Since the late 1800’s cars have given us mobility, independence and helped define who we are. Everyone of us has a favorite car, or truck, or motorcycle. Was it the one you grew up with? The one that was always parked down the street? Or maybe a friends in high school that you always cruised around in? Everyone of us can remember OUR very first car. Mine was a 1964 VW Bug. I wish I still had it. There is no doubt we love our cars. I can’t imagine American culture without the car. I would argue that no other country in the world has the love affair with the car or the truck or motorcycle like America. We make movies about them, sing about them and baby them. We even name them.

As a Grand Junction native I have no idea how much $1.00 a gallon gas I burned cruising up and down North Avenue. It was ritual of growing up all the way to my brothers and my sister. That was where you saw your friends, socialized and tried to avoid Officers Fox and Cruz. For some it was where romanced blossomed. The world has changed as kids don’t cruise anymore thanks to social networks. I think they miss a great ritual of growing up in America.

I still have my 1967 Chevelle that I scrimped and saved for and bought in October of 1982. The car lot on North Avenue that I bought it from is gone, The new O’Reilly Auto parts store is there now. I can’t imagine life without the “yellow car”. That car and I’ve been together for 37 years. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We’ve been through jobs, relationships, kids and life.

This Saturday we will celebrate the great love affair with cars in America at Lincoln Park. Its the 5th Annual Chrome and Brews Car Show.
Gates will open at 9:00 AM and the stories about growing up, friends and first cars will start immediately after. If you have a love of cars, come join us. If you still have your “dream car” bring it out and remember why we love cars.