Classic trailers of all types to converge on Old Town Auburn, CA, on September 25 and 26.

Since I had my Airstream polished earlier this year, it turns heads where ever I take it. Driving in the slow lane on freeways, other drivers honk and wave as they pass by. Seems like everyone gets a kick out of old travel trailers, and as I learned quickly when I started organizing an exhibition for this fall in Old Town Auburn, there are many people passionate about them.

In April, I participated in an event called the Coloma Campout, held annually at a campground near the Gold Discovery site about 15 miles from Auburn. This gathering drew nearly 50 vintage trailers, and though it was not open to the public, everyone granted tours to other participants.

It was so much fun, I thought it would be very cool to do an event in Auburn, so I pitched the Old Town Business Association (of which I am a member) and the group loved the idea. My goal is to get at least 25 trailers to participate, and we are well on our way to hitting that mark.

I prepared a news release for local media, and rather than rewrite it for my blog, it is reproduced below, along with a fact sheet. If you own a trailer and would like to participate, please contact me as soon as possible at gary@carpevinoauburn.com or 530-308-2698.
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The very first Old Town Auburn Vintage Trailer Classic is set for September 25 and 26 in the Juror’s Parking lot across from the Placer County Courthouse in Auburn, CA, just off the Maple St. exit on I-80. Sponsored by the Old Town Business Association and Carpe Vino, a wine shop and restaurant, more than 25 vintage trailers will be on display. Visitors will be invited to get an up-close look at trailer interiors.

A highlight of this free event will be an entry from Vince Martinico of Newcastle, the leading expert on vintage trailers in the United States. His coaches have been featured in books, movies and television shows. Trailers on display will range from completely restored examples to those that are in rougher stages.

“California is a hotbed for RVing, and people really seem to have an appreciation and fascination for old trailers that evoke a different time and way of life,” said Gary Moffat, organizer of the event and owner of Carpe Vino in Old Town Auburn. “Vintage trailers from all over northern California will be on display, including a number of entries from enthusiasts who live in the Auburn area.”

Many of the coaches showcased will be classic Airstreams, the all-aluminum clad trailers with unique “bullet” styling, the iconic land yachts that launched a nomadic lifestyle on America’s burgeoning highway system. The brand was the brainchild of Wally Byam in the mid-1930s, and the goal for this event is to include at least one example of an Airstream representing each decade from the 1940s to the present.

“We’re anticipating at least 25 vintage trailers representing a range of makers and sizes,” Moffat said. “We’ll have everything from a 13-foot Airstream Bambi to the giant rigs in excess of 30 feet.” All trailers will be open and available for viewing, giving visitors and glimpse of beautiful wood interiors and period appointments.

Moffat, who owns a brightly polished 1972 Airstream Globe Trotter, said the event is seeking out more trailers, and anyone interested in displaying can contact him for more details at gary@carpevinoauburn.com. Though this will be a “dry camping” event with no hook-up services, participants are encouraged to stay overnight in the parking lot. On Saturday evening, Carpe Vino will host a wine and appetizers event at the restaurant in Old Town for all trailer owners participating.

The Old Town Auburn Vintage Trailer Classic is intended not only to be a fun event, it is also designed to encourage locals and out-of-towners to visit the historic district. “The Old Town Business Association is always searching for new ideas to draw people into our shops and restaurants,” Moffat said. “With the long-time popularity and success of Cruise Nite Downtown, we think there will significant crossover interest that will hopefully translate into good crowds.”

Moffat said the trailer show is just one of many attractions on a typical weekend: “This is a great opportunity for people to take the Saturday morning guided tour of Old Town, visit the Farmers’ Market, explore the shops and have lunch before the trailer show opens at 3 p.m.”

For more information and updates, visit www.vintagehighway.com.

Just the Facts:

Event: The Old Town Vintage Trailer Classic

Sponsors: Old Town Business Association, Carpe Vino, VintageHighway.com

Where: The Jurors’ Parking Lot, Auburn Folsom Rd and Lincoln Way, Old Town Auburn, CA

When: Saturday, September 25, 3 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trailers Sought: All types, at least 30 years old, though we will be seeking a few newer Airstreams to demonstrate the evolution of the brand. Condition of trailers is not an issue. . .no matter if trailer is in rough stage or totally restored

Set up: Starting as soon as the Farmers’ Market exits on Saturday, by about 1 p.m.

Cost: No cost for exhibitors or attendees

Services: We are hoping to provide electricity; no sewer or water hookups

Exhibit: All trailers must be open for viewing.

Reception: A wine and appetizer event will be held at Carpe Vino in Old Town for all participants (no cost)

Overnight Parking: Participants are welcome to stay overnight in their trailers on Saturday, though no services are available

Promotion: This event will be highly publicized through newspapers, television, radio and direct contact with trailer and RV organizations

Confirmation Information: Name, phone number, email, trailer type, length

More information: gary@carpevinoauburn.com or call 530-308-2698.