Valley Nationals are back and better than ever! This annual celebration of classic cars has earned its spot as a must-attend car show event.

Valley Nationals held at the iconic Madera County Fair Grounds in the Central Valley, right in the middle of California.

This year we got to get a jump on the festivities as they opened the event on Friday evening.

As the indoor car display filled with automotive marvels, a live band on the outdoor stage kept the energy high, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend.

The car show area at Valley Nationals provided a relaxed and shaded environment beneath a canopy of trees, giving attendees a comfortable space to explore rows of classic rides.

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As classic trucks continue to hold their enduring appeal, Valley Nationals have carved out a special enclave dedicated solely to the charm of C-10 pickup trucks.

This curated space becomes a focal point for enthusiasts and showcases the rich history of these iconic trucks.

Among the many vintage and classic pickup trucks at Valley Nationals, Butch Helton's 1936 Ford truck stood out.

Painted in a captivating silver and red, the 1936 Ford truck stood out in the diverse collection of vehicles.

Butch’s journey to find this particular gem culminated just a week ago in Arizona, where he stumbled upon the truck of his dreams.

Butch’s passion for this specific year and model was clear when he shared the story of his family’s migration from Oklahoma to California in 1947, during the aftermath of the Dust Bowl era.

Remarkably, Butch’s family undertook this significant journey in a 1936 truck, all nine of them.

Making the month-long trek in a pickup truck—a powerful testament to the enduring stories that these classic vehicles carry with them.

It’s in the indoor invite-only venue at Valley Nationals, where some of the region’s most impressive rides are on display.

One notable standout was a 32 coupe that first caught my eye at the Grand National Roadster Show and later at TROG, initially painted in a rare white hue. Although the white paint is gone, the car remains remarkable, arguably even more so now.

Tim McMaster, the owner of Hanford Auto Supply, proudly displayed his 1927 Ford Model T. He built the T Roadster with a Flathead V8 specifically for speed. Tim regularly competes with it at events like RPM Nationals and Eagle Field Drags. Beyond its speed, it stands out as a stunning car.

Both the 32 Coupe and T Roadster earned well-deserved awards at Valley Nationals.

Another distinctive vehicle in the indoor venue was a custom lime green 1931 Ford Model A Coupe. The car known as the ‘Goddess of Speed.’ Every detail of the car, from the custom paint to the unique headers, was truly remarkable.

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This year’s event featured a diverse array of vendors offering everything from homemade crafts and clothing to custom builders and manufacturers selling complete chassis for classic cars.

A particular standout was a vendor showcasing meticulously crafted custom knives, sparking a newfound interest in knife collecting for me.

The swap meet drew an impressive crowd, with sellers offering a myriad of items, from automotive projects to a fascinating assortment of goods.

Amidst the excitement, visitors could also indulge their taste buds with a range of food options from strategically placed food booths scattered around the venue.

The combination of the shaded car show area, the bustling swap meet, the diverse booths and live music created a dynamic atmosphere.

Along with the enticing food options, making the Valley Nationals’ car show an engaging and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Eagle Field Drags injected a dose of speed into the mix with a captivating display of high-performance cars, providing spectators with a glimpse into the world of drag racing.

Held at an old WW2 era military training facility in the heart of the Central Valley, Eagle Field Drags is a testament to the roots of drag racing.

Eagle Field Drags features a diverse lineup, racing everything from dragsters and muscle cars to trucks and prewar hotrods. Experience the adrenaline rush at Eagle Field Drags. It’s one of the funnest drag racing events around.

Eagle Field Drags display at Valley Nationals

Valley Nationals organized by the Hot Rod Coalition are a dedicated group of classic car and hot rod enthusiasts.

Along with passionate volunteers, they orchestrate a series of exciting gatherings throughout the year.

From the iconic Rods On The Bluff to the ever so fun Old Town Motorama and the exciting Valley Nationals, they keep our calendar filled with must-attend events.

Beyond these fun Hot Rod Coalition organized events, the Hot Rod Coalition engages in a range of activities, including a heartfelt toy drive during the Christmas season.

This community-driven initiative, supported by hundreds of generous classic car enthusiast and a network of contributors and volunteers.

The event Old Town Clovis Cruise and Toy Drive will see their large trailer brimming with toys, making a meaningful impact to support those less fortunate in their community.

In the realm of classic cars and hot rods, the Hot Rod Coalition are not only event organizers but as a community anchor. Uniting enthusiasts and volunteers for a year-round celebration of our automotive heritage.

Be sure to put Valley Nationals or any of Hot Rod Coalition’s events on your calendar. You will have a great time!

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