Classic cars return to Reno for Hot August Nights

Jennifer Coleman

Monday, Aug. 2, 1999 | 8:58 a.m.

RENO, Nev. - Chrome bumpers shone, poodle skirts twirled and Reno became the fuzzy-dice capital of the world Monday, beginning the week-long celebration of classic cars and rock 'n' roll that dominate Hot August Nights.

The official kickoff party in the parking lot of the Peppermill Hotel featured hundreds of retro cars, a live band and dancing. More than 70 booths were hawking everything from t-shirts and photographs to saddle shoes and, of course, fuzzy dice.

The market and the rows of classic cars will be out every evening until Friday, said Hot August Nights executive director David Saville. As of Monday, 3,600 cars were registered, but Saville expects more will arrive as the weekend approaches.

The 14th annual event is expected to draw 150,000 people to Reno.

Ray Camacho was gently wiping dust from the golden flame paint on his 1958 Chevrolet Nomad, which was parked next to Neil Miller's 1933 Ford replica. They say Hot August Nights is the only time they see each other.

Camacho, a middle school teacher from South San Francisco, has owned his car since 1968.

"My daughter helps with the details, polishing the chrome, the color and materials and coordinating. She grew up with this car," he said.

Miller, of Redmond, Wash., plans on selling his car this year. He's running out of room in his garage and has his eye on a new project - a 1958 Nash Metropolitan.

Ron Bennett of Vacaville, Calif., offers a before-and-after view of his 1957 Oldsmobile 98. A framed picture of the meticulously restored car sits on its engine. The picture was taken 12 years ago, before Bennett started the project.

Bennett, who has attended Hot August Nights for the last 6 years, said he wasn't at all concerned about a repeat of last year's riots. The disturbance, blamed on out-of-town gangs, resulted in more than 200 arrests.

"It was an isolated incident," he said. "It's not going to stop us from coming up here."

City officials acknowledge that the riot might keep some away but still anticipate a total attendance of around 200,000 people. They project the Reno-Sparks economy will receive a $100 million boost from the event - down $20 million from a year ago.