New England Summer Nationals Coming to Worcester

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Saturday, June 30, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Features Team

The 22nd annual New England Summer Nationals are coming to Worcester from July 5th to July 8th. This hot rod and bike show hosts a number of different events including the Miss New England Summer Nationals Pageant, a controlled burnout shows, drag races, custom cars known as “flamers”, stunt bikes, live music, helicopter rides, and more. The expected attendance for the event exceeds 6,000 vehicles and 200,000 people.

Most events are near downtown Worcester. The drag races are run down Main Street and the burnout shows takes place each night in the “tunnel” between the police station and the courthouse. The city of Worcester will clear many downtown streets and spectators are allowed to line the walls of the tunnel to watch the festivities. Burnout shows are also held every day at Green Hill Park. Registration for these events can be done through phone at 508-259-2740. All vehicles are welcome. One day show registration costs $35.

The Miss New England Summer National Beauty Pageant will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on 35 Major Taylor Boulevard on Saturday, July 7th at 7 pm. Registration for the event will be held in the hotel lobby from 9 am to 12 pm. The top 3 models receive cash prizes and trophies; top prize is $500. Applications can be found online. There is no entry fee.

In addition, at 1 pm on Saturday, there will be the annual Classic Car parade, starting at the Hilton Garden Inn and ending at Green Hill Park. Green Hill Park will also be hosting swap meets, parts and gift vendors, and movies at the Park’s drive-in theatre. At 4 pm on Saturday, Peter Tork from the Monkees will be featured on the outdoor music stage. There will also be other live bands and DJs until 8 pm. Playboy model and Miss July 2012 Shelby Chesnes will be participating in the Classic Car Parade and will serve as a judge for the Beauty Pageant.

General admission is $12. The event is on rain or shine.