Sacramento Autorama event returns this weekend

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Sacramento, California -- The Sacramento Autorama is back.

Dating back more than seven decades, the event celebrating the area's rich history of car customization was a victim of COVID last year. Consequently, organizers expect large crowds Friday through Sunday at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., as Sacramento-area gearheads are longing to see the latest automotive creations.

The event, presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts, will feature more than 500 custom hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, lowriders and motorcycles from across the country competing to win numerous awards.

Major awards honor world-famous customizers from the Sacramento area, including Joe "Candy Apple Red" Bailon, Dick Bertolucci and Sam Barris.  The top award is the Harold Bagdasarian Memorial World's Most Beautiful Custom trophy.

About 400 additional vehicles are expected to participate in the 14th Annual Sacramento Autorama Drive-In, featuring pre-1987 cars and trucks.

Other special events on-site include the Lowrider Showcase hosted by Raj Reddy and Jay Walding, featuring more than 250 custom lowriders; the Club House display with more than 25 car clubs showing off their prize wheels; and a special display marking the 90th anniversary of the classic 1932 Ford.

General admission tickets for ages 13 and older are $20. Tickets for ages 6 to 12 are $10; children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://hotrodshows.com/sacramento-autorama or at the event. Discount tickets are available at local O'Reilly Auto Parts stores. Parking on the Cal Expo grounds is $10.

Show hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, when major awards will be handed out.

More information can be found at www.rodshows.com.