Gettin' Low Down in Laughlin at Viva Tropicana

Hot rodding has been expanding its outreach to automotive genres that until recently were not generally included in the hobby. Despite this positive direction, lowriders and the unique cultural flavor associated with them are still sometimes overlooked within the world of hot rods. They meet the entry qualifications of most all rod and custom shows and events but lowriders are too often nowhere to be found. This is unfortunate because the skill and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of these fantastic cruisers is second to none!

The kids should be wanting to 'bag the wagon by the next show. It’s never too early to get them started after all!

Fortunately events specific to this particular category of custom cruiser can be found with little effort. The Viva Tropicana Classic Car Show was held September 28-29, 2012 at the Tropicana Express in Laughlin, Nevada. Although the attendance was small compared to Roddin’ on the River, the other automotive event held in Laughlin that weekend, there was no shortage of enthusiasm or hospitality for us hot rod enthusiasts.

Viva Tropicana was hosted by Happy Times Events which has been producing this particular gathering for 5 years. While the number of cars on display numbered a little less than a hundred vehicles, the people who attended enjoyed a high-energy atmosphere of music, fun and great cars and customs!

There is a definite focus on lowriders at Viva Tropicana but there were all sorts of different types of cars on display.

Entry to Viva Tropicana was open to lowriders, muscle cars and American-made motorcycles. However, there were plenty of exceptions to that rule. Hot rods, late model streeters and classic stockers definitely made their presence known. Kids also had something to draw them to the show as customized bicycles and wagons were also on display.

Style comes in many different forms and price levels. Sometimes, imagination and wallet depth are the only limits.

In the past, the automotive culture has been very segmented and often lines were drawn that were hardly ever crossed. People being creatures of habit, tend not to venture into areas that they are unfamiliar with or may not immediately appeal to their personal preferences. Unfortunately, this only limits your experiences and often causes us to cheat ourselves from discovering new and cool things.

The good news is that our sport is taking positive steps to encourage enthusiasts to connect with one another and appreciate the cars and the cultures that they came from. It is a way for enthusiasts from all backgrounds to commune together through their common interest in the automobile. It also ensures that hot rodding will continue to survive and expand not only as an activity but as a culture in itself. Because the plain truth is, the lover for ANY type of auto is what brings us all together!