McALLEN — The city of McAllen put the rubber to the pavement as it kicked off the 13th annual McAllen International Carfest on Friday.
Over 200 rare muscle cars, classics, imports, concept cars, hot rods, racecars, and more are on display at the McAllen Convention Center this weekend, with some cars dating back to as early as the 1920s. There are over 100 categories for the vehicles to compete in, including originality, interior and exterior of the vehicle.
“A lot of these cars that we have here today are local,” Al Diaz, assistant director at McAllen Convention Center, said Friday. “Some of these cars come from out of town — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Laredo, El Paso. They come from Tennessee. We’ve got them from as far away as Europe, Mexico City, we’ve got a few people from Monterrey.”
Aside from the priceless cars on display, the show also features a Lego Racing Derby, Greenpower USA Racing, R/C Drag Racing, a swap meet, live music, food trucks and other vendors.
Diaz has been a crucial part of the car show since its inception. He said that the show has continued on despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This came about with local club members,” Diaz said. “We do have a couple club members here. They came up to us and said that they wanted to do a fundraiser, and that the entry fee from all these cars go to local charities.”
According to Diaz, the car show has managed to raise over $119,000 throughout its 13 years. Those raised funds have gone to local charities, including Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley, Special Olympics, local food pantries, and local veteran services among others.
He said that car shows such as the one going on this weekend are part of the culture of the Rio Grande Valley. He said that he hopes the show inspires and educates the next generation of car enthusiasts.
“A lot of these car owners, they put a lot of time and detail into fixing these cars,” Diaz said.
Jerald Lewis of Harlingen is one of those car owners who has put in years of work into fixing his car. He was showing a red 1966 Chevy Nova SS with an LS3 Corvette motor.
“We try to keep it original as far as looks go,” Lewis said. “It’s got original interior and paint and stuff like that. It looks old, but it has all the driveability of a new car.”
He said that his love for cars developed at a young age when his family helped build the Edinburg Motorsports Park. He said that he has competed in numerous car shows, including last year’s McAllen International Carfest.
“I like this,” Lewis said. “I like how they put (the vehicles) in different classes. I wouldn’t compete against a Mustang. They have a lot of different classes, and I think that’s what brings a lot of people out.”
Lyle Clark of Mission was showing his admiral blue 1996 Corvette Grand Sport with a white racing stripe down the middle and black interior, one of only 1,000 made.
“I’ve owned this car since 2010,” Clark said. “It’s my second Corvette, and quite honestly it’s my dream car.”
He said that he’s been competing in the McAllen International Carfest since 2016, and showing his cars since 2005.
“I never thought that I would be able to show my car inside,” he said. “Most of the shows that I show are outside. For me to show a car inside, it’s an absolute dream and an honor to be here. What I really hope, at least for Corvette fans, I hope they understand the history of the car and they just don’t think it’s a regular blue Corvette with a white stripe. I hope they understand what it takes to maintain a car of this nature.”
The show will continue Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the show is $15 per person with discounts available for students 13 through 18, seniors over the age of 60, and military/first responders with valid ID. Children under the age of 12 get in free.
“It’s something that’s unique. It’s huge for the community,” Diaz said. “The community loves to come over here. It’s a family event, and that’s how we’re keeping it. We do this because of the love of the cars, and of course, the cars are the stars.”
Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or at McAllen Convention Center Box Office. For more information, visit mcallencarfest.com or call (956) 681-3800.
