Classic cars and the people who love them will flood Wasco County this weekend for three days packed with shows, a cruise and live music befitting a celebration of the automobile industry’s golden years.
Organizers have made a few changes to this year’s event. The drag races are gone this year, supplanted by construction and construction staging at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport. However, those who remember the Saturday night Neon Nights concerts of years gone by may be happy to know that Saturday night music is back in the mix, with the Neon Street Dance featuring The Scepters’ (see related story) unique 1960s blend.
Weekend events warm up Friday night with the Neon Cruise, starting at 7 p.m., where participants can “cruise the gut” through downtown The Dalles and show off their cars, from custom convertibles to classic coupes and clunkers.
Saturday morning brings the Show in the Shade at Sorosis Park where hundreds of cars on display will compete for trophies in the Parade of Champions awards ceremony. Awards start at 3 p.m.
Cars can be registered for the show early at Burgerville on Friday during the Neon Cruise from 5 to 8 p.m. or Saturday morning at the park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost to register is $15 per car. The first 250 registered cars will receive goodie bags and dash plaques.
Gates open Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. for the Neon Street Dance and the band starts at 7:30. Fourth and Federal streets around The Dalles Civic Auditorium will be closed to make room for the dance.
On Sunday, the fun moves to Dufur for the Threshing Bee Car Show, which starts at 9 a.m.
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