Prowlin' in Paso

It has become a pilgrimage for many to make their way annually to the West Coast Kustoms event in Paso Robles, California, over Memorial Day weekend. While cars come from all across the nation, enthusiasts come from much further than from inside our national borders. Most every continent is represented by custom and hot rod fans who come to see the brightest and best the traditional scene has to offer.

The weekend begins with cruising for event participants up and down the main city drag well into the night, with car lovers lined up at the curb to watch the endless parade of chrome, metal flake, and rumbling exhaust pipes. On Saturday, the park in the center of town fills up early for the main event. Hot rodders of all ages mix together to witness the finest examples of retro rods and customs.

The day moves by all too fast and, as the sun sets, the park clears out as the bands set up for the hip-swayin' "Dancing in the Street" festivities. The live music fills the air late into the night. Most take the opportunity to sleep in a little later on Sunday before converging back at the park for the final day in the sun. As the afternoon rolls around, the awards are handed out, and friends from around the globe say their farewells until they all meet again in the same place on the same weekend next year.

If you've not yet experienced the West Coast Kustoms event in Paso Robles, do yourself a big favor and make plans to be there next year--you won't be disappointed.