Classics, customs and bikes lined the fields of the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex before proceeding to uptown Beckley for a cruise-in as the eighth annual Friends of Coal Auto Fair opened Friday.

Throughout the event’s history, cars have been an integral part of the show, along with the support of both the mining industry and the YMCA of Southern West Virginia.

It was a great start to another well-attended fair, said Jay Rist, CEO of the YMCA of Southern West Virginia.

“We had the cars lining up, everyone was coming in getting registered,” he said. “Everything has gone very smoothly thus far. Everything is pretty much in full swing.”

Rist said around 200 vehicles pre-registered for the weekend auto fair, with another 400 to 500 expected to show.

At 6 p.m. Friday, approximately 100 vehicles left the fair’s showgrounds and traveled uptown, eventually parking on Neville and Main streets. The cruise-in, sponsored by Beckley Renaissance, provided an opportunity for social interaction between car owners and those searching for a closer look at some sweet rides.

As part of the uptown festivities, Charleston-based band Stonestreet performed at Word Park, while Bill Campbell and Danny Graham provided entertainment at the Heber Street Plaza.

Awards and prizes were handed out by Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh and members from various city departments.

Jerry Phillips, Whitewater Region chapter president of the Antique Automobile Club of America, said as of Friday afternoon 25-30 members of the local club were present, with more expected.

“We’ve been in it every year,” he said. “It’s just a good place to have fellowship and family. That’s what this event is about, and that’s what we believe in. We like to have the families involved with the cars.”

Phillips showcased his 1964 Ford Galaxie, while fellow AACA member Bill Bibb displayed his 1953 Rolls Royce at the cruise-in.

What makes the auto fair and cruse-in worthwhile?

“Because I’m an old car nut, I reckon,” Bibb said.

Bibb said he has been associated with the AACA for 46 years and helped to found the local chapter in 2004. This year, membership has increased 60 percent, he added.

Most of the car show participants come to showcase their vehicles and learn about others.

“I really enjoy it very much,” said Bob Graham, of Mullens. “I really do.”

Graham, the original owner of a 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire, said he enjoys looking at what others bring to the fair.

“I love to look at old cars,” he said. “I might see something I would like to have. I wish I could take a lot of them.”

Perhaps the oldest of the cars on hand perhaps a 1911 Buick owned by Rick Jarrell, of Glen Daniel.

“It should be one of the oldest,” he said. “More than likely.”

It’s not just ‘old-timers’ who enjoy the classics, though.

Mary Riner and Tom Riner said one particular 8-year-old really enjoyed seeing their bright red 1972 Triumph TR6.

“He came over and said ‘This is a neat car!’” Mary said. “Tom let him sit in it, so he could get used to it. ‘Oh, this feels so good! The seats are so comfortable.’”

Then, Tom said, “I didn’t know they were so comfortable,” with a hearty laugh.

In addition to the cars, fair attendees enjoyed carnival games and rides as well as the various vendor booths and displays.

“Overall, the crowd out here has been much greater than expected, and we really feel like this is just a precursor to the big day (today),” Rist said.

The evening concluded at the showgrounds with musical entertainment by The George Shingleton Band, Davisson Brothers Band, The BlackWater Outlaws and Chris Janson. It marked the first time in the fair’s history there was a night of entertainment billed in addition to the usual headlining show.

The fair returns today with gates opening at 8 a.m. Admission to the showgrounds is $2, with children 12 and under free.

For more information, visit www.friendsofcoalautofair.com.

— E-mail: nbrockman@register-herald.com