ROD RUN TO THE END OF THE WORLD
AMAZING… the amount of fun you can have when you run to the end of the world!
We are a car club that makes our community better and it all starts with our annual Rod Run to the End of the World!
History of the Rod Run
The first few years, the event was held in the ball field across from the Ocean Park School. Later, to incorporate the growing number of spectators and participants; the show was held at the old Klipsan airport on the retired grass airstrip. In 1991 over 700 cars were shown.
Once again, the Beach Barons™ were faced with finding yet another location when the owners of the airport indicated they would rather not use the land for the Rod Run. In 1993 the event was held for the first time on property leased by the Beach Barons™, and the event swelled from 1140 cars in 1992, to 1200 classic cars and thousands of spectators coming to the Peninsula. The Rod Run to the End of the World was the World™ now recognized throughout the Northwest, and in 1994 the event drew over 1300 entries and 6,000 to 8,000 spectators.
During this era, the cities of Ilwaco and Long Beach held street dances to help entertain the growing crowds. There was also a 20-mile long cruise, the length of the Peninsula where spectators could enjoy the great cars. After seven years of successful shows at their leased property, the club moved the event to its newly acquired property on Sandridge Road that was purchased from the Wilson family. The first show at the new Wilson field location was held in 2000.
On October 27, 2001, The Beach Barons™ gathered at the clubhouse and enjoyed a party to celebrate the burning of the mortgage papers for a payoff of the twenty-seven acres. Much dedicated participation, hard work, and a tremendous amount of team effort went into acquiring and preparing the land for future shows.
The Rod Run is now a successful event created for every classic car enthusiast regardless of age. The Beach Barons™ take a lot of pride in the planning and presentation of a show which offers tourists a well-orchestrated and exciting event, one they will look forward to coming back and enjoying each year. In turn, the car club gives an enormous amount of support and recognition in the area, while promoting tourism on the Peninsula and neighboring cities. The Rod Run is a family favorite and is noted for its emphasis on safety, entertainment, community spirit, and plenty of activities for everyone.
If you’re interested in cars, having fun, and want to be part of making our community an even better place to live, click on the Membership link above and learn how you can become a Beach Baron!