Get revved up for Silver Dollar Car Classic

Shine your shoes and rev up those engines for one of Carson City's hottest events. The 15th annual Silver Dollar Car Classic returns July 30-Aug. 2.

Classic cars, cool rides, rockin' live music, hand jive dancing, BBQ fixins', slot tournaments and a poker run will hit the streets of Carson City. Organizers hope to fill Mills Park with 400 cars this year.

The automobile celebration starts with a party at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at the Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. The public can get a sneak peek and entrants can size up the competition during the Show 'n Shine. The party includes 1950s-priced food, drinks and rock 'n' roll.

Those feeling lucky can test their odds with the slot tournament at the Nugget Casino beginning at 11 a.m., the top 10 scores will be awarded cash and free play. Cool off in the afternoon with the Model Dairy Ice Cream Social from 2- 5 p.m. at the Plaza Hotel.

Friday night heats up as The Ragtops perform '50s and '60s favorites during Silver Dollar Street Dance and Show 'n Shine in the Carson Nugget's west parking lot from 7-11 p.m.

On Saturday, the official Show 'n Shine contest runs from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. Food vendors, craft shows and music will be offered throughout the day at Mills Park. Learn about the area's historic mansions and colorful people of the past during the Kit Carson Guided Walking Tour at 6:30 p.m.

The "Wild West Million Dollar Poker Run" kicks off Sunday's activities. The best poker hand winner gets the chance to win $1 million by hitting a hole-in-one at Empire Ranch Golf Course. The Poker Run is from 8 a.m.-noon and is open to the general public.

Entry fee per vehicle is $5. Following the Million Dollar Poker Run, the Dayton Kiwanis will host the Great Fixins' BBQ from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Mills Park. The Show 'n Shine awards ceremony, including categories like "Most Likely to get Busted", "Fat Cat" and "Flamin' Freeway" begins at 1 p.m.

A full package entry fee is $65; rates go to $75 after July 18. The package includes the kick-off party at the Nugget Casino, street dance, Show 'n Shine competitions, an official T-shirt and dash plaque, two pancake breakfast tickets for Saturday, two barbecue dinners, admission for one to the Poker Run and a welcome packet from Silver Dollar sponsors.

For more information or to register, visit www.SilverDollarCar.com or call 775-687-7410. To learn more about Carson City's accommodations and other activities, visit www.VisitCarsonCity.com.