M.A. Andrews
Thursday, August 18, 2011 10:00 am

   Without question it is the best car show in the Southeast! This is the 20th anniversary of the Forest City Merchants Association “Hot Nights & Cool Rides”! Merchants Association President, Kelly Dale says, with all things considered, this year, 2011, should be the “biggest yet”! She also commended association members who had worked so hard with her to put this years show together.

   There will be three new trophies added this year - The Merchants Choice, The Sponsorship Choice, and The Marine Corps League Choice. New also this year will be a Sound off - Glow off competition. There are also added vendors spread throughout the show for visitors. All downtown restaurants will be open. Emphasis has been placed on added convenience and ease of enjoyment.

   As it has been for twenty years, the absolute best part is that this wonderful, gigantic, auto display is that it is free!

   Pre-registration will be Friday, August 19 from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Registration Building (Forest City Merchants) directly across from the mid-downtown, Main Street fountain. At that time, participants will get their car numbers.

   On the big day, Saturday, August 20, the streets will close at 9 a.m. This is the same time that Registration will start and be open until 4 p.m. Every participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt, gift bag, and an opportunity to win one of 90 trophies as well as a chance to win cash prizes. This year there will be $2000 in prizes! It just gets better every year.

   Don’t forget, their will be constant entertainment with live bands to add to this festive event. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Inside Out” will kick off with a performance followed later by “Night Moves” from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Brew House will sponsor a band in between from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in their area on Main Street.

   At 8 p.m. the big presentation of trophies will be made and the cruise out will start at 9 p.m.

   For everyone and anyone who loves the nostalgia and variety of custom cars, this is it! You have a fantastic opportunity to bring the entire family and view and inquire about those “great road and racing machines”.

   Yes, and it’s free admission!