The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association puts on 24 show 'n' shine events throughout the year. The event in Pleasanton, California, at the Alameda Fairgrounds is like a family gathering: The Goodguys headquarters is in Pleasanton, headed up by Gary Meadors, who has been putting on these shows since 1984. His son Mark was born with the sights and sounds of the Goodguys events and is currently working along with his dad, promoting these extravaganzas of chrome, metalflake, and tuck 'n' roll. The Goodguys has developed into the largest touring car show on the planet.
Some of the events are dedicated to domestic, pre-'72 cars and trucks, while other gatherings are open to all years. Besides the massive show 'n' shine, every Goodguys happening features aftermarket vendors, exhibitors, live music, a swap meet, a model car contest, kids build 'n' take model participation, arts, and crafts. Each show gives away 75 awards.
The quiet town of Pleasanton is nestled in the Amador Valley against the Pleasanton Ridge Mountains in northern California. Three times a year, thousands of car and truck enthusiasts invade the area to display their latest contribution to the custom culture. While attending the 12th annual Summer Get-Together, we strolled the showgrounds checking out and photographing some of the most beautiful American custom iron. We were serenaded by the tunes of both small-blocks and big-blocks harmonizing as they cruised the boulevards. The Alameda Fairgrounds is an ideal venue, with plenty of shade, allowing participants and spectators to lie back and enjoy a nice cold one, while chatting with old friends and making new ones.
With all the judging done on Saturday, the winners of each category were displayed on Sunday in the Winner's Corral for all to admire. Later Sunday afternoon, the show concluded with a unique "Roll Thru" awards ceremony, which allowed the standing-room-only crowd an opportunity to see the winners cruise up in their custom rides to receive their award. Following the awards, spectators lined memory lane to witness the mass exit of all the participants as they cruised one last time.
Just like all Goodguys events, the 12th annual Summer Get-Together in Pleasanton was another great show. If a Goodguys happening comes to your area, check it out.