Robert Moore
April 27, 2007
Specialty Eye Care America following the course of Imhotep
May 1, 2007
They’ve been called “boy toys,” and “hot rods,” but when over 100 pre-1949 modified cars or trucks roll into Houma in mid-May, many people will just simply call them “beautiful.”
Mardi Gras Street Rods of Houma will host the 10th Annual Parade of Rods, May 18-20. Each day, the event lasts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and if free to the public, for those who want to be surrounded by the historical vehicles.
The “rod run” will take place at the Ramada Inn at 1400 West Tunnel Blvd.
It is an event that’s been said to “bring out the kid” in adults.
Only rods driven into Houma will be eligible to win prizes. Vehicles brought in on trailers are welcomed, but will not be judged.
The weekend will be a celebration of not only the classic cars, but the endless hours of work put into restoring and modifying the cars.
The Mardi Gras Street Rods define a street rod as a pre-1949 car or truck that has been modified in some way. The modifications can be anything, including the engine, transmission, drive trains, paint, power windows and countless other fix-it-ups.
In the past, over 100 hot rods have arrived from all over the southeast region of the United States—Texas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Arkansas—to take part in the contest, as well as talk about their passion with others who share the same interest. “People come here from 10 different states,” said Jed Allemand, president of Mardi Gras Street Rods. “We average about 100 cars per year.”
Allemand added that “some people come back to the event each year, while we also get new people that want to become a part of the parade.”
Each participant will also be hoping to win a prize. The Top 16 hot rods receive awards, while a grand-prize winner is randomly pulled from each entry for a $500 prize.
As with most car shows, the participant who travels the farthest will also receive a prize.
The Mardi Gras Street Rods car club is 11-years-old and carried over this event from a former car club called Bayou Self. When Bayou Self decided to give up the rod run, the Mardi Gras Street Rods stepped in and made sure the event continued.
So why do these people put their time and money into restoring the vehicles?
Perhaps it’s a love for the vehicles. Perhaps it’s a love for history. Maybe it’s the pride in doing the work, and restoring a vehicle that’s over 50-years old.
No matter what, it’s something anyone can enjoy. Old or young; hobbyist or not, seeing some of the most unique and recognizable cars of the 20th century is something anyone can appreciate.
For more information on Mardi Gras Street Rods or the Parade of Rods, contact Jed Allemand at (985) 532-2777.
