Artesian City Car Club annual open show rolls into Albany Saturday | 2014 SHOW PHOTOS

ALBANY — Muscle cars, antique autos, new models and trucks will be showcased Saturday when the Artesian City Car Club hosts its 42nd annual Open Car, Truck and Street Road Show on the grounds in front of the Albany Mall.

Vehicles will start rolling in Saturday for the 9 a.m. registration then be moved to their assigned spots in the grassy area around the water fountains located between the mall’s front parking lot and Dawson Road.

Mobile users can view photos from last year’s car show here.

“It’s an open show for anybody that wants to come,” David Carter, president of the club, said. “Last year, we had 78 cars that were in (competition in) the show. And the club members usually bring their cars, too, so we had over 100 altogether.

“We hope we’ll have at least as good a turnout as we did last year and maybe it’ll grow a little bit this year. … Hopefully it’s going to be a big success for the club and for Albany.”

As an open event, there are no restrictions on who can show what. If it’s on wheels and you’re proud of it, you’re welcome to bring it, club officials say. The fee for showing but not competing for one of the 105 prizes that are to be awarded is $15 on the day of the show. Pre-entry for competitors is $20, with the fee at $25 on show day. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

“If somebody has got a car, no matter what kind it is, we’ll find a place for it,” Carter said. “Last year, we had some big trucks,” including refurbished military vehicles and one over-the-road truck.

This year’s show is the 42nd that has been conducted in Albany, and it’s set to take place regardless of whether the weather cooperates.

“The show is going to go on rain or shine. We’re hoping for good weather, cool weather … a good day to have a car out,” Carter said.

The most popular models, Carter said, are usually the muscle cars from the 1950s-70s, particularly favorites like Corvettes and Mustangs.

“Muscle cars from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, that’s probably the biggest class,” he said, adding that about three-quarters of the entries are from those three decades.

For those interested in getting involved, Carter said the club is always looking for new members. And club members’ cars can be seen at other times. They have a regular cruise-in at the Sonic Drive-In on Ledo Road on the second Saturday of most months, an event that Carter says is getting more popular with about 20 participants now. There’s also the Saturday morning “Caffeine and Cars” get-togethers for club members at Wild Flour restaurant on Dawson Road.

Meanwhile, there’s no admission fee Saturday for those who want to walk around the show area and look at the autos, some of which may bring back memories of rides past.

“We welcome everybody who wants to come out and look at the cars,” Carter said.

More information is available by calling (229) 881-4909.