Thousands of cruiser cars pack Iowa State Fairgrounds

The largest car show in the Midwest is underway at the Iowa State Fairgrounds through Sunday. The Goodguys Heartland Nationals draws automobile enthusiasts from across the country, driving tricked out, souped up and fully restored cruising vehicles. Betsy Bennett is spokeswoman for the 15th annual event. Bennett says there will be between 25-hundred and three-thousand hot rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through the year 1972, in addition to commercial exhibits and a swap meet with used parts, for anyone rebuilding a car who’s looking for hard-to-find parts. She says this Fourth of July weekend event is one that many thousands of people plan their summer vacations around — for a long drive. Participants are registered from 27 states and Canada, from as far away as California, Oregon and Georgia. There’s also fireworks shows, a model car show, a pedal car show and live music. Bennett says the collection of cars covers many decades and will appeal to a wide audience — some who remember when the cars were new and others who just think they’re beautiful to gaze upon. The 30s and 40s cars will be plentiful, as will 57-Chevys and then Mustangs and Camaros from the 60s and 70s. For more information on the show underway in Des Moines, surf to “www.good-guys.com”.