Kruzing around Carson: Annual car show expected to bring about 300 classics

The 26th annual Run What Cha Brung Car Show, hosted by Karson Kruzers, brings old-school fun to Fuji Park and other locations in Carson City this weekend.

The event kicks off with early registration at 6-9 p.m. Friday at Bodine's Casino with music by Bill McClain's Mobile Music. It rolls on from there, said event organizer and president Lorretta Marcin.

Offering 57 different classes ranging from stock and custom to under construction, Run What Cha Brung offers something for every competitor. For the community, the event offers three free days of fun packed with an array of vehicles, vendors and more.

"We're like an old shoe ... comfortable with a lot of the same people returning each year, and we've provided well for our participants," Marcin said. "This is a family event, and we have become something of a family."

Wanting to keep the show as affordable for entrants as possible, Karson Kruzers have made it a tradition to provide a lot of bang for the buck, offering a package for two adults and children, as well as goodie bags loaded with T-shirts, mugs and more, continental breakfasts and Saturday night dance and barbecue. About 300 entries are expected.

"We're really homegrown here and have changed a few things over the years, but always to improve the event," she said.

Part of those changes included bringing in an array of vendors.

"You know the guys get busy with the cars and as the wives, we've gone to these events and wanted to see stuff we wanted," she said.

Children's activities taking place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., include face painting and a bounce house.

Among the trophies given, will be a People's Choice Award, as well as the Pig's Pick Award, given each year by the current Carson City sheriff, and the B.J. Barnhurst Memorial Award, which is chosen by his widow, Jamie.

Other show judges are community volunteers who have shown an interest. They receive a mini course in judging prior to the event. Karson Krusers members are allowed to show, but are not judged.

The overall winning automobile of each prior year is featured on the current year's T-shirt.

"Really, you never know who's going to win because car shows really are about art, which is subjective," Marcin said. "We just love the idea of gathering everyone together."

Saturday's events begin at 7 a.m. at Fuji Park. Tri-tip barbecue provided by Red's Old 395 Grill is served for participants at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to catch the car parade at 6:30 p.m., followed by the street dance, 7-11 p.m. at the Carson City Nugget's west parking lot.

Sunday's poker run begins at 8:30 a.m., with awards to be presented at noon.

For more information, visit karsonkruzers.com or call 775-883-0972.