Albuquerque's Automotive Extravaganza: ABQ RIDE's Car Show Celebrates Community and Careers

Albuquerque's public transportation system, ABQ RIDE, is gearing up to host its 3rd Annual Car Show, inviting the community to showcase their prized possessions and explore exciting career opportunities within the transit industry. This free event promises a day filled with live music, raffle giveaways, food trucks, and the chance to win hand-crafted trophies designed by the department's own mechanics.

Revving Up Community Connections and Career Prospects

Showcasing Albuquerque's Vibrant Car Culture

The ABQ RIDE Car Show is a celebration of Albuquerque's rich automotive heritage, providing a platform for car enthusiasts to come together and showcase their prized possessions. From classic cars to custom lowriders, the event welcomes any vehicle that rolls, allowing the community to take pride in their unique and cherished rides. Last year's event attracted hundreds of attendees and featured close to 60 vehicles, and this year's organizers are anticipating an even broader array of automotive marvels.

Connecting Jobseekers with Transit Opportunities

While the car show is a testament to Albuquerque's love for all things automotive, it also serves as a unique hiring event for ABQ RIDE. The transit department is actively recruiting mechanics to maintain its fleet of buses, which includes electric, compressed natural gas, diesel, and alternative fuel vehicles. To incentivize gear heads to apply, ABQ RIDE is offering substantial hiring bonuses for Mechanic II and III roles, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the applicant's commercial driver's license (CDL) status.

Fostering Community Engagement and Celebration

The ABQ RIDE Car Show is more than just a display of automotive prowess; it's a celebration of community spirit. Attendees can enjoy live music by Cruisin' to the Oldies, indulge in delicious offerings from food trucks, and participate in raffle giveaways. The event also features hand-welded trophies crafted by ABQ RIDE mechanics, adding a personal touch to the recognition of the community's prized vehicles.

Aligning with the City's Transportation Vision

Mayor Tim Keller sees the ABQ RIDE Car Show as a natural extension of the city's commitment to transportation. "It's a natural intersection for our transit system to host a car show celebrating the vibrant car culture we appreciate here in Albuquerque," he said. "It's also a chance for any car aficionados out there to come check out the great career opportunities available with our transit system."

Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

The event's organizers are eager to welcome an even broader range of vehicles this year, including lowrider bikes, motorcycles, and classics. "This year, we're hoping to bring back last year's great energy with an even broader variety like lowrider bikes, motorcycles, classics, and anything community members are proud to show off," said Marketing Manager Raul de Lara.

Streamlining the Showcase Experience

Exhibitors are encouraged to bring water, shade devices, and chairs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. To showcase a vehicle at this family-friendly event, interested participants can fill out a simple form, making the registration process seamless and accessible.In conclusion, the 3rd Annual ABQ RIDE Car Show promises to be a dynamic celebration of Albuquerque's automotive culture, community engagement, and career opportunities within the transit industry. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a job seeker, or simply someone who appreciates the vibrant spirit of the city, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Odessa College's Annual Car Show: Revving Up Community Connections and Student Opportunities

Odessa College is gearing up for its third annual car show, a celebration of automotive enthusiasts, community partnerships, and student success. This highly anticipated event showcases a diverse array of vehicles, from classic to modern, muscle cars to low-riders, and everything in between. The car show not only delights attendees but also serves as a platform to support the college's auto tech program and honor the memory of a beloved student.

Driving Towards a Brighter Future for Odessa's Auto Tech Students

Expanding Horizons for Automotive Enthusiasts

Odessa College's car show has become a highly anticipated annual event, drawing in a growing number of participants and spectators each year. This year's edition promises to be the biggest yet, with an estimated 150 to 200 vehicles on display across 41 different classes. From vintage classics to the latest automotive innovations, the car show offers something for every automotive enthusiast.The event's success can be attributed to the college's commitment to fostering community engagement and providing valuable opportunities for its auto tech students. "This is our third year to have this community event, and it has grown every year," said Rob Turner, the Auto Diesel Technology Department Chair. "The vision for the auto diesel technology program and the OC Sewell Auto Tech facility has been to benefit the general public and the students in our program. This event is one of the ways that we do that."

