Between about '88 and '05, I only missed three times. Other members of our Mopar club took cars up there for the judging and usually received trophies each time out. That was also our main "shopping season". The second year we all went, I scored an AM/FM/Multiplex radio and control box, with the cable attached. I got accused of buying "the innards of a C-body dash" as I hauled it back to our base of operations in the swap meet area. It was from a '68 300 and even had the dash finish plate with it! AND, when I dummied it up in the '67 Newport, it worked. That was also the year that Charles Dart took notice of us and we got some time on that year's video he had for sale.
That first year, I was "in heaven". Not having to hear a "hot rod Chevy" clear it's pipes! All of the color combinations I'd only seen in sales brochures . . . and much more. A great reason to get our of town!
As things progressed, I started doing the reservations for our club members who went up there. Usually at a Hampton Inn, which was usually about $75.00/double per night, back then. Endured all of the segmented construction on the Interstate! Those who flew up there would usually fly out of DFW about 8pm and get there about midnight. Head to Thrifty car rental for the requisite LeBaron convertible rent car. Then head to whatever lodging that others had arranged for in those first years. Later, I'd fly up on Wednesday to make sure all was well with the reservations I'd made,
We were in Indy that first year, too! Again, at the Hampton, adjacent to the host hotel. Lots of "teething pains" that first year. Better after that. Then back to National Trails for the rest of them. The "car show in the parking lot" was pretty neat. The regular car show was very neat, too!
The ONE thing which really impressed me was the multi-generational group that was there! Not uncommon to see to see a grandmother holding her grandchild under the Viper tent as her kids were out on the grounds! Never did see that, to that same level, at any other car meet I'd been to.
2005 was the last year I/we went. Had a black Charger R/T for the rent car. Finances went thin earlier that year. Not in shape to walk the airport any more, either. Probably in a few years?
Once we found a good hotel, we'd get on the waiting list for the next year when we checked out on Sunday. The BEST way to do it. As many hotel rooms as Columbus has, that ONE event filled things up all over town! Trying to get something "later" was highly hit-or-miss, "in the boonies"., or expensive. One of our members camped at the truck stop, in his Dodge van, near the Interstate, one year.
Y'all enjoy! Take plenty of sun screen, water for hydration, towel to wipe off with, and some $$ for food. If you're going to buy things, get a swap meet space for next year, so you'll have a better parking spot. AND, a HUGE memory card for the camera!
Have FUN!
CBODY67
Made "the scene" on Brice Road a few times, too! Best to arrive early, park, eat, stay late, then leave.
