All Together Now

It has been a long time coming. For years the idea had been discussed, denied and very actively debated. Then, with the announcement of its 2005 schedule, the National Street Rod Association broke the news that there would be two new events on their schedule. Not just two new events, but two events that - for the first time in over thirty-five years - would greet vehicles as new as 1975 to the events. Those popular cars from the `50s, `60s and early `70s would be welcome to drive through the front gates and join in all the fun that the pre-`48 rods have been having for years.

From the moment the schedule was announced, the questions were on everyone's mind: Would the post `48 crowd show up? Would the street rodders accept their newer custom and high performance cousins? Like the panic over Y2K, the concerns over the late-models rolling into a NSRA event were unfounded. Everything worked just fine, thank you.

From the time that the gates to the Wisconsin State Fair Park were opened on Friday morning until Sunday afternoon when event Director Tom Biles announced Bruce Hansen as the lucky winner of the National Street Rod Association Chevy Colorado pickup, everybody had a great time at the Milwaukee Nationals. Those who had never attended an NSRA event soon learned that there is something to do or see just about every minute of the weekend.

Almost 100 vendors filled the huge Exposition Center. DJ "Wings" Kalahan kept things hopping all weekend with his "Cruising with Wings" show broadcasted over the PA system. Special show areas were set up on Saturday to feature vehicles in specific groups such as "Wagon Way" for station wagons, "Hammered Highway" for all chopped vehicles and "Be-Bop Blvd" for the Buick, Olds and Pontiac fans.

The weather was great all weekend in Milwaukee. The final count showed that 1,694 vehicles had been registered for the event. The mix of pre-`48 cars to post-`48 was about a 60/40 split with street rods making up the larger portion --- as was expected. With custom and classic trucks, street machines and traditional customs thrown into the mix, there was a little something for everyone at the Milwaukee Nationals.

The NSRA's first attempt at welcoming the newer vehicles to their events was judged a success by most everyone who attended. A `32 Ford flanked by a `67 Nova and a `51 Merc just looks and feels right!