Car club expands membership by uniting enthusiasts over classic cars
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Activities throughout the year for Lake Area Rods and Classics include local car shows, “cruise nights,” local charity fundraising events and other car club activities such as visiting an assisted living facility. File photo -
Blue Bonnet Car Show on April 8 is an Open Car show. Bring anything you want, as long as it rolls. Contributed photo/Ron Adwers
Nothing conjures nostalgia like a hot rod restored to pristine condition.
Lake Area Rods and Classics has nurtured such enthusiam and united classic car enthusiasts to show off their wheels as well as contribute to the community.
Mark Kidd, Lake Area Rods and Classics Show chairperson and West Pearson, Activities Director for the club took a minute to share some details about the car club and their huge car show coming to Burnet just before Easter.
“The Lake Area Rods and Classics club started in 2004 by three area couples with small ‘Cruise Ins,’” Kidd explained. “It was not a big car club by any means. Now, the car club has more than 160 members.”
And growing. Pearson added, “They come from everywhere … Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Burnet and Lampasas.”
Just like it describes on their website, the group’s aim is “to encourage restoration, preservation and building of classic cars, trucks and street rods. Other purposes of the organization shall be encouraging participation in community services, socializing and providing enjoyment for all members.”
Activities throughout the year include local car shows, “cruise nights,” local charity fund raising events and other car club activities.
On Wednesday mornings, members meet from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at Crazy Gal’s Cafe, 414 Buchanan Dr. in Burnet.
In classic, traditional style, the group website touts that “Women are at one area of the room and the men are at another and the conversations at each table are guaranteed to be fast and furious.”
Club meetings (which take about 45 minutes) are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main Street, in the heart of the city.
One of the most anticipated events of the year for the group coincides with the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival, which attracts thousands of people to the city each year.
Kidd described the accomodating nature of the 20th Annual Blue Bonnet Car Show event, hosted by Lake Area Rods and Classics.
“Blue Bonnet Car Show on April 8 is an Open Car show. Bring anything you want, as long as it rolls,” Mark mused. “We got awards for top 25 and Best of Show, and every 15 minutes we do door prize drawings from the participants.”
The competition is meant to coax those outside of the club into participating.
“LARC Club members do not participate in the awards, so you don’t have to worry about losing to a member,” Mark added.
Pearson explained that the event not only attracts classic cars but raises money for cool causes.
“All proceeds go to local children’s charities including Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center, Marble Falls (Public) Library, Kingsland (Public) Library children’s reading program,” he said.
Kidd added, “We take care of the five kindergarten classes at Packsaddle Elementary School (in Kingsland).”
The club has also contributed to the Burnet Boys and Girls Club of the Highland Lakes and Liberty Hill FFA when they need extra assistance.
“Overall the club has raised more than $123,000 over the years for various local children’s charities,” Pearson said. “With great weather we can have upwards of 200 cars.”
That’s a whole lot of good being done.
Pearson quipped, “So get there early.”
