River City Rod Run promises fun for whole family

Hot rods, hot models, hot tricycles and Elvis. All that and more are on the schedule at the River City Rod Run next weekend at the Greyhound Park and Event Center in Post Falls.

Event coordinator Rob Elder calls the Run “a great event for the whole family.” He emphasizes it is “more of a festival, not just a bunch of guys working on cars.” He points to family activities this year, including a balloon toss, hula-hoop contest, kids’ go-cart races, carnival rides, tricycle races, a fireworks show and vendor booths.

Entertainment includes Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Danny Vernan Elvis Tribute, the Romantics, and Brian Howe, former lead singer of Bad Company.

Hot rod lovers can view the anticipated 1,000 or more cars and motorcycles on display and in action. Motorized events include the Case Poker Run (with more than $2,000 in prizes), the Rod Run Cruise, Burn Out Contest, remote-control cars in a Grand Prix race, Flame Throwing and Best Neon Contest.

A special attraction is the demolition derby in the Greyhound Park parking lot. Elder says this is extra thrilling as the asphalt allows for high speed driving and extreme impact crashes.

Trophies are awarded for best hot rod and truck, best street bike, custom bike, antique motorcycle, most radical bike, bikers’ choice and “Easy Rider Road House Pick.”

Special awards will go to the best Corvette, Mustang, Camaro, Mopar, Club Picks, Sponsor Picks, Best Paint, People’s Choice, Longest Road Trip, Best Neon, Unfinished Award, Mayor’s Award, Police Chief’s Choice, and Ladies Choice. There’s even a Hard Luck Award, which Elder explains is reserved for an entrant that has a bad experience, such as breaking down when traveling from somewhere like Alaska to the Rod Run.

Continuing a tradition in the 7-year-old Rod Run, the search is on to find the prettiest bikini-clad girl for the honor of “Miss Hot Rod,” Last year, “Mr. Hot Rod” was added.

The Hot Rod Cafe Web site ( www.hotrodcafe.com) reports more than 21,000 spectators attended last year’s run and lists the primary purpose of the event “to promote the sport of street rodding, both as a hobby and as business.”

The cost to attend all events in the three-day Rod Run is $40 for adults and $5 a day for 12 and under.

“With three national headlining music performers and all the other activities, this is a real bargain,” says Elder.