Thirty-two years ago, the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) decided to host a regional car event in Pueblo, Colorado. After the final meeting with fairgrounds officials, we’d bet that the management didn’t quite know how to handle what was requested, especially when told there might be as many as 500 to 700 cars on the grounds. The actual count in 1985 was 792 entries, exceeding all expectations.

Over the years, the number of pre-’49 hot rods/street rods has waxed and waned, and in 2010, the NSRA decided to allow post-’48 cars into the mix – using a 30-year sliding scale. That alone changed the overall tone of the event. However, the count for the 2016 Pueblo event surpassed last summer’s previous record of 2042 cars by setting the bar to a Rocky Mountain high with 2089 registered vehicles cruising into the Pueblo Fairgrounds. The all-time record to date for participants was set in 2010 with 2194 entries. There is still plenty of room for growth, even with 2089 cars, the grounds were still not full.

The weekend party started off Thursday evening for early arrivals with the kickoff BBQ held at Lake Pueblo State Park, hosted by the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber sponsored the 100 car parade Friday morning as well, after that the entire crew headed out to the fairgrounds to spend the rest of the day.

One of the best things this year was the “Streets of Rods” had been moved from behind the “Sheep, Swine and Goat” building – Colorado is still home to a lot of ranchers and this building is important to them – to a closer exhibition building so more participants could enjoy the vehicles entered in that section of the event. In year’s past it almost seemed like NSRA wanted to hide it. We know that was not true but we are glad to see it moved into the mainstream traffic more.

This year there was also special sections called the “Kustom Korner”, and the “29 and Below,” the “Fabulous Forties.” We were pleased to see a side street that was labeled Be-Bop Boulevard, reserved strictly for Buick, Olds, and Pontiac models. Out of each of these ‘shows within a show,’ an award winner was chosen.

Speaking of awards, John McLeod and his crew from Classic Instruments handled the Pro’s Picks. They succeeded in picking out five entries from amongst the numerous participants. Those five winners were Jeff Beard of Midland, Texas, with his ‘35 Chevy coupe in Lamborghini Yellow, Lane Pinnow of Cascade, Colorado, with his Green ‘32 Ford 5 window.

Denny Day of Wakeeny, Kansas, showed his ’61 Chevy Impala two door hardtop in stunning red as well as Mike Chrisinger of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with his Red ’32 Ford 5 window.

Last but certainly not least, the fifth pick was John Logue of Englewood, Florida, with his gorgeous Blue ’33 Chrysler. For more information on this vehicle, stay tuned for a featured vehicle article on this beauty coming to Rod Authority soon.

While Saturday’s ‘Streets of Rods’ was one place to show off your vehicle, the rest of the fairgrounds parking areas were already packed and the continuous loop around the grounds were filled with cruisers showing off their rides.

That is one great thing about the Pueblo grounds – an endless loop of a cruising lane goes all the way around the six city blocks. There are a couple of other roads that run off the main loop leading to great grassy parking spots near the pond on the north end of the grounds, and lots of shade for those that like to park under trees.

Just across the street from the “Cruisin’ with Wings” music trailer – the spot where all of the super prize participant numbers were displayed, close to the center fountain that was spouting cool water. The fountain was full of youngsters playing in the water. We’d be willing to bet there was more than one adult that walked through those refreshing fountains during the hot afternoon.

Of course, most of those kids had just participated in the “Kid’s Games” in Triangle Park and had a great time – awards were given out to the winners after the games. For those women, wives and girl friends that attend the event, there was a “Ladies Tea” held Friday afternoon and of course, the Women’s World arts and crafts building was open all three days.

If sitting under a shade tree all day watching an endless parade of multi-colored rods and kustoms cruise past didn’t make you happy, the swap meet at the western end of the grounds would surely provide you with a couple of hours entertainment digging thru the ‘treasures” within. Treasure? Certainly, one of the better examples of treasure was in the form of not one, but two rebuildable ’51 Mercurys. How many times have you gone to a swap meet and even seen a Mercury for sale? No digging for those, they were tied down on trailers, ready to go home with you.

The four-door turned convertible had a fiberglas top on it and some minor body work done and right next to it sat a stocker two-door coupe! Reasonably priced too! How about a solid Model A coupe. Aahhhh, just a bit of “minor work” could make it into a great street rod. What about the very solid Model A sedan behind it – an even better vehicle for the whole family.

If digging through old parts wasn’t interesting, a short walk to the exhibition building where vendors of new parts were, would net you some cool A/C to help combat the typical Pueblo heat. Here you could grab a burger, a soda and a table and chairs to take a load off while resting.

The vendors inside the building were certainly glad you were there and more than willing to show off their latest offerings, probably even knock off a few bucks if you purchase right then and there! While in the exhibition building, the valve cover races were running – this was the second year for this event – its popularity was so huge last year, it was brought back.

Saturday night (as well as Friday night), the grounds remained open and bands played in the amphitheater while participants lounged on the grass knoll listening as cruisers made some twilight laps. Since most of the surrounding terrain is near-desert around Pueblo, the day’s heat gives way to evening’s coolness-a perfect end to the day.

Sunday, the award winners were instructed to be at the “Circle of Winners” by 10 a.m. so everyone could get a good view of them. At 2:00 p.m., just before the 42 award winners are driven past the award stage to receive their plaques, the balance of the “Super Prizes” were awarded – if you weren’t one of the lucky participants to get one of the NSRA’s $75,000.00 worth of Super Prizes during the day on Friday and Saturday, or if the prize wasn’t picked up by awards time, the balance was given away at the circle of winners awards.

The best part of the awards ceremony is at the end, when the NSRA officials give away three $3,000 checks. That alone keeps participants on Sunday. All three winners were in attendance and that’s one of the requirements to winning –you must be a registered participant, have a photo ID, an NSRA membership card, and be present with your “Sunday Only” ticket. That totals $84,000.00 the NSRA gave away during the weekend.

When the three winners were confirmed, that was the end of the 32nd Rocky Mountain Nationals. The gates were opened and a flood of street rods and kustoms rolled out heading for home. Next June, the 33rd Nats will be presented at the same venue and IF you can’t find something that holds your interest at an NSRA Pueblo event for the weekend, then you’re definitely not a real car enthusiast.