Cruizin' with the Oldies is bigger and better than ever, according to the event's chairman, Stan Goodwin.

"It's come to be one of the premier events in the Rocky Mountain region," he said. "So far our registration is way up from in the past. We're expecting 300 to 400 cars from all across the Western U.S."

The show begins today at noon with an automotive swap meet, where anyone can go to trade car parts. Registration is from 4 p.m. today until 5 p.m. Saturday.

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., automobile aficionados can browse the cars and take pictures during a cruise-in at Mossholders Design Center.

At 7 p.m. there will be a parade of cars, beginning at the intersection of Durbin and Second streets, and continuing up to Lennox Street, before looping back downtown. Spectators are invited to join in a Memorial salute to our veterans by waving an American flag.

"It's not just a one- or two-man show," Goodwin said. "It's a whole car club doing this thing."

A sock hop follows the parade at 8 p.m. at the Parkway Plaza and Convention Centre. The theme is "Buddy and Beyond," in a tribute to Buddy Holly. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and all proceeds go to the Casper Humane Society.

The main event - the car show - takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Fort Caspar Museum and is free and open to the public.

Dennis Gage from the Speed Channel will film the event for his television show, "My Classic Car," to be aired in 2009.

"He is trying to feature a car show in every state in the continental U.S.," said Goodwin. "Everybody's really excited about having the car show taped on Sunday."

But Goodwin says