Leesburg 'Revs Up' for Annual Car Show

If you've ever wanted to have an up close look at a Delorean, such as the one featured in the 1985 film, "Back to the Future" then Saturday may be your chance. At least 5,000 people are expected to attend the 25th Annual Car show in downtown Leesburg, on Saturday, where more than 200 classics, street rods and muscle cars will line the streets.

Included in the line-up with be a mock model of the “Back to the Future” Delorean. There will be at least 10 Cobra’s, a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Civil, as well as the “Jolly Dolly”, a record setting car from the 60s.

Carolyn Craig, president of the Northern Virginia Rods and Classics Car Club, said that many of the vehicles will come from residents living within a 50 mile radius. Registration will take place at Tuscora High School before each car makes their way into the downtown area, beginning at 5 pm.

“It’s kind of neat for spectators because once the streets are officially closed by the local police, the cars parade in,” Craig said. “You get to watch the cars drive by and then you get to see them up close. It will be a lot of fun.”

Event Organizer Bob Brown said the event has been very successful in the past although he's hoping to have one of the biggest turnouts this year. The car show, which takes place in the same five block footprint as the Flower and Garden Show, will feature at least 200 vehicles dating 1984 and up. Live music, local vendors, and kid activities will also be available. Many of the stores and restaurants will also stay open late.

Both Craig and Brown said they have been very happy with the amount of participants and spectators that have attended the show each year.

“It’s going to be fun for the whole family,” Brown said. “You can come downtown, bring the kids, look at the cars, you can shop in the stores and eat at one of the eleven restaurants that are open in that footprint. It’s just a fun evening. The old cars in an old town make for a good combination.”

The annual car show is scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 4 from 5 to 10 pm. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, June 5. Trophy awards will be handed out to the top 25, mayor's choice and merchants choice.

Registration fees and spectator donations will benefit C.S. Monroe Technology Center's Auto Collision Repair Program, which has benefited from the car show for at least four years. For more info contact Carolyn Craig at 703-864-1665 or visit www.novarodsnclassics.org.