Fresno Show

Thee Individuals' Central Cal classic just keeps getting better.

By Dick DeLoach

Thee Individuals-Fresno has the distinction of presenting the longest-running "annual" lowrider show in the country...the Fresno Custom Car Show & Concert at the Fresno Fairgrounds in Central California. With the help and support of family, friends and Fresno City officials, the 24th edition of the Central Cal classic continued the tradition in grand style.

Even though the club only has only five members, and the facility was undergoing major remodeling, the 2001 show turned out to be memorable indeed, thanks to plenty of pre-planning, clear skies and great weather. Since much of the outdoor show space was unavailable, the club opened several additional buildings, which was fine with most people who prefer to show indoors--especially considering the heat outside.

Sponsored again this year by Budweiser, along with B95 FM and Fresno's Kool Design, the 2001 Super Show brought out hundreds of Northern, Southern and Central California's best traditional lows, Euros, bombs, trucks and bicycles. Oldies and Impalas once again brought out so many vehicles that they each took up an entire building just for their cars. In addition to the show cars, a large number of contestants also signed up for the hydraulics competition, also held covered building and coordinated by Del Toro's Custom and DJ Rudy Garza of A.T.M. Entertainment announcing the event as always.

Several thousand lowrider lovers flooded the fairgrounds when the gates opened. Many went directly to the cars, while others visited Fresno's Kool Design to get an autograph from Lowrider cover model Jennifer Flores. Vendor's row was full as usual, with the latest hydraulics equipment, auto accessories, temp tats, California Glamour Girls, J's Alarms & Audio, Sinister Wires, Loco's Only T-shirts and hats and much more. Fresno's finest was present as usual to make sure everyone had a good time.

Topless Bike Club provided the music and Rudy Garza handled the announcing at the re-named Brian Tartarian Amphitheater where the popular bikini and hard body contests were held, with a number of fine females and buff dudes showing their stuff for the appreciative audience. A great concert followed with a variety of entertainers including Time Writer, Ghetto Tribe, RROME, El Demonio, Suade, Heatwave and G.Q. putting on a great show.

Thanks to lots of pre-planning and the mutual respect of the gente who attended the show, it was a super success. "Many thanks to all of those who attended our 24th annual car show and concert," said Individuals-Fresno president Pete Martinez. "We would also like to thank our family and friends for their support throughout the many years of the show. Because of you the car shows have been possible and made successful once again. Our deepest appreciation to each and every one of you."

Mark your calendars for June 23, 2002, because "Thee 25th Anniversary Show" will have a lot more prizes, surprises, and top-notch entertainment. For more information contact Pete Martinez (209) 251-4372, or Don Martinez (209) 674-2633.