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The 15th Annual NSRA Southeast Street Rod Nationals returned to Tampa on October 11-13, 2002. This is one of those events where we really make an outing of it. We set up a booth in the vendor building, the magazines went like hot cakes, and we took tons of pictures, and caught up with lots of people we haven’t seen in a few months. This show, like many in the past month or two, got pretty lucky when the Hurricanes managed to miss the area, leaving basically sunny skies. I say basically because while the actual show hours at the Fairgrounds remained sunny and rain free all three days, there were showers in the evening on both Saturday and Sunday. In fact on Saturday night the power and satellite reception at our hotel was knocked out a few times. And on Sunday during the drive home there was a pretty good shower as we traversed I-4. Still, I’m sure everyone would agree though, we were pretty lucky weather wise, and by the end of registration there were 1,278 show vehicles on hand. The Friday night Kick-Off Party at the host hotel’s Crowne Plaza Ballroom is always a good time, and this year was no exception. The parking lot was packed with cool cars, making it a show in itself, and there are always plenty of nice people to talk with about various subject. Other notable things to do was the Friday poker run around the Tampa area hosted by the Tampa Knights Rod & Customs host club, plus the various games at the Fairgrounds hosted by the Central Florida Street Rod Assoc, Early Irons, Osceola Rodders and the Rods & Rides of Polk County. Thanks go out to all of them for making the weekend more enjoyable for all the participants. The Club Participation award returned again this year. It is determined by taking the total number of members and multiplying it by the miles traveled. Well, since they came from so far away, and had quite a few members present, the award this year went to the Sundae Cruisers from Mars, Pennsylvania. As usual, the Super Prize Program was put in place, with over $101,800 in merchandise certificates given away....so many participants went home with a bonus, in addition to good memories. But the really big bonus was of course the 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup given away on Sunday after the drive-thru awards ceremony. Congratulations to Tom Nelson of Silver Spring, who had the pleasure of his ticket being drawn, and winning the big prize. Many thanks again go out to the guys and gals at the National Street Rod Association, and the many volunteers who help make this show run like clockwork every year. It really is much appreciated! If you love 1948 and older street rods, the Tampa Fairgrounds in mid-October is where we’ll be seeing you next year. For more information you can visit www.nsra-usa.com, or call 303-776-7841. Of course keep an eye on our Coming Attractions, which will announce the event with a listing, plus have a display ad as it approaches. CN Picks / Special Awards: PPG Outstanding Use Of Color: |
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