The April Action Car Show is returning to its full glory this year: in addition to the hundreds of classic cars, there will also be numerous food vendors. This year will mark the 29th annual show.
Dave Bierschied, the president of Moab Rotary Club, which organizes the event, said he’s expecting around 400 cars this year.
“We always hear that this is one of the top shows in the region,” he said. “Everyone tells me how enjoyable the show is.”
The idea for the car show started in 1991 when a group of local car enthusiasts started a car club called the “Moab Rod Benders.” In 1992, the group held its first official show as a way to bring more tourism to Moab. That aspect of the show is nearly unnecessary now—the springtime is an extremely popular time for tourists who come to recreate outdoors—so the Moab Rotary Club, which adopted the show in 2012, uses it as a fundraiser. This year, Bierschied said, the club hopes to raise $25,000 to be donated to nonprofits like the Moab Free Health Clinic and to several Grand County School District scholarships.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 29—the park will open at 8 a.m. for registration and show entrants; all cars must be in the park by 11 a.m. Judging, led by Rotary Club member John Fogg and a handful of other local car enthusiasts, will close around 4 p.m., and awards will be given out afterward. Food vendors are returning this year after not being at the event due to COVID-19 restrictions—Bierschied said food options will include classic barbecue offerings like hamburgers and hotdogs, as well as shaved ice drinks.
“There will be plenty of food,” he said.
Car registration is $50 online and $60 the day of, but perusing the cars is free—the event draws thousands of spectators. There are 13 entry award classes for the cars, including best of show 2023, best Ford Mustang, best Chevrolet Camaro, best hot rod/street rod, best muscle car, and best rat rod (a rat rod is a custom car with a deliberately unfinished and rusty appearance). Attendees can expect to see modified and stock cars and motorcycles dating back to 1900.
The car show is also partnering with the Utah State Highway Patrol this year—the patrol will have safety equipment and cars on display.
“They’re excited about being a part of the show,” Bierschied said.
You can register for and find more information about the show at www.moabrotary.com.
