ELCOFest '23 - "The Midwest's Biggest All-El Camino Show"!

1734 Views 39 Replies 9 Participants Last post by millsspec, 3 d ago

millsspec

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

4

Hey El Camino family...can't believe it but we're officially SIX MONTHS OUT from ELCOFest '23 already!

Hope you've been using your winter downtime to get that Camino or Caballero ready for the next episode of "The Midwest's Biggest All-El Camino Show"!

This year's event is shaping up to be even bigger and better than the inaugural event and promises to be yet another amazing El Camino get together!
We've got a few BIG things in store for this one! We'll be adding a parts swap and a for sale areas to the event, as well as one heck of a raffle item that will be sure to fire everyone's cylinders!

The Show Flyer will be released soon once we get all the sponsors on board and we're getting very close to opening up Pre-Registration and Event Shirt sales as soon as we nail down just a few more things.

As always, ALL of the current and related event details can be found on the event website at www.ELCOFest.com such as the Event Schedule, Venue & Lodging Information, Flyer downloads, and Registration information.

Updates and change-related information will always be released on the event website, the FB Event Calendar listing, on our FB Event Page, as well as sent out via email through the subscription mailing list first. You can subscribe to the mailing list on the event website.

We're working on securing and have a few of the Group Rates set up at the area hotels, securing sponsorships, and dialing in the other necessary details.

So, be sure to check back with us regularly for updates as the date gets closer for new information as it becomes available...there will likely be a quite a few of them as things develop!

Let's make ELCOFest the biggest El Camino Family Reunion ever! And it should be a pretty easy task based on the feedback we're getting from last year's event heading into this one!

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Matty man

· #21 · 27 d ago

Lenny Carey said:
Wish I was closer . Have a great time and thanks to those of you that are providing this event

I will take plenty of pics and post them up, should be a great time!!!
Matty man

Reactions: 2

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #22 · 27 d ago

Lenny Carey said:
Wish I was closer . Have a great time and thanks to those of you that are providing this event

Thank you for the well-wishes and kind words sir, and for the shirt order...😊 I definitely appreciate the support! Wish you could make it as well!

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #23 · 27 d ago

We're under THREE MONTHS away from "The ~~Midwest's~~ Biggest All-EL Camino Show"... ELCOFest '23, and we've got the Show & Shine classes and categories pretty much nailed down. Tripled the amount of awards from last year and did some minor name changes plus added categories...quite a hardware haul for the big show! ✨🏆✨😎

And don't forget about that LS Engine we're raffling off! (There will be a surprise added to that sweet package too...stay tuned!)💪😉

Font Parallel Electric blue Slope Rectangle

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Lenny Carey

· #24 · 11 d ago

Wow ! This event keeps sounding better and better . Between the awards and a give away motor . OH MY ! Someone has been so busy setting this up . Wether you care about awards or not , the beauty of events like this is meeting other like minded fans of the El Caminos ( and our cousins ) , seeing what they have either done to their ride or left stock . My shirt came in and it looks great . Others may want to order one also . Have a great time and wish I was attending . Many times we say to ourself , if only something was planned , I would attend . Hey , for a lot of you , it is within a road trip distance . Someone is putting in a lot of time and energy on your behalf .

Reactions: 1

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #25 · 9 d ago

Lenny Carey said:
Wow ! This event keeps sounding better and better . Between the awards and a give away motor . OH MY ! Someone has been so busy setting this up . Wether you care about awards or not , the beauty of events like this is meeting other like minded fans of the El Caminos ( and our cousins ) , seeing what they have either done to their ride or left stock . My shirt came in and it looks great . Others may want to order one also . Have a great time and wish I was attending . Many times we say to ourself , if only something was planned , I would attend . Hey , for a lot of you , it is within a road trip distance . Someone is putting in a lot of time and energy on your behalf .

