Each year on the third weekend in May, the beautiful Blanco State Park is transformed as the Blanco Classic Car Show bringing immaculately restored vehicles to the grassy banks of the Blanco River. As many as 200 restored cars and trucks are on view, including antique pre-1949 vehicles through 1959 and up, “muscle cars,” “Vettes,” Mustangs, modified/custom Chevys, original/restored trucks, pre-1958, 1959 and up British vehicles, MG’s, Triumphs, foreign cars, street rods, and special interest vehicles. This year the show will be held on Saturday, May 15, which is also Armed Services Day.

Car check-in is from 8 am to 11 am, and the event runs from 9 am to 3 pm, with the awards presentation at 2 pm. The event is free to “walk-in” viewers. Prizes for categories include 1st Place, 2nd Place, and Honorable Mention as well as dash plaques and other awards. Trophies awarded include Park Ranger’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice, and Best of Show. Winners in the various categories are selected by ballot of entrants. In the past, participants and their classic vehicles have come from all over the state with as many as 200 participating vehicles and over 1,000 visitors to admire them.

Dennis Moore, an avid car collector and Past Master of the Blanco Masonic Lodge #216 started the show back in 1988, and it has grown each year since its beginning.

The Blanco Masonic Lodge is the operating sponsor of the show, which is co-sponsored by the Blanco State Park. The stated goal of the show is “to provide a showcase for the talents of local car clubs, restoration enthusiasts and to provide fun and entertainment for visitor’s and participants while generating funds to support community projects, awards and educational support programs, in and around the Blanco community.”

Revenues, after car show expenses, go to scholarship programs, reading improvement programs, educational and community recognition awards, civic improvements, and disaster and other relief programs. The show funds such programs as the Community Builder Award and the Ernie R. Davis, Jr. Memorial “Care & Share Dinner,” which is an annual Thanksgiving time meal prepared and served by the Blanco Masonic Lodge and Blanco Eastern Star.

Bill Rife, a Past Master of the Blanco Masonic Lodge, eagerly tells everyone, “the show would not be possible without the support of many local community sponsors and other supporters both locally and across the state.”

The show atmosphere is fun and exciting without being uncomfortable for families with small children. Visitors can enjoy great food and cool refreshments while strolling through and around these beautiful vehicles. Proud owners and club members are eager to tell the stories behind the vehicles on display and to share their love of classic vehicles with the visitors and other classic car owners.

Music from the past and present drifts over the show area while visitors stroll from one car to the next. Event t-shirts will be available for purchase to commemorate your visit. There are excellent restroom facilities available and a first aid station staffed by the highly-qualified Blanco County EMS to handle any medical emergencies that may arise. For more information and registration, contact Dobie Benson at 830-833-5348 or e-mail .

Songwriter Roundup | More Advertisers