It did not take long for the word to get around the street rod world that Sacramento was the place to be around the first weekend in October. The weather is usually great this time of year in northern California and the Cal Expo grounds are perfect for a rod run of this size. Not only did the street rods turn out 1,465 strong, but the local folks also showed up at the fairgrounds all weekend to take a look at all the cool cars.
As they have in the past, Sacramento Vintage Ford volunteered to have the Thursday afternoon Poker Run end at their store where everyone was treated to hot dogs and sodas. The gates opened at the fairgrounds on Friday morning with the host club, the Over the Hill Gang, treating everyone to a free continental breakfast.
With an exhibit building filled with over 60 vendors, an arts and crafts area, and a National Tether Car Association demonstration, there were plenty of activities to keep participants and spectators busy at the fairgrounds all day. For those who preferred the putting greens to the cruising lanes for a while, there was even a golf tournament Friday afternoon. The kickoff party at the headquarters Friday evening was sponsored by the Sneed Insurance Company and featured the Groove Mercenaries.
Saturday's activities featured the Streets of Rods area, the National Street Rod Association vehicle safety inspection, more tether car demonstrations, and even a quilt display. The weather was again beautiful and the spectators were really out in full force. A look at the vehicles in attendance showed that the street rod scene has been active for many years in northern California. Traditional old-school T-buckets were parked next to billet beauties, and the California sunshine makes topless roadsters practical street rods to own.
Saturday night's fun was back at the headquarters with a rock 'n' roll show by Daddy O, and Sunday's awards found over 30 vehicles in the circle of winners that were paraded in front of the appreciative crowd. By 3 p.m. the Golden State Nationals was over. It was a great NorCal weekend and the word is now out that, for street rodders and fans, Sacramento is the place to be in early October.