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words!
That "someone" would be me...lol I've invested a lot of time and finances into this endeavor, but I don't mind because these ELCOs are my lifelong passion! And my main goal was to try to do this "right".
Even though I was extremely busy and mentally preoccupied...(a.k.a. stressed out), last year's event was truly quite an experience and had a family atmosphere I've never witnessed before at any regular "car" show I've ever been to...and over 35 years of ELCO-ownership, I've been to more than a few! And that in itself I feel was a major accomplishment!
This year is looking to be even bigger and better and those that are involved in making it happen are extremely excited for this next episode! If it turns out the way everyone is telling me to expect it to, I may have to drop the "Midwest" from the tagline and replace it with "North America's"...😅 That all remains to be seen. But most of what I'm hoping and praying for this year is good weather and a safe and successful event! Even if only 20 ELCO's show up, it's going to be a good time simply because we are a family!
Even though the majority of the concepts, graphics design, planning, and funding are mainly my own (with the exception of the gracious LS engine donor this year of course), there is no way I could pull ANY of it off without the help of my dedicated supporters and volunteers!!!
I also greatly appreciate the feedback on the event shirts and find it very valuable! Their sales definitely help make more things possible for the show. One thing to note is that my shirt supplier has changed their printing process since last year and the shirt graphics are a lot better and should also be a lot more durable. I know the previous process ones didn't seem to wear as well as I would have preferred if they were worn and washed a lot. I've seen some fading issues with the previous graphics process. These all should be a lot better!
But you're absolutely right...so many of us have been waiting for something like this to come around and here it is. I know I can safely say that as far as I know right now, there is nothing else like ELCOFest going on in this country...not even close, no matter what any of the naysayers want to think to make themselves feel better!
Wish you could make it out as well...maybe one day... and again, many, many thanks...it is greatly appreciated!

ELCOFest: "For EL Camino Addicts, by EL Camino Addicts" 😎

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Caballero Joe

· #26 · 8 d ago

Okay, the Mrs is interested.
How many showed up last year? Making the roadtrip from San Diego County is a commitment.

Reactions: 1

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #27 · 8 d ago

Caballero Joe said:
Okay, the Mrs is interested.
How many showed up last year? Making the roadtrip from San Diego County is a commitment.

Awesome! Yes...it definitely IS a commitment indeed! Go Mrs.! lol
Last year for the first go at it, we had 67 show up in spite of the weather forecast that was calling for thunderstorms, high winds, and even hail. Several in the local area didn't come due to the rain that stayed around us, but mainly not on us. And there were quite a few that still came without their ELCOs due to the weather, some of which were from a couple of states away just to look.
Our Long Distance winner came from Iowa and we had some from Tennessee and Wisconsin, with the majority being from here and our neighboring states of Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.
I already have a couple of pre-registered entries from IA, TN, and one from New York coming down. I also had someone inquire about where the best place was to fly into from the UK...
It would be an honor to have you there from all that way for sure! Thank you (and the Mrs.) for even considering it!!!

Lenny Carey

· #28 · 8 d ago

As a long time member , I have heard so many members asking if the 60 th anniversary of the El Camino , held in Arlington , Texas just a few years ago will ever be repeated . There were 150 El Caminos ( and our cousins ) in the parking lot with so many members enjoying the two days , looking at the rides , talking with others and putting a face on people we have come to respect . Well , this event that Millsspec is again sponsoring is the closest you will get for the near future . Wether you are 20 or 80 , we are not getting any younger , so maybe it is time for you to turn that ignition key , make a road trip and head to this fabulous opportunity that is being provided for us

Reactions: 3

Matty man

· #29 · 8 d ago

Caballero Joe said:
Okay, the Mrs is interested.
How many showed up last year? Making the roadtrip from San Diego County is a commitment.

This was a shot from last year Joe, I will be there and hopefully with my 66 project El Camino and I will be there again this July.

