Cars aplenty expected for 16th Rod Run

The Hi-line Cruz'n Association's 16th annual Rod Run is coming to town this weekend, bringing hot rod enthusiasts and car lovers from surrounding areas together to talk about and show off their pristine automobiles.

Starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, the Havre High School practice field will be filled with souped up vehicles new and old for the Rod Run's main event the Show and Shine.

The event is free to the public, and its costs $5 to enter a car of your own. Registration for the Show and Shine begins at 9 a.m. No cars will be admitted after 1 p.m.

"The Rod Run is for people who like cars or enjoy cars," said Kathy Chapman, a hot rod enthusiast and member of the association. "You don't necessarily have to own one to enjoy them."

Seventy cars took part in the Show and Shine last year, and organizers expect a similar turnout for this year's gathering.

The Show and Shine, though, isn't the only event planned for the weekend.

A poker run beginning at 2 p.m., and awards banquet and dance at 6 are slated for Saturday and cost $35 to participate. Registration is Friday night at the Hi-line Lanes bowling alley with tacos provided to all entrants.

The theme for this year's Rod Run is the "Rod Run From Hell," which Chapman thinks could be fitting.

"With the weather we're having, it looks like it might just live up to its name," she said.

Past Rod Run themes include the Flintstones, Beach Party, the '60s, and last year's, Mardi Gras. Costumes are encouraged, with a prize of "free beer" promised to the person with the best costume.

The event, according to the Rod Run's promotional flier, will last until "hell freezes over" at the Bigger Better Barn.