The "Heroes & Hot Rods" Veterans Day Cruise In and Car Show, hosted by the Bastrop Area Cruisers, will showcase 400 classic cars. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Nov. 10 with a cruise-in of classic cars along historic downtown Bastrop.

Gary Pickering is the president of the Bastrop Area Cruisers. Pickering has been involved in the organization of the show.

"It's a great opportunity to bring the family the whole family out, you know, get outside enjoy some sun, maybe get a kid interested in something that doesn't involve a computer monitor or a tablet," Pickering said. "[Kids are] actually getting to see some cars that look like they came out of a jewelry box in a lot of cases."

What to expect

The car show will take place Nov. 11 as well as a silent auction. A veterans march down Main Street will also be held at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 followed by a Veterans Day tribute and ceremony at the Bastrop County Courthouse gazebo. Col. Richard Hutchins will be the guest speaker at the ceremony.


Attendees are welcome to take photos of classic cars and chat with owners. The car show is a good opportunity to learn about vehicles, Pickering said.

"Don't hesitate to ask people that have a car there about [their cars]," Pickering said. "If you say something, they'll tell you all about it."

Food trailers and vendors will be on-site at the event.

Awards for best in show, best paint, best interior and more will be announced around 3 p.m. in front of the Bastrop Historical Museum.


Behind the scenes

Roughly 100 community members and 50 high school students will volunteer at the event.

"The whole community and even some people from neighboring communities get involved in this and help in the process," Pickering said.

The event is projected to pass the $50,000 raised at the 2022 car show, Pickering said. Over 75% of event proceeds are donated to local and Central Texas veteran support organizations, and the rest fund automotive educational programs.