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Caballero Joe

· #30 · 8 d ago

I sure would like to meet a few more of you in person.
I told the wife we have a good shot at that long distance prize. 😅😅😅

Reactions: 3

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #31 · 8 d ago

Lenny Carey said:
As a long time member , I have heard so many members asking if the 60 th anniversary of the El Camino , held in Arlington , Texas just a few years ago will ever be repeated . There were 150 El Caminos ( and our cousins ) in the parking lot with so many members enjoying the two days , looking at the rides , talking with others and putting a face on people we have come to respect . Well , this event that Millsspec is again sponsoring is the closest you will get for the near future . Wether you are 20 or 80 , we are not getting any younger , so maybe it is time for you to turn that ignition key , make a road trip and head to this fabulous opportunity that is being provided for us

That show, and seeing the desire from a lot of people for it to be repeated, was a big part of motivating me to actually take action and take ELCOFest from a dream to a reality.
Along with the somewhat recent rise in ELCO popularity, it was evidence to me that there just might be enough people out there that had serious enough interest to invest the time, effort, and money to put something together, and hopefully something worth making a larger effort to attend.
I almost loaded up and went down for that show...and looking back, I wish I would have. You are correct, these opportunities are few and far between and we are definitely NOT getting any younger!
Thank you for the support!

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #32 · 8 d ago

Caballero Joe said:
I sure would like to meet a few more of you in person.
I told the wife we have a good shot at that long distance prize. 😅😅😅

Same here! And at this point, I think it's pretty safe to say you just might have it locked down...lol😁

Reactions: 2

JKCamino

· #33 · 8 d ago

millsspec said:
We're under THREE MONTHS away from "The ~~Midwest's~~ Biggest All-EL Camino Show"... ELCOFest '23, and we've got the Show & Shine classes and categories pretty much nailed down. Tripled the amount of awards from last year and did some minor name changes plus added categories...quite a hardware haul for the big show! ✨🏆✨😎

And don't forget about that LS Engine we're raffling off! (There will be a surprise added to that sweet package too...stay tuned!)💪😉

View attachment 155348

I'm thinking of takin The family to ELCOFest 23. But I was wondering why all the extra trophy classes just for 5th gen, where’s the love for the other 1-4 gens

Reactions: 1

JKCamino

· #34 · 8 d ago

Caballero Joe said:
I sure would like to meet a few more of you in person.
I told the wife we have a good shot at that long distance prize. 😅😅😅

only if I don’t go 😂😂😂🤣

Reactions: 1

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #35 · 8 d ago

JKCamino said:
I'm thinking of takin The family to ELCOFest 23. But I was wondering why all the extra trophy classes just for 5th gen, where’s the love for the other 1-4 gens

Hope you can make it and bring your ELCO!
The extras are in response to last year's event turnout, which was absolutely dominated by 5th Gens! I think there were around 40 or so 5th's out of the 67 there. That was followed by 3rd Gens, I think three 2nds, two Firsts, and only one 4th Gen.
We did Top 10 of all entries last year and it could have very easily been a "fifth gen wins everything" situation, so we had to do some "balancing" which I was not a huge fan of doing. There were a LOT of 5th gens that didn't place that absolutely should have because of the ratios. That was part of the first-year learning curve...I had no idea what to expect and played it safe with what I thought was minimal, yet effective investment.
So, I've proportioned this year's awards based on that history and to the responses I've received in registrations already, which are showing a similar trend. However, I believe I have at least three 4th Gens registered now. Honestly, for me to even offer a Top 3 set of awards for the least popular generation was a big gamble in itself. Thankfully, it looks like it might have been a safe bet. Pro Street and Off Road is probably not so much...but we'll see.
The simple bottom line is this: the more variations that show up, the more variations of awards there will be in the future. People need to bring 'em out!

