Veronica Jenks, 11, of South Lake Tahoe, from left, and Lauralee Bell, 13, of Gardnerville, dance Friday evening in the parking lot of the Carson Mall.
| Photo by Brad Horn
Surrounded by a sea of polished hot rods and sun-tanned car enthusiasts, Jack Andersen sat behind the bar tent at the 19th annual Run What Cha Brung car show street dance Friday night.
Andersen, president of the Karson Kruzers who organized the vent, was catching up with the leader of a California car club who has participated for seven years.
"We always rip it up and have a good time," said Buz Balderson of the Calveras Coachmen. "These guys put on the best show, bar none."
The Coachmen, who have 26 cars registered for the show so far, have repeatedly won the prized shaded display area at Fuji Park because of their strong showing.
"We take pride in getting that shade area," said Balderson, "It's the coveted place." Balderson brought his dark blue and black '72 El Camino with ghost flames.
Friday's street dance at the Carson Mall was only the first in a long line of events scheduled for the Run What Cha Brung car show.
The action continues this morning from 7-10 a.m. at the newly refurbished Fuji Park with a breakfast of pancakes, eggs and ham. The meal is included in registration fees for competitors and the public is welcome to eat for $3.50.
Judging begins at noon.
Andersen said there is only room for 323 cars. With the long line of folks lined up to register at Friday night's dance it looked like some folks would be turned away.
About 80 percent of the car lovers come from out of town.
"We've got them from everywhere this year -- all over the West Coast," Andersen said.
There are 75 different classes in the show. The top three are people's choice, men's choice and women's choice. The winners of those three have their car featured on the t-shirts for the next year. Carson City's Bob Shores has his red Camaro featured on this year's shirts, mugs and buttons.
There's more in the park than cars today. Mayor Ray Masayko will emcee the official reopening of the park after its refurbishing. Improvements include an underground sprinkler system, new children's playground, new restroom facilities and paving around the exhibit hall.
Also in the park Saturday will be an inflatable bouncing castle, face painting by clowns and a National Guard Humvee staffed by soldiers. All of these activities are offered free of charge.
"It's neat that it's open to public," Andersen said. "There's no charge for any of this stuff. We're not out here to gouge anybody."
Run What Cha Brung continues with an afternoon barbecue, evening car parade, and another street dance featuring Stevie and the Stingrays at the Carson Nugget's West parking lot.
Sunday is the day of the poker run. Participants will follow two routes which will stay mostly in Carson this year.
The awards ceremony begins at noon Sunday. The ceremony will feature a drive by of each of the first- and second-place vehicles.
If You Go
What: 19th annual, three-day Run What Cha Brung Karson Kruzers' car show with free street dances, breakfast, all-day car show, vendors and poker run
Today: All-day show and shine, featuring vendors, barbecue, bouncing castle
Where: Fuji Park, corner of Highway 395 and Old Clear Creek Road
When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Street Dance with DJ tonight
Where: Carson Nugget west parking lot
When: 6-11 p.m. Friday
Cost: Free
Sunday awards ceremony, features winning car drive bys
Where: Fuji Park, corner of Highway 395 and Old Clear Creek Road
When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information, call: 82-0829 or 883-0927