N.I.A. 30th Anniversary Celebration
August 24 - August 29, 2010, in Spearfish, SD
~ 3 Decades of Fun and Friendship ~
After many months of preparation by the Spearfish Celebration Planning team, over 125 cars gathered in the beautiful Black Hills of Western South Dakota for one of the most memorable events in NIA history. Members from 23 states and 3 Canadian provinces converged for 5 days of family fun & frolic. The NIA 30th Anniversary Celebration started as planning team members arrived as early as Saturday for set up and last minute prep. Classic ’58-’70 Chevys and supporting trailers filled the parking lot to overflowing. Nearly every room at the Holiday Inn was occupied with Chevy lovers – it felt very much like a wonderful family reunion as old friends gathered and got reacquainted. The last NIA event held in Spearfish was in 2007, so many folks had lots to catch up on. There were many first-time attenders as well, and they were welcomed with open arms, NIA style! The NIA family friendly feeling was clearly evident all week.
The focus of the 2010 Celebration was a relaxed schedule which proved to be very successful as it enabled many attendees to participate in every part of the week’s events. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful week as the weather started out cool and then gradually warmed as the days progressed. On Tuesday, the Spearfish Canyon cruise at sunset was no less than spectacular, and perfect temps in Deadwood allowed for the entire town to come out and see 115 Chevys adorn Main Street for over 3 hours. Dinner could be enjoyed outside and the lights of Deadwood were gorgeous throughout the evening.
Wednesday was Picnic day in the Spearfish Park. Families could play in the creek, climb on the recreation equipment and see the fish ponds. The NIA Olympics took place during the afternoon on the grounds. The Starter Shotput and Fan Belt Toss events were a big hit and several signed up to compete for top honors. Everybody won as the fun was impossible to measure during the festivities at the Park.
Later in the day everyone gathered in their Chevys for the cruise over to downtown Spearfish. A long time NIA staple in Spearfish is the Main Street Show and display. This was the opportunity for local area merchants and residents to enjoy seeing the best gathering of Full Size Chevys in the country. Words cannot describe the feeling shared by all as the Chevrolets commanded attention on Main Street.
On Thursday, the ‘Clean-N-Shine’ Show day was beautiful, and although it was a bit warm, everyone was grateful for ‘Shine’ day! Over 120 highly-polished Chevys from coast to coast competed for honors at this year’s event. Every registered attendee had a ballot in which to choose their favorite ‘Top 10’. Later in the evening during the Celebration ceremony meeting, awards were presented to the winners.
Since the Kool Deadwood Nites Car Show was held during Friday and Saturday, three large buses were arranged to transport members to and from the show. As several of the NIA members registered for the event in Deadwood, thousands of area visitors were able to see an abundance of Caprices, BelAirs, Biscaynes and of course Impalas grace this years show.
The PLP (parking lot party) is another NIA annual gathering each evening during the week. Many tireless attendees stayed up late for conversation and unique festivity.
Our sincere appreciation goes out to all the members of the Spearfish Planning Team for hosting this year’s fabulous event!
The photos help to tell the full story and but can only partly convey the enthusiasm shared by all the 300+ that were there. You’ll have to come experience the camaraderie and enthusiasm for yourself – mark your calendar now for a future NIA event! Gatherings in 2011 include the first Tri-annual NIA Mid-Winter Getaway in Scottsdale, Arizona coming this January and the 31st Annual International convention in Kalamazoo, Michigan for July. By the way, the Holiday Inn of Spearfish has already been booked for July, 2013!
