RENO, NV (Aug. 6) — For 10 days the Reno area is in the midst of an annual celebration of classic cars. It’s known as Hot August Nights and while it dominates the area for 10-days each year there are other groups that are there as well.
• One of them is VDUB, a Volkswagen based group, whose members have all the variations of this brand. They started Monday by gathering at the Atlantis as the west parking lot was reserved for HAN.
There was quite a mix of VW products in the two rows most were parked in. That included a long line of Beetles, which were the brand’s signature car for several decades.
There were all sizes including a miniature VW convertible driven by a little girl. It’s electric powered but one day she’ll be big enough to drive the real thing.
• On Tuesday the VDUB group had a gathering, the Annual Hot Aircooled Nights show, that’s independent of HAN. They moved north and assembled by the Fibercraft building on Sunshine Lane.
Once again there were buggies, Beetles and vans. They filled the parking lot across the street and filled the street parking.
One Beetle was a bit unusual. The windshield could be raised, an early version of air conditioning.
• This year the main assembly area has been moved to the UNR campus. Venders, a main stage for entertainment and parking for registered cars are all there. And cars can cruise in and out of the area.
Here are only two of the cars that were parked there. The lot will fill up during the day with all types of cars.
• The Peppermill Casino reconfigures its north parking lot for HAN. While many can park their cars there is a cruise lane for those that just want to pass through the lot.
They also have food and concessions split between two sides of the lot. There are also bleachers by an area where the cruising cars can be recognized in the evening.
During the day a DJ takes care of the entertainment but in the evening the stage is used for live performances.
In the rows here are many types of cars. One trio had a drag racer by a vintage station wagon and a Woodie station wagon.
There is a large amount of classic American iron as well that are in the rows or, if the owner is a VIP, under some shelter.
• The Atlantis is also a beehive of activity this week. The lot on the west side of Virginia Street is made over for HAN.
They also have a cruise lane so people that want to cruise around can do so. There is also a spot where these cars can be recognized.
Again entertainment is part of the scene. As usual a DJ takes care of daytime music but then live bands will provide the entertainment in the evening…