Draggin' Main overcomes rain

Despite weather challenges, Draggin' Main organizers declared the 2024 event bigger and better than last year.

Rain interrupted gatherings on three different days during the eight-day focus on motorized vehicles.

"People are diehards," said Sherri Wilson, event coordinator.

"We had a nice sizable crowd, more than we expected, because hot rodders are particular about their cars getting wet."

The rain did wipe out the Hittin' the Bricks Block Party on Friday evening, including the live music performances.

"It broke our hearts," Wilson said.

The rain came again on Saturday morning, interrupting the Gearhead Gathering at Hillcrest Park. While it lasted, it was well-attended, Wilson said.

"We decided to contact K.C. (Messick) at the Curry County Events Center because we didn't want to ruin the park's grass," Wilson said.

So, the Events Center opened its parking lot to the car enthusiasts, and Wilson said it was a huge success.

"We didn't know if we were going to lose guests because we had to switch so quick. We didn't know if our car show registrants were going to be like, no, you know, I'm good. But it was amazing," Wilson said.

Food trucks sold out, and the parking lot at the Events Center helped traffic flow throughout the day, Wilson said.

"We've always been blessed with good weather (in years past)," said Zane Brothers, board member of the event's organizing committee.

"We were able to pull it off."

Attendees from as far as North Carolina and St. Louis made the trip to Clovis, as well as from Oklahoma.

"It's getting bigger each year," Wilson said. "And the crowds are getting better.

"Draggin' Main isn't going anywhere."

Because of the success of the Gearhead Gathering at the Events Center, Wilson said they are considering a planned move next year.

"We will actually meet here in a couple of weeks and we're gonna talk about all the pros and the cons," Brothers said.

"If we can get shade and some air circulation, that would be great. It looks like that could be an option," Wilson said.

Also looking ahead, Wilson said she and other organizers have discussed the idea of having a quarterly Draggin' Main. Of course, not the same event that's as large with different types of entertainment, but one each quarter where people join, hang out and drag Main and visit the drive-ins.

"A year is a long time," Wilson said regarding the time between each Draggin' Main event.