James Dean Run and Duck Tail Run

This upcoming September 23rd will mark my 11th year of attendance at two iconic events that showcases several hundred of the most beautiful (and rare) muscle cars one will ever find in a single weekend: The James Dean Run and Duck Tail Run.  And it’s not just for muscle car fans in the Midwest; this event draws car enthusiasts from all over the world! (Last year I met a couple from the UK who had their ’74 Vauxhall Firenza shipped to the States so that they could attend the festivities!) 

I’m going to be presumptuous and say that there is no other place in the country that will have more classic cars on display than the James Dean and Duck Tail Run: they are within close proximity of one another and coincide on the same weekend. You’ll also be impressed by the huge swap meet, and the car girls! ?

On the days leading up to the event, if you’re within a 100 mile radius of Fairmount, you’ll be sure to see many classic cars making their way across the interstates to the site of the festival. Each year my father and I drive up from Indianapolis in his ’70 Monte to take in the sights, as well as the look-alike contests. (A few years ago the winner was a man of Japanese descent who did an amazing James Dean impression! True story.) The wooded scenery and lake is made for the cars, and it’s unlike any car show you’ll ever attend.

Some of the most impressive cars we’ve seen over the years have actually come from our Canadian neighbors.  In fact, one of the last of Carroll Shelby’s 69’s to leave the assembly line (before Ford completely took over in designing the car) was driven to the festival by a man from Toronto who bought the car brand new off the lot. It was awesome to see, as it was my first ’69 Shelby sighting, and it was even cooler that he let me sit inside and snap a picture of me behind the wheel. There’s usually one car that sticks with me after each show, and that year it was the black 2-door fast-back from Canada.

This year’s car show will be no different: 1) I’ll attend both the James Dean Run and the Duck Run, and have a great time, 2) I’ll take a lot of pictures and make some new friends, 3) I’ll buy a few things at the swap meet that I MUST have, and 4) I’ll look at a couple of the cars that are For Sale and kick myself in the butt for not saving my pennies as a kid.

Wayne Walker

Director of Development
FindMyAccident.com