Well, yes, it is that time of the year again, here in the North East and, quite frankly, probably everywhere else, too.

That time of year when the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, the indoor activities get put on hold and the outdoor activities become a priority.

For me, this time of year brings several offers of joy. Multiple arenas to find some enjoyment. There is camping, fishing, gardening and one of my all time favorites!

That’s right, Cruise-In’s and Car Shows! The best way to see and hear classic and custom Hot Rods, Street Rods, Rat Rods, Motorcycles, Antiques, trucks, Dragsters and so on and so forth! More metal that the scrap heap, arranged in such a way that your eyes just can’t take in all of the excitement and details!

My wife has found that this is a place I truly enjoy and has even gone with me to the Ocean City Cruise-In for the last few years, on our anniversary. (I know, she’s a keeper!) We go down for the evening, meet up with some friends who take their truck down, then go out for

My friends truck, 1962 Ford

dinner. We sit there, watch the cars go by and enjoy. Sometimes, we even get to see other people we know, as we live only an hour and a half away.

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I try to hit up several car shows throughout the year, since this area seems to have at least one each weekend, within an hour or so of where I live. I don’t get to go to all of them, but, I do go to several, which is usually enough for me. (Of course, I can’t wait for the season to start again and I feel like I haven’t been to enough shows, halfway through the winter.)

Understand, our winter, the end of the shows, can sometimes creep into December, though, I have seen it go even farther, but, not often. I know there are several indoor shows throughout the country, but, the exciting ones are outside, in my eyes. That is where folks allow their engines to roar and the smell of gas and burnt rubber permeate the air. Not sure how much better than that it could be, unless you’re ate a drag racing track.

Most of you reading this are probably excited for the season to start, as well. Maybe you have a ride you can’t wait to take to a show or three, or, maybe you want to take your family and show them what a real car looks like. Either way, you probably just want to get out, in the warmth, feel the sun on your face and enjoy these mechanical wonders. Can’t wait to hear your stories and see your pictures. Enjoy the show, enjoy the time. Make it a family event, invite your friends, have a lot of fun!

Remember, most of these guys/gals who are showing their stuff off, have put a lot of time and money into their rides, show them appreciation and courtesy, try not to point out defects or how something may not be consistent with the time period, instead, show them and tell them how much you enjoy seeing what their hard work has accomplished.

Sometimes, cars may come out, to the shows, unfinished. These are the guys who just couldn’t wait to drive it, to feel the power they are creating and figure that you will enjoy seeing the work, in progress. This same car may make it back, next year, finished and ready for awards, but, you got a sneak peak at it during the process. What a thrill!

Also, let us know about your experiences and your travels to these shows. We would love to do a series of articles on how you got to the show, what you did while you were there and what you saw, so, contact us with your story, we’ll have fun writing it.