to be in the downtown area this Saturday, April 20 for the 13th annual Albany Classic Car Show, and spectators are encouraged to walk among the entrees, visit the auto museum, eat a meal or two from vendors, and see if their picks are also selected by the judges.
The local car show, hosted by members of Albany’s Shifters Car Club, is free for all spectators, and as of press time, the forecast called for mostly sunny skies with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the upper 80s.
“Right now, the weather looks like it will be ideal, and I’ve had calls from exhibitors who are planning to come,” said organizer Robert Snyder. “Because some other car shows were rained out recently, leaving car owners just itching to attend a show, we are hopeful that we will have a good show.”
Auto enthusiasts of all ages are also encouraged to come to downtown Albany tomorrow night, April 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a Friday Cruise Night and the “burnout” competition. Both of the Friday night options are open to out of town entrants as well as local car enthusiasts.
Saturday’s activities include a taco breakfast, sidewalk vendors, music from the early days of Rock and Roll, and the car show.
Auto Show
South First Street between the First National Bank Park and First National Bank will be cordoned off, with check-in time and registration set to take place from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20.
The contest is open to antique and classic cars and trucks, hot rods, and all types of customized vehicles.
The registration fee is $20 per entry in the car show, with no charge for spectators. Those needing car show information may contact Snyder at 325-762-4555.
Local residents typically do not enter the Saturday competition, but many will display their cars in a “host lot” and other locations in downtown Albany.
“If you’ve got a car or truck you’re proud of and want to show off, bring it on down and we’ll display it,” said Snyder.
This year the show winners will be selected by members of the car show committee.
“We will have specialty awards and may add a few more of those,” said Snyder. “But instead of participant judging, we are going back to classes judged by car show committee members.”
Specialty awards will include Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Engine, Flying A Museum Pick, and Shifters Choice.
Plaques will be presented to all class winners.
Some cash prizes will also be awarded, according to Snyder.
J.D. Dukes with the local Eagle Auto Parts store is sponsoring door prizes, goodie bags, and give-aways again this year.
Pre-Car Show Events
Cruise Night on Friday, April 19 will begin about 6:00 p.m. Owners are invited to gather on Main Street, near the car museum, to join the cruise.
“Even if they’re not participating in the show, we’d welcome any classic car owner to come out for the cruise,” Snyder said.
Around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. there will be a “burnout” on South First Street beside First National Bank, where car owners can show off the automotive “muscles” of their vehicles.
“All spectators will need to stay out of the street while this event is going on,” Snyder said. “After the ‘burnout’ is over, some may want to rejoin the cruise.”
Saturday Activities
King & Robertson Insurance Agency is donating groceries for a fundraising breakfast again this year, and members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce will cook and serve breakfast tacos at the Bank Park starting around 8:00 a.m., with a suggested donation of $5 for two tacos.
“We will give all donations to the car museum as an appreciation for all the time, energy, and effort they put in year round,” said Chamber president Ramby Anderson.
Anderson added that the Chamber welcomes breakfast food item donations.
“In the past, many gracious people have offered and provided additional sides,” he said. “If anyone has any world famous breakfast items, such as a casserole, pigs in a blanket, fruit salad, or anything they would like to offer on a donation basis, they can contact Mary Beth Jones at the Chamber office at 325-762-2525.”
Throughout the day, spectators are invited to walk through the parked entries as they listen to Dean Olin, member of the Heartland Cruisers Car Club out of Brownwood, playing old Rock and Roll records.
The Flying A Car museum, located next to the Aztec Theater in downtown Albany will be open and is always free to the public.
Vendors expected on Saturday include the local Masons selling hamburgers, as well as other food options, the Shackelford County library, craft items, homemade jams and jellies, auto scents, and a benefit bake sale.
Vendor spots are free for non-profits and $25 for others. For vendor information, contact Lisa Barton at 325-762-3388.
