The Durango Old Car Club will bring its auto expo back this year after canceling the annual event last year. But instead of holding the show on Main Avenue in downtown Durango, motorheads will congregate in a new location.
Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio will host the Durango Motor Expo from 8 a.m. to about 3 p.m. June 15, on Father’s Day weekend.
The event is expected to draw between 150 to 250 cars and trucks in 20 to 25 classes, said Tim Blake, a member of the club.
“The space is going to be a big plus because we’re not going to be jammed in on Main,” he said.
The car club has held the event for 35 years on Main Avenue. It decided to find an alternative to Main Avenue after facing ever-growing demands from the city of Durango. Both the demands and general burnout contributed to the show’s hiatus last year.
For example, the city’s requirement for tearing down the show made for a “fire-drill atmosphere,” Blake said, speaking for himself, not on behalf of the club.
Assistant City Manager Kevin Hall said the city has a thorough permitting process for special events but requirements are consistent for all events.
“It probably feels a little onerous to people who aren’t used to doing that kind of thing,” he said.
The club has found a more willing partner in the casino, he said.
The club has decided to retain the name of the car show, despite the move, he said.
“It’s a title that’s readily identifiable with who we are, what we do and when we do it,” he said.
The annual car show used to draw about 5,000 attendees, but it’s tough to say how many it will attract this year because of the move, Blake said.
While interest in antique cars is declining nationally, car shows tend to spark nostalgic memories and draw crowds, he said.
“The cars represent a time that, at least in our memories, was simpler,” he said.
Exhibitor prizes will be awarded after 2 p.m. A pre-registration event and ice cream social will be held for show entrants from 5 to 7 p.m. June 14 at the Durango Transit Center, 250 W. Eighth St. The first 150 exhibitors will receive T-shirts and goody bags.
For more information and entry forms, visit durangomotorexpo.com or call 247-8761.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
An earlier version of this story erred in saying the car expo would be on Father’s Day. It will be on the Saturday leading up to Father’s Day. The error was made in editing.
