2008 SEMA Auto Show - Sin City

The first week of November is a well-known time of year for the automotive industry.

Because for the previous thirty to sixty days, everybody involved is working around the clock to make sure trucks are built, and the latest wares are ready to go on display at the annual SEMA show held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The SEMA Show is a gearhead's dream come true. This show isn't open to the public, but it represents the best in automotive customization and it's not just about the trucks. It draws about 250,000 people like us, to sweat out the endless miles of carpeted aisles jammed with aftermarket auto parts. Every hot, new, must-have part to customize your truck is on hand for four days of viewing and drooling pleasure. If that isn't enough, the personalities and craftsmen responsible for the baddest custom trucks on the planet are also on hand to meet and greet the showgoers. There are rock stars, movie stars, fabricators, television personalities, and wannabes alike, roaming the aisles looking to find the next big thing.

Overall, it is always a mind-blowing event to attend, and it is also an exhausting one at that. It is quite an experience, as you get to see the best of the best grace the show area. But, at the same time, you end up walking for eight hours a day, going through all the booths to see everything good. And, by the day's end, your Feet resemble those of say, Donald Duck, as ours did every night of the show. In the end, it's a good time. If you have the ability to get into the closed event, we would highly recommend going, because SEMA is an experience in itself.

If you plan to experience all that Sema brings with it, you better plan on sleeping when you get back home. Because you're not going to get much shut-eye while attending Sema. This year, Freaks of Nature held a pre-Sema party Monday night at Paintmaster Art Studio just off the Vegas Strip. Hal from Godfather Customs, Craig and Dion from Kal Koncepts, and Hills Hot Rods all kicked in to get the week started off right. Very Vegas and The Flying Fadders performed live for more than 350 people. There was food, beer, and cool music for all to enjoy, and this was a great jump-start for the week.

Word on the street for Thursday night was to head over to Wasted Space located inside the Hard Rock Hotel. John from Freaks of Nature worked a deal with the club that allowed us minitruckers a free passage thru the doors. When we rolled in about 10 p.m., it was packed, from one side of the club to the other. It was good times had by all until the early hours of the morning. After this year we look forward to what is going to happen next year and you can bet it is going to be wild.

Every year the Mini Truckin' Awards are presented to the recipients without a crowd for all to see. This year we wanted to change that, and invite all that could be invited to witness these great achievements. So on Wednesday afternoon we invaded the Kinetik Audio Booth, who had drinks and adult beverages ready for the next couple of hours of hangin' out and award presentations. Nearly 150 people gathered around the Kinetik booth as we presented the Best of '08 Awards along with inducting Bob Hase as the first member to the Mini Truckin' Hall of Fame. So congratulations to all the recipients, and we will see you next year for the '09 Award Presentations.