LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — More than 10,000 classic cars and 50,000 enthusiasts descended on Louisville Wednesday before the annual Street Rod Nationals kicks off a four-day run at the Kentucky Expo Center.
The event, which has called Louisville home for more than three decades, will bring together street rod owners and car lovers from across the United States and overseas. About 85% of participants drive their vintage vehicles to Louisville, making the show one of the city's biggest annual tourism events.
It is expected to generate an estimated $7.7 million for the local economy, according to Louisville Tourism.
To launch the festivities on Wednesday, dozens of classic cars made the trek from the Expo Center to Fourth Street Live! under police escort. The official event starts Thursday at 8 a.m. and will run until Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
For dedicated attendees like Earl Herman of Illinois, the show is a permanent fixture on the summer calendar. Herman and his friends arrived Tuesday night and waited in line for 12 hours before the gates opened to claim their preferred spot.
"It's just part of the summer," Herman said. "You go to Louisville in August — that's it. You make friends and you become so close with everybody."
The gathering caters to all aspects of car culture, featuring outdoor displays alongside hundreds of indoor vendors selling specialized car-care products.
Among the prized vehicles on display is a 1929 Model A replica owned by Bobby Thompson and his wife, who travel to as many shows as possible.
"She really likes the rumble seat so she can ride in the back," Thompson said.
Here are the hours spectators can visit the vehicles:
- Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Tickets are available to the public for $20, with family passes priced at $45.
Click here to purchase tickets and learn more about the event.
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