Classic car show 'a really big, fun party'

The 10th annual Silver Dollar Car Classic car show roars into Carson City on Friday.

Offering three days of activities, all events are free, said Candy Duncan, executive director of the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, which hosts the event.

While Mills Park is the focal point for the more than 300 cars and motorcycles expected to be displayed, organizers have added a new twist by working with Virginia City to host Saturday night's festivities.

"We're really excited Virginia City is partnering with us," Duncan said. "Some years, we've had concerts or other activities, but this year we're taking everyone up to Virginia City. C Street will be closed. All the cars will be displayed, and we're going to have a really big, fun party."

Comstock businesses will stay open late to accommodate visitors.

Many of the participants are returns from past years, traveling from California, Washington, Oregon and Colorado.

"This show really appeals to those people who like to be in the area for Hot August Nights, but who don't compete there because they don't feel they get personal attention," Duncan said. "They come here to enjoy a small-town event and can then go over to Reno for some of the Hot August Nights events."

Besides the usual Show and Shine, there's the Cruise of Champions on Friday at 6 p.m. This is followed by a street dance at the Carson Nugget with music by Route 66.

Saturday begins with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Pony Express Pavilion at Mills Park, the Show and Shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., then the Virginia City festivities begin at 6 p.m. Parade laps will be run at Champion Speedway at 7:30 p.m., offering an alternative to the Virginia City event.

A $1 million poker run begins at the pavilion at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with a steak barbecue and awards at 12:30 p.m. at Mills Park.

The Silver Dollar Car Classic offers the opportunity to enjoy the history and pleasures of car collecting. The show is unique in that it's not hosted by a local car club, as is usually the case, Duncan said.

With the exception of Bob Davies, the paid planner for the weekend, all support comes from volunteers.

The ambiance is special, Duncan said.

"Mills Park is a great place with plenty of shade, the show is like a family (gathering), and it's intimate," she said. "It brings many people back each year."

The weekend is funded solely through car registrations and sponsorships, Duncan said.

Registration is taken up to the start of the show; go to Mills Park and sign in.

Sponsorships were available for this year's event up to about two weeks prior. Otherwise, Duncan said, sponsors don't get the full benefit of what they've paid for.

Sponsorships are available for next year.

Go to silvercollarcar.com or visitcarsoncity.com or call the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau at 687-7410.

If you go:

What: Silver Dollar Car Classic

When: Friday-Sunday

Where: Mills Park, Carson Nugget and Virginia City

Admission: Free

Call: Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, 687-7410

ON THE NET

www.silverdollarcar.com

www.visitcarsoncity.com