Adirondack Nationals 2024-Classics, Hot Rods, and More

Adirondack Nationals 2024-Classics, Hot Rods, and More

My parents began to take me to the Adirondacks when I was 2. I was hooked for life. My dad and my grandfather also introduced me to cars and older cars. 

Yenko SC Chevrolet Nova

When I see a Nomad or a 40s Plymouth, I think of my dad. A 1961 Plymouth Valiant (I have a pic of one of those you can see.) with a pushbutton shift, I think of my grandfather. My first car was a 1936 Chevrolet Master Deluxe and it was all downhill from there! Cars, cars, and more cars. I loved cars. I loved working on cars. I love the speed! 

Every year since I was a child, the Adirondacks were on my mind. Add in cars… Well, it was amazing. My first car show in the Adirondacks was around 1984. Each year, I looked for a show over there. Imagine my excitement when they put one in Lake George! 

The Adirondack Nationals.  

The first year in Lake George was 1989. I have been to every show, including the 2020 show, but that wasn’t! (COVID) And there was still thousands of cars!

Powerless Over Cars

What can be better than a show that overlooks the lake? 

This year was no different. Last year, we found a great place to stay just north of the village. Over the years, we have gone on day trips, stayed in hotels and motels, and stayed in campgrounds and cottages! Many of our kids and their kids have joined us up there in Lake George. 

Over time, we have lengthened our time to not only capture the car show but also spend some time around the lake, relaxing, and having fun. This year was no different. 

My wife’s vacation began on the 30th, and we began getting ready for the week away—clothing, food, and electronics. Jacob was with us. On Monday, we caught Frogg Brewing’s charity car show, coming home to pack the car for an early leave on Tuesday. My Explorer was packed to the gills! 

I couldn’t sleep I was so excited, waking up early. Clearing the decks, getting the final foods packed, and hitting the road. A quick stop for a coffee and we were Lake George bound. It was a beautiful, sunny day for a ride. Scooting through Vermont, we were soon in Whitehall where Jacob saw some of his friends! We got to Lake George through Fort Ann, and we were soon driving along the lake. My heart is as thrilled today to be in the Adirondacks as it has every time I head there. And I go there a lot each year.  

Blown Chevy II

We soon arrived on Canada Street and headed for the Prospect Mountain Diner, but it was Tuesday, and they weren’t open. We hopped across the street to the A&W. Cars were already beginning to cruise. After lunch, we went and parked across from the lake.  

For a few hours, we walked Canada Street, the boardwalk, and sat there, just taking it all in. 

We headed up to the house we stay at. Jacob and I unloaded the car while Tina put food into the cabinets and refrigerator and clothing into the dressers and closets. Before long, our work was done, and it was time to relax! 

A great screened-in porch and a vast kitchen makes life easy.  

Wednesday, we woke up and decided to head downtown. Tina had some genealogy work to do, so, it was Jacob and I. We went to one of my favorite coffee shops when I visit, Caffe Vero. Always great coffee and smiling faces. We grabbed coffee and went over to the park. Jacob was in his element, taking pics of cruising cars. 

We headed back for lunch and later in the day, the three of us went down to sit and watch cars cruising the street. More and more cars just kept showing up.  

This show is my favorite of the year. There were thousands of cars, friendly people, and lots of great things to do! After downtown, we sat on the screened porch and listened to the silence! 

Thursday came around, and the show started at Fort William Henry. About 10:30, we headed out. Parking was already “fun,” and it pays to know where to park. We found a place and headed up to the show, which opened at noon. There were a lot of cars, but nothing that would compare to the 1,200 plus that would show up.  

I love the first day. The people are there, and you often get more time to speak to them. I approach the show like a marathon. If you want to hear about cars and their histories, get pictures, and enjoy yourself, you must pace yourself.  

We wandered around for hours, talking, taking pictures, and enjoying ourselves. We then went back to the car and headed home to get ready for my daughter and her children to join us. My wife made dinner, and they showed up. We hung out the rest of the night at the house, having lots of fun, conversations, and food.  

We said we would head out at nine the next morning, but some people took a bit longer to get ready. But we did get out by 9:30. We got there, got parked, and headed up to the show. My granddaughter stayed down on Canada Street, checking out the “other show.” 

