Hot August Nights

Description

Hot August Nights
History Lecture
Friday,  August 2, 2019
12:00 – 1:00 pm

Guest speakers, Dennis Bryan and Guest.

Hot August Nights:  The Founding Years

The very beginning… How a simple meeting between two men would became a yearly event that would, through the years, generate several billion dollars of economic impact, put Reno on the world’s map for classic car enthusiasts, and still continue 32 years later.

In 1986, the concept of a special event in the Reno-Sparks stemmed from an idea to do a 50’s themed dance to benefit Easter Seals. To expand the event’s income possibilities, creative minds suggested that a classic car show should be head in conjunction with the dance.

Little did any of the organizers know that the roots of the first “Hot August Nights” were staring to sprout?  To the amazement of many, year #1 H.A.N. was a resounding success. It was evident that the organizers felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. And, it was very apparent “Hot August Nights” had a real future. As for the name of the event, a suggestion was made by one of the key organizers to name the event in honor of his favorite Neal Diamond album, “Hot August Nights”.  And, as they say, the rest is history.

Back in those days, special events were not prevalent like they are now. Today most communities use special events to attract tourism and create new revenue. In 1986 public special events were mainly for locals.  This HAN Founding Years Presentation will focus on the challenges and successes of the first six years of the event.