It's a combination of a downtown event, swap meet, oldies concert, show 'n shine and several cruise-ins that make the Charleston Rod Run & Doo Wop an "absolute must-do event."
The show is situated along Kanawha Boulevard as 1,000 show cars, from street rods, custom cars, muscle cars, antiques and classics from neighboring states, as well as West Virginia converged in downtown Charleston, WV for this annual five-day event. Yes, there's something going on all five days and nights!
Showgoers say, "It's the best because there's a two-story shopping mall within three blocks of the event, and that makes my wife very happy!" Another cruiser said, "there are restaurants and hotels within walking distance and you can leave your car parked in the show area and walk back to the hotel!"
The Doo-Wop Rod Run stretches just about a mile long, but never fear, shuttles can bring you back and forth, especially since there are swap meet and vendor tents just waiting for you and plenty of deals on hard-to-find items.
Things kicked off on Wednesday at the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort with a Cruise-In just down the road in nearby Nitro, WV. with two, one-thousand dollar cash drawings.
On Thursday, early birds can take part in the Spirit of West Virginia Paddle Boat and Brown Bag Cruise along with a concert and a $500 cash prize drawing for pre-registered car owners only.
There were loads of great entertainment like Cruisin’ DJ’s Randy Damron and Charlie Cooper all weekend, and live bands Thursday through Saturday nights, which included the Diamonds. "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "Little Darlin," "Silhouettes" and "Stroll" are just a few of the songs that kept people singing along. Plus there was a special fireworks show that could be watched from your car or hotel room!
The first 850 registrants received dash plaques. The Donut Connection Route 60 Cruise and Poker Run was held Friday with first place $250 cash, second $150 and third $100. But don’t worry about your parking place disappearing the moment you leave, because at the Doo-Wop, it’s secure and waiting for you when you return.
Also on tap is the Givens Machine Shop tour, Spouse tours, NSRA Safety Inspections, and the Shops at the Doo-Wop, which were inside the Ramada Hotel.
During the day there’s a poker walk through the Charleston downtown village district with prizes awarded for best hands sponsored by Charleston Area Alliance. And there’s even a Ladies Car Maintenance seminar at the Ramada and an Engine Build at Haddad Park by Givens Machine Shop.