Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup

In our hobby, it is known by many names: Shades of the Past, Pigeon Forge, and, sometimes, merely Shades. Its official name is the Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup. Whatever you called it, it means one thing: a gathering of high-quality street rods and musclecars. The event has taken place on the Friday and Saturday after Labor Day every September for the last 24 years, and it has become one of the most popular and prestigious runs of the year.

What takes place in a green flat section of land in the rolling hills just outside of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a cross between Woodstock and "A Field of Dreams." And, as it is said in the movie, "Build it and they will come." In 2006, they came in droves, as 3,055 folks registered for the event. That was almost 300 more than in 2005. The vendor area and swap meet cover an area as large as a football field.

As is the case with many events, the year of the vehicles have been shifted over the years, first including cars up to 1964, and then, beginning last year, vehicles up to 1972 were allowed. Speculation from club members is that it will stay at 1972 for the immediate future.

Two aspects of the Shades run are the giveaway cars and the Top 25 picks. Once again this year, two cars were given away. A very clean 1963 T-bird was the prize for the 1,747 folks who had pre-registered by May, and Jimmy Posey of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, was the lucky T-bird winner. All 3,055 folks who were registered for the event were eligible to win the Bobby Alloway-built '32 highboy roadster, but Harrison Henry from Loudon, Tennessee, had his name pulled as the winner at the awards ceremony on Saturday.

The Top 25 picks at the Shades run are some of the most sought-after awards in our hobby. On Friday morning, a team from the Shades of the Past Street Rod Association walks through the judging area and picks the Top 25. These vehicles are put on display in a special area all day Saturday. Of the 25, Bob Johnson's Barracuda was named Best of Show Post-1948, and Seth Wagner's Willys pickup was named Best of Show Pre-1949. In addition to the Top 25 picks, there were 16 specialties award winners. These vehicles were given special recognition by companies, organizations, and celebrities in our hobby.

It was a great two days in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. Next year is the 25th edition of the Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup, so you need to go if you have never been before. And if you have been before, then you already have it marked on your calendar.