Cruiserfest in CA

[beard]

Anyone plannig to go to the Cruiserfest in Modesto, CA next month? It's a three day event and it will be our first event of this size. My wife and I are wondering what it will be like. We're registered for the "show and glow". Don't know what that will be like either. Has anyone gone to one of these events? What can we expect? Give us some input.
Beard

[Sci-Fi]

Just a few hints when going to a large event.

Show up early to get a good spot to park and/or exit easily. Bring chairs and a hat, maybe a hand fan or 2. The extra time you have can be used for last minute polishing and/or setting up your car or trunk display. Some also bring/rent a tent and/or bring a table with them.

Bring a bottle or 2 of quick detailer and plenty of clean towels to wipe down you car just before showing it off to the judges. Plus it comes in handy to remove the bird bombs and fingerprints quickly before any paint damage can occur.

Bring a cooler with water or your favorite drinks or budget extra money and buy from the food vendors there. Keep an eye on your kids (if any) and make sure they do not get heat stroke or get lost. May have to start your car and turn on the air conditioning to cool them off. Ask the organizers if they have any kids activities.

If you are into Raffles, make sure you find out where to buy the tickets and when/where the drawings are held. At some events you have to be present to win.

Would scout around to find the best and inexpensive places to eat. And maybe some areas you would like to see or visit while you are there. Ask around or search the internet.

If you have a stick shift, may want to ask about the minimum speed and/or length of the cruise/parade route. You may not want to get a left leg cramp or smell clutch dust if idling in 1st gear is too fast.

Bring jumper cables (optional) if you participate in the neon lights or stereo contest. Never know if you over do it or leave something on and run down your battery. Usually there is somebody that has a set or can call AAA for you, but it may be difficult if you are one of the last to leave.

Carry an extra key somewhere. Seen people lock their keys inside their car.

Know your prices before buying anything. It's easy to get caught up in a buying frenzy. Some vendors can even install parts for you for an additional fee. Might be worth it so any defective part(s) can be replaced quickly. Also watch the install, if possible, to catch or question anything that seems wrong.

Other than that, events are fun to go to and you will meet/make many new friends and see what other owners have done to their cars. As always, take the same care you would at home to avoid any trouble or stolen items.
[8)][^]

[PT Chix]

im not attending this year, blah next year ill be there [8)]

[Basset Hound]

[|)]My wife and I took both of our Cruisers last year. It was a blast!!! We got a chance to meet many of the people from the forums that we had not met before. There were so many PT Cruisers there, that I don't think that I saw them all.

The daytime events are at a very nice, shady park by a river. It's a beautiful setting. The show-n-glow is in the center of town right next to the Double Tree Hotel. The park is very spread out along the river. This year they plan to have the vendors and food concessions more centurally located than they were last year. They are also improving the line-up getting into the park. The show-n-glow is in a perfect place with restaurants and entertainment on the street.

If there is a group in your area that is going, I'd suggest cruising to the event with them and doing the same onm the way home. We do that as often as possible. The whole group keeps in contact with each other using FRS walkie-talkie radios. We also park with our friends at the event as well if possible.

Make sure to take money. There are many vendors with a wide variety of PT Cruiser items. I think that last year the event had the most vendors that I have seen at any event. The choice of food was great as well, so you'll need plenty of money for food.

I wish that we could go this year. Unfortunately Memorial Day weekend is when we have some big dog shows at Fairplex in Pomona.

[Sandy-GRR8PT]

What Basset said.. I was there last year and am coming back for more... If you are staying at the Double Tree then you will be all set... 603 PT's can't be wrong.. Beautiful park and vendors.. Show and Glow right next to the hotel.. One of the best events ever.. They do a great job.. Hope to meet you and I am sure you will have a good time...

[Mean Green]

My wife and I were there last year and had a blast. Last year they let you in with your PT club. We all stood in line for a while. I don't know when you got in if you weren't with a club. This year I think they have come up with a way that is faster. Be prepared, it was very hot during the day. As Basset Hound said there will be lots of vendors. Compare prices as some vendors are cheaper than others. The show at night downtown will blow your mind. So many tricked out PT's. Bring a camera! You will have a time to remember. [?]

[fear1pt]

wish i could make it this year. but that's close to the time my pt will be taping for the show custom rides on the discovery/travel channel, what an honor........[8)]

[stimpy]

Hey, newbie here! We will be attending in our Brand Spankin New 04 GT. We will be coming from Salinas, so if any Central Coast people are caravaning up please let us know!

[Bugdude21]

Stimpy--

For the local edge in PT Cruisers you should check out

http://pub129.ezboard.com/bmontereybayptcruisers

They are based in Salinas/Monterey Bay

I know there are a few PTs coming from your area......

John