The Inaugural Golden State Street Rod Nationals

It had been in the planning stages for a few years and a lot of thought and work had gone into the preparation. The word was out in the street rod community about the West Coast. Still, the question on everyone's mind when the gates opened on Friday, October 4, at the Cal-Expo Center in Sacramento, California, was: would they come? The answer became evident very quickly as street rods from all over California began to fill the huge facility. Northern California was ready for a big-time National Street Rod Association event and the Golden State Street Rod Nationals was definitely the place to be during the first weekend in October.

First-time events are always interesting since no one really knows the "best place" to park! With all of its palm tree lined streets and shaded parking areas, Cal-Expo (home of the California State Fair) offered a lot of choices. It didn't take long for everyone to get comfortable and by Friday afternoon everyone had found his or her favorite spot--things ran very smoothly. A walk around the grounds was a journey of discovery, as new areas of rods could be found around every corner.

As is the case with all NSRA events, there was plenty to keep everyone busy all weekend. The festivities got started on Thursday evening at the Double Tree Ballroom (headquarters) with music provided by "Slick and the Sliders." Friday morning the California Highway Patrol and the Over the Hill Gang of Sacramento served a continental breakfast to the early arrivals at the grounds. The weather was sunny and warm all weekend. It was just perfect for all of the roadsters that are so popular on the "Left Coast."

Street rod merchants displayed their wares both inside and outside the exhibit hall. Over 80 vendors were set up with everything anyone could need or want for their street rod project or lifestyle. Friday evening's entertainment featured rock 'n' roll back at the Cal-Expo Center with the "Groove Mercenaries."

Saturday's great weather brought out the spectators to take in all the rods. Clubs have always been a major part of the Northern California street rod scene and club shirts and banners could be seen all weekend as folks "circled the wagons." The Streets of Rods area had a great turnout and Flamin' Freeway had a large display of "hot" rods. The children's games featured a great Hot Wheels drag strip that kept the younger rodders busy. Saturday night's entertainment was back at the grounds with the "Hop City Rockets."

Sunday brought one more day of that great California weather. The awards presentation was set up in an area that included stone steps, hanging plants, and walkways overhead for great viewing. It looked like a scene out of a major motion picture with Event Director Pat Newell as Master of Ceremonies. Recognition was given to all who helped make this inaugural event a huge success. Special recognition was given to vehicles selected by groups and individuals and the proud owners were able to receive their plaques in front of the assembled crowd.

There is a saying that the third time is the charm. Well, in the case of the Golden State Nationals, the first time was the charm! This event will definitely be on everyone's "A" list for many years to come.