It was not long after getting there that the sky was filled with smoke from the burnouts on the hill and the sound of souped-up cars. We walked around the show, checking out ALL the new arrivals, and let’s just say there were hundreds in the upper lot alone. At about one, we decided to head back for lunch and catch a nap. After getting dinner together, we headed back downtown for the cruising.  

Lilac colored Classic Car

At night, the streets will be lined with folks, sitting on the sidewalks and camp chairs, and coolers (Though, the other night I saw a guy cooking chicken on a small grill next to his classic van. ) We found a place. The kids sat down front and the show began. The ground shook all night. They close the streets down for the cruise at five and reopen at 11.  

That night, some good friends from New Hampshire joined us on the street. (Richard’s last car, a 60s Riviera, was purchased to go into a museum.) It was great to see the streets lined with thousands of admirers of all things cool! 

I would be lying if I said we had to walk a lot from where we parked. 7 miles of walking that day for me.  

We hit Saturday, and everyone wanted to just stay in the house. Our friends from New Hampshire joined us for coffee, bringing pastries. We hung out for a few hours, and Richard wanted to go down and check out the lower level. 

We hung out on the porch for hours, and after dinner, some other friends stopped by with Italian pastries and wine. It was a late night. 

Sunday, I got up early to prepare my morning message for our fellowship in Keene. Then breakfast, and we were out the door. We went downtown for a while, buying coffee, battling the chill, and seeing amazing cars. The show ended at 12, but there were cars everywhere. 

We came back to the house in the early afternoon. My daughter and her two older children were going to be headed out late afternoon, so we spent time hanging out until they left.  

Tina, Jacob, and I spent the night chilling, enjoying the porch, and packing what we could, so we were not stressed in the morning. The morning came, and we were packed and out of there by 10. We went downtown, bought coffee and hung out for a bit, and then the trek home. 

Vacations are meant to be relaxing and ours was.  

Links to check out 

Frogg Brewing Charity Pictures on Facebook

These shows not only raise money for important causes but also build community spirit among car lovers and the general public. 

You can find links to lots of photos, videos, and more. 

• Lee’s Personal Photos on his Facebook page including videos. 
• Positive News For You Photos on his Facebook page including videos. 
• Positive News For You 
• Positive News For You YouTube channel 
• Positive News For You Facebook Page and Facebook
• Adirondack Nationals Facebook and Website 
• John Papp Photos
• Adirondack Car Show Lake George NO RULES
• ADIRONDACK NATIONALS Car Show PHOTO ARCHIVE
• Adirondack Mentions on Positive News For You
• Car Show mentions on Positive News For You
• Car Show Tag
• Charity Tag
• Adirondacks Tag

CHARITY SECTION 

This is who the Adirondack Nationals raised funds for.
The mission of the Regional Food Bank is to lead a network of partners to alleviate hunger, prevent food waste, and nourish the communities we serve. Our vision is that all people have the nutritious food they need to thrive. 

Orange Classic in Adirondack Nationals, Lake George

Getting involved in charity car shows can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a car enthusiast, an event organizer, or just someone looking to support a good cause. Here are several ways to get involved: 

1. Participate as a Car Owner

Register Your Car: If you own a classic, custom, or special-interest car, register your vehicle to be displayed at the event. Many shows welcome a variety of cars, including muscle cars, antiques, imports, and exotics. 

Pay Entry Fees: Your participation fee usually goes toward the charity, so by showcasing your vehicle, you’re directly supporting the cause. 

2. Attend as a Spectator

Buy Tickets or Donate: Purchase tickets to attend the show or donate directly to the charity. Simply attending helps increase the event’s overall visibility and financial success. 

Volunteer at the Event: Charity car shows often need volunteers to assist with registration, parking, setup, breakdown, ticket sales, or even helping with food and merchandise booths.

Digitapp Car Club Banner

3. Organize or Sponsor a Charity Car Show

Join a Car Club or Community Group: Many car clubs host charity events. Joining one can give you access to information on upcoming shows, as well as opportunities to help organize or sponsor an event. 

Coordinate an Event: If you’re passionate about both cars and a specific cause, you can help organize a charity car show. Contact local car clubs, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to form a planning team. Choose a location, secure sponsorships, and promote the event. 