Honoring a Fallen Student's Legacy

The car show also serves as a poignant tribute to the memory of Elijah Barrera, a member of the first group of the Automotive Student Service Education Training program who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident shortly after graduating in May 2022. In his honor, the Elijah Barrera Memorial Scholarship was established, with proceeds from the car show going directly to support current and future students in the auto diesel program."We are fortunate to have community partners such as Sewell Family of Companies, Rogers Ford of Midland, Warren CAT, Summit Fleet, Chevron Fab Lab, and others who support our students, graduates and the program," Turner added. "They also work together generously to cover all costs of the Car Show, so that all of the proceeds may go to the Elijah Barrera Memorial Scholarship for our students."

Fostering Partnerships and Opportunities

The car show serves as a platform for Odessa College to showcase its strong partnerships with industry leaders and organizations. Representatives from the college, community partners, and other companies and organizations, such as Odessa Fire Rescue, will be on hand to provide attendees with information about the various opportunities available to students and graduates in the auto tech field."This event is one of the ways that we do that," Turner emphasized, highlighting the college's commitment to bridging the gap between education and real-world employment. By connecting students with potential employers and industry experts, the car show opens doors to internships, apprenticeships, and future career prospects, ensuring that Odessa's auto tech graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the dynamic automotive industry.

Revving Up Community Engagement

Beyond the impressive display of vehicles, the Odessa College Car Show is a celebration of the local community's passion for all things automotive. The event provides a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts to come together, share their love for their prized possessions, and connect with like-minded individuals."This is a community event, and it has grown every year," Turner remarked, underscoring the college's commitment to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among automotive enthusiasts. By inviting the public to participate and enjoy the showcase, Odessa College is not only promoting its auto tech program but also strengthening the bonds between the college and the surrounding community.The third annual Odessa College Car Show promises to be a must-attend event for anyone with a passion for automobiles. From the diverse array of vehicles on display to the opportunities for students and the community, this celebration of all things automotive is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Revving Up for the Final Cruise: Main Street Duncan's Car and Motorcycle Showcase

As the summer season draws to a close, car and motorcycle enthusiasts in Duncan, Oklahoma, are gearing up for the final cruise of the year. Main Street Duncan's Friday night Car Cruise will feature a modified Car and Motorcycle Show, along with an awards presentation, on September 20th. This event promises to be a thrilling celebration of automotive passion and community spirit.

Unleash the Horsepower: A Captivating Automotive Showcase

Cruising Through Historic Downtown

The Car and Motorcycle Cruise will take place from 8:15 to 9:30 PM, with vehicles parading along Main Street from 10th Street to 7th Street. This scenic route through the heart of downtown Duncan will allow participants to showcase their prized possessions and compete for a variety of awards. Brandi Johnson, the Executive Director of Main Street Duncan, emphasizes the family-friendly atmosphere, encouraging attendees to bring their tailgate parties and make it a memorable outing.

Revving Up for the Car Show

The Car Show registration will begin at 6 PM at the northwest corner of Main and 10th Street, with judging commencing at 7:30 PM. The highly anticipated awards presentation will take place at 8:15 PM on the corner of Main and 9th Street. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in various categories, including Best Club Participation, Best Engine, Best Family Duo, Best Paint, City of Duncan Pick, Longest Distance Traveled, Model 1 Commercial Vehicles Top Pick, and Best Upholstery.

Honoring the Motorcycle Enthusiasts

In addition to the car show, the event will also feature a dedicated Motorcycle Awards segment. Prizes will be presented in categories such as Bagger, Chopper, Bobber, Drag, Café, Minibike, Grom (300cc or under), Modified Cruiser, Sport, and Stock (Cruise/Sport). This inclusive approach ensures that both car and motorcycle enthusiasts can showcase their prized possessions and be recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship.

Enhancing the Main Street Aesthetic

The proceeds from the Car and Motorcycle Cruise will be directed towards the Main Street Duncan façade grant, which plays a crucial role in assisting local businesses with essential exterior updates. These improvements, such as lighting, paint, awnings, and signage, help to enhance the overall aesthetic and appeal of the historic downtown area. By investing in the community's infrastructure, Main Street Duncan aims to create a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

A Celebration of Automotive Passion and Community Spirit

The Car and Motorcycle Cruise on Main Street Duncan promises to be a thrilling event that celebrates the region's automotive enthusiasts and their prized possessions. From the roar of the engines to the gleam of the meticulously maintained vehicles, this event will captivate the senses and bring the community together in a shared appreciation for the art of automotive craftsmanship. Whether you're a car aficionado, a motorcycle enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a lively community event, the Main Street Duncan Car and Motorcycle Cruise is an experience not to be missed.