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JKCamino

· #36 · 7 d ago (Edited)

millsspec said:
Hope you can make it and bring your ELCO!
The extras are in response to last year's event turnout, which was absolutely dominated by 5th Gens! I think there were around 40 or so 5th's out of the 67 there. That was followed by 3rd Gens, I think three 2nds, two Firsts, and only one 4th Gen.
We did Top 10 of all entries last year and it could have very easily been a "fifth gen wins everything" situation, so we had to do some "balancing" which I was not a huge fan of doing. There were a LOT of 5th gens that didn't place that absolutely should have because of the ratios. That was part of the first-year learning curve...I had no idea what to expect and played it safe with what I thought was minimal, yet effective investment.
So, I've proportioned this year's awards based on that history and to the responses I've received in registrations already, which are showing a similar trend. However, I believe I have at least three 4th Gens registered now. Honestly, for me to even offer a Top 3 set of awards for the least popular generation was a big gamble in itself. Thankfully, it looks like it might have been a safe bet. Pro Street and Off Road is probably not so much...but we'll see.
The simple bottom line is this: the more variations that show up, the more variations of awards there will be in the future. People need to bring 'em out!

thanks for the quick response, and that makes a lot of sense. I would be careful as to saying any Elco generation is the least popular, it’s not a good or accurate statement.

either way I’m in negotiations with the family to attend.

Reactions: 2

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #37 · 7 d ago

JKCamino said:
thanks for the quick response, and that makes a lot of sense. I would be careful as to saying any Elco generation is the least popular, it’s not a good or accurate statement.

either way I’m in negotiations with the family to attend.

You're welcome for the response...I just happened to see the notifications come through. I'm usually a few days behind as I'm not on here very often.

Awesome and I hope it works out for you and the family to be able to make it! I think it's going to be another memorable event for sure!

As for the least popular comment...it wasn't meant to be derogatory, simply stating fact based on observation and it's actually rather accurate. There simply aren't as many fourth Gens left out there as there are the other generations, even the firsts. Personally, I've seen more '59's alone than I have 4th gens.
They are indeed making a bit of a comeback it seems though. Been seeing more and more come out of the woodwork here and there lately, but mostly online and I've rarely seen any at shows, if at all. I've been doing shows since the mid-90's, both in the Midwest and West coast...Super Chevy, Chevy Madness, Street Machine Nationals, World of Wheels, and too many in between and can probably easily count on one hand how many 4th's I've seen.
The turnout of them at last year's show was a direct reflection of what my personal experience has been, at least in this neck of the woods anyway. It's also evidenced in the lackluster amount of aftermarket support for them...hopefully that will change sooner than later.
But none of that means they're any less of an El Camino to me for sure. They're obviously not my favorite generation, but they are growing on me with the nicer ones I see getting done and are getting more of my attention and appreciation as time goes by.
An ELCO is an ELCO and I certainly don't hold any negativity against any of 'em...unlike Rancheros and the other non-GM "wannabees"...lol

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83SSd

· #38 · 4 d ago

Greetings all, I attended BOTH Arlington and ElkoFest. Both were well worth the time/money/etc for me. I'm planning to get back to ElkoFest again this year. Like Arlington, it was a great time, well organized, great venue, a fun gathering where everybody "got it" about our rides. I predict EF will continue to grow with the years. Perhaps you will YOU be part of that growth????

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Matty man

· #39 · 3 d ago

83SSd said:
Greetings all, I attended BOTH Arlington and ElkoFest. Both were well worth the time/money/etc for me. I'm planning to get back to ElkoFest again this year. Like Arlington, it was a great time, well organized, great venue, a fun gathering where everybody "got it" about our rides. I predict EF will continue to grow with the years. Perhaps you will YOU be part of that growth????

I plan on it!!!! Great time for all!!.

Reactions: 1

millsspec

Discussion Starter · #40 · 3 d ago

83SSd said:
Greetings all, I attended BOTH Arlington and ElkoFest. Both were well worth the time/money/etc for me. I'm planning to get back to ElkoFest again this year. Like Arlington, it was a great time, well organized, great venue, a fun gathering where everybody "got it" about our rides. I predict EF will continue to grow with the years. Perhaps you will YOU be part of that growth????

Thank you for the feedback and looking forward to seeing you again this year!

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