Big names in classic car creations are coming to the 5th Annual Big Cruisefest in the Rock. This classic car, muscle car, street rod, truck and motorcycle show is October 24-25, 2008 in the River Market Pavilions and Riverfront Park located in downtown Little Rock. 

George Barris is one of the best known designers of custom cars in the world and carries the nickname of “King of the Kustomizers”. Barris was made famous for designing and creating the original Batmobile for the classic TV show.  The car became one of the most recognizable icons of the 1960s and Barris' most famous work.  We are honored that George will select and present Best Custom Barris of Elegance Award.

“To receive an award from Barris, one of the most well-know car designers, is the ultimate for any car owner,” says Carol Dolan, Big Cruisefest Event Chair

Norm Grabowski, who is always a big hit with the Arkansas crowd, returns to Big Cruisefest with his “Kookie II”. Grabowski is best known for creating an influential T-bucket hot rod that was used in the television show 77 Sunset Strip.

Sure to be fan favorites are the Texas Bandit that shoots fire 15 feet into the air.  New this year are Davey Allison’s 1993 Busch Series Chevrolet Texaco Havoline Lumina and Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars.”  Plus the Dupont Show-Dressed Semi will overload your retinas with a color explosion.

“The excitement level is incredibly high for this year’s show,” said Dolan.  “Not only do we have two legendary car creators, but we have also added Arkansas Outlaw Association for the race fans.  Their display will consist of Super Outlaw Race Cars and a couple of Junior Dragsters.”

In addition to their display, the organization will schedule seminars regarding “the dangers of street racing,” and where you can go to race in a structured-safe environment.

No car show is complete without great live rock-n-roll music.  CRISIS, a very popular Little Rock band, will perform on Saturday to keep the crowds hopping and bopping to classic rock. 

The kids are in for a treat with the return of the popular “Kids Cruisin’ Corral”.  It kicks off with a Super Heroes Parade where kids can dress as their favorite super hero or other characters and parade through the park being led by Elmo as the Grand Marshall plus Batman, Superman, Darth Vader, Imperial Storm Troopers and others.  Each will receive a kid’s goody bag and a parade ribbon.  Also returning this year is Little Rock’s favorite magician Derrick Rose and face-painting by Ms. Rita. Plus, our favorite caricature artist Jim Tindall will delight the crowds with his fun artistry. 
Back by popular demand is the Adults Only Tricycle Obstacle Race.  The race is for participants only and consists of riding a one-of-a kind tricycle on an obstacle course with the winner staying on the bike, as well as finishing with the quickest time.  The winner will receive a
custom-made trophy created by Reed’s Early Iron of Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Additional activities will include a frozen t-shirt contest and bowling on the River!

The awards ceremony will begin Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.  Immediately following the awards ceremony, the night concludes with contests for best flame thrower and neon. Special awards also designed by Reed’s Early Iron will be given to the winners of the contests.

A total of 58 awards will be handed out including Best Truck, Best Motorcycle, Best Cruiser, Young Gun (21 & under), Legacy Award, Participant’s Choice, Lady’s Choice, Best Paint, Interior and Engine. 

“This year we are again including the “Top 30 Pick,” which is voted for by the participants themselves.  This type of award is very popular and is offered by many shows on the national circuit,” stated Dolan.  New awards for this year includes an award presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts and in the motorcycle category are Ordinary Joe, Best Motorcycle, Best Sport Bike, Best Bike Display, Best of Show and the Jennings Lee Johnson, “Bud” Memorial Award.

Cruisin’ Style Magazine and Street Trucks Magazine will be on hand with a staff photographer to capture images for upcoming issues.

Big Cruisefest has other great prizes for participants include a 350 crate motor and $500 in gift certificates to be given away as participant’s door prize.  The midway will be filled with vendors such as Boss Hoss of Arkansas with his Chevy V8 bikes that have 3 to 4 times the power of any other production bike in the world and his V8 Turbo 350 hydromatic transmission in three classic body styles:  32 Low-Boy Coupe, Sierra Truck and 57 Chevy. Also featured in the vendor midway; DuPont Hot Hues, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Joey Hutson Artistry, Reeds Early Iron to name a few. 

“We are very excited and extend a big welcome to first time vendors BTE-Memphis Performance, Keith Craft, Inc., The Pinup Garage, Convicted Clothing, Eagle Rider, Good Times, Inc., Rodney’s Cycle House, Dewey’s Online Motorcycle Clothing and Accessories,” said Dolan. 

Participant registration is $30 in advance or $35 at the gate.  Call Carol Dolan at (501) 370-3201 or (501) 517-1966 (cell) or visit www.cruisinlittlerock.com for more information. Mark your calendars now for Big Cruisefest in the Rock, October 24-25 in the River Market District and Riverfront Park in downtown Little Rock.