The Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run and Classic Car Show will roll into Main Street Oct. 3–4, marking the event’s 18th year as one of the city’s most popular fall traditions.
Organizer Jim Gruver said the Rod Run began in 2008 as a way to showcase improvements to the downtown streetscape and encourage residents to rediscover businesses along Main Street. “Back in the ’80s, everybody kind of left downtown and went to the malls,” Gruver said. “This was really something just to bring people down, to show them what we had to offer downtown.”
Since then, the event has grown steadily. Each fall, it brings classic cars, custom vehicles, food trucks, live music, and family activities to several blocks of Main Street between B Avenue and the railroad tracks. For downtown businesses, the Rod Run has become a reliable way to draw new customers. “Anytime you can improve foot traffic downtown, that’s a blessing for those businesses,” Gruver said.
Weekend schedule
Street closures and vendor setup begin early Friday, Oct. 3. Cars can start arriving at noon, when the show officially opens to the public. DCI Park will again serve as the children’s zone, with first responder demonstrations and activities for families.
By late afternoon, the action shifts into high gear. A poker run begins at 6 p.m. with a $500 prize for participants registered in the show, and a downtown cruise also kicks off at that time. Food trucks will be spread across two designated “pit stop” areas, at First and Main and at DCI Park.
The evening concludes with a free outdoor concert at the downtown stage featuring Wichita-based band Big Fat Fun, known for its high-energy performances.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, car registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by the Rain Gutter Regatta hosted by Boy Scout Troop 313 at 11 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., a Barbie-themed Pin-Up Show featuring 20 contestants runs until 3 p.m. The Toy Depot will host matchbox derby drag races for kids, while magician Stefani performs at the gazebo in the afternoon.
Live music returns Saturday night with Wichita rock band ICT Double Tap, which has also performed at the Kansas State Fair. The weekend wraps up with the awards show at 5 p.m. in Memorial Hall. If inclement weather threatens, Memorial Hall will also serve as the backup venue for both nights of concerts.
Vendors, food and community support
Gruver said vendor interest is at an all-time high, with more applicants than available spaces. Many food vendors report selling out during the weekend. “That goes to show the success we’ve had in the past. The word kind of gets around,” he said.
He credited the event’s sponsors and city staff for their continued support. “The sponsors have stuck with us over the years, and the City of Hutch does a great job with barricades and setup,” Gruver said. “They really make this possible.”
Registration and admission
The Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run is free to attend, with activities planned for all ages. Vehicle registration remains open online until Sept. 28 at downtownhutchrodrun.com. On-site registration will also be available Oct. 3–4 at Hutch Auto Body, a longtime event partner.
Gruver said the Rod Run is as much about community as it is about cars. “It’s a big weekend of food, fun and fabulous automobiles,” he said. “There’s something here for everybody.”