Find Sponsors: If you’re organizing, reach out to local businesses for sponsorships or donations. Companies often sponsor car shows by donating funds, prizes, or services in exchange for advertising at the event. 

4. Donate or Contribute

Donate Money or Goods: If you can’t participate directly, you can still support the charity by donating money or items for raffles and auctions, such as automotive accessories or memorabilia. 

Support Auction or Raffle: Many shows include charity auctions or raffles, where you can contribute by bidding on items or purchasing raffle tickets. Proceeds go to the charity. 

5. Spread the Word

Social Media: Share event details on your social media platforms. The more people who know about the event, the more successful it will be. 

Invite Friends and Family: Encourage others to attend or participate. Events like these often rely on word-of-mouth to draw large crowds. 

6. Sponsor a Vehicle or Cause

Sponsor a Car: Some organizations allow you to sponsor a car to enter on behalf of their charity, especially if the owner is willing to dedicate their showing to the cause. 

Sponsor a Cause: Align your business or organization with a specific charity being supported by the car show. This gives you both exposure and the opportunity to do good. 

7. Join Related Activities

Host or Attend Fundraising Events: Many car shows are part of a series of events, like dinners, meet-and-greets, or post-show parties. Attending or helping host these events is another way to contribute. 

Collaborate with Nonprofits: Partner with local charities to ensure the funds are used effectively. Many nonprofits welcome assistance with setting up charity events, including car shows. 

By getting involved, you’ll be part of an enjoyable event that makes a positive impact on your community. 

Lake George, New York, is well-known for its annual car shows and cruises, which attract thousands of car enthusiasts from around the country. One of the most famous events is the Adirondack Nationals Car Show, which takes place every September in Lake George. In addition to the car show itself, there are usually car cruises through the scenic Adirondack Mountains and around the lake. 

Adirondack Nationals Woody Wagon

Adirondack Nationals Car Show & Cruise 

Here are key details about this event: 

1. Adirondack Nationals Car Show

When: Typically held in early September, starting Thursday after Labor Day. 

Where: Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center in Lake George. 

About the Show: This massive event features over 1,500 classic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods from across the country. The cars are displayed at Fort William Henry, and there are awards given in various categories. 

What to Expect: In addition to the main car show, there are vendors, raffles, and various food options, making it a family-friendly experience. 

2. Cruises

Evening Cruises: During the Adirondack Nationals weekend, one of the highlights is the car cruises that take place in the evenings. Cars parade through Lake George Village, allowing the public to enjoy a view of these classic beauties in motion. The streets are lined with spectators enjoying the sight and sound of the vehicles cruising down Canada Street. 

Scenic Drives: Many car enthusiasts take advantage of the beautiful Adirondack backdrop for informal cruises around the Lake George area. These scenic drives offer stunning views of the mountains and the lake. 

3. Getting Involved

Registering Your Car: If you have a classic car you’d like to showcase, registration typically opens months in advance, and spots can fill up quickly. Be sure to check the Adirondack Nationals official website for details on registration deadlines and requirements. 

Attending as a Spectator: You can attend the event as a spectator by purchasing tickets. The car cruises and evening parades are usually free for everyone to enjoy. 

Volunteer Opportunities: If you want to be more involved, the event may offer volunteer positions for setup, parking assistance, and managing the show. 

Additional Cruises & Events 

Lake George hosts other car-related events throughout the year, but the Adirondack Nationals is by far the largest and most popular. Smaller car cruises and gatherings can take place in the summer months, often organized by local car clubs. 

Tips for Attending: 

Arrive Early: The event draws large crowds, so arriving early is recommended if you want a good viewing spot for the parade or to explore the car displays. 

Book Accommodations in Advance: Hotels in Lake George fill up quickly around the time of the car show. It’s a good idea to reserve your accommodations well in advance. 

Parking: Parking can be challenging during the show, so plan accordingly and consider using public parking areas or shuttles if available. 

For the latest details, it’s a good idea to check the official website of the Adirondack Nationals or local tourism websites for up-to-date schedules and events. 

Want More Pictures? Check out the Facebook Album of hundreds of pics! 

Got something cool going on where you are? I would love to hear about it!

And maybe next time you will see this sign!

Never give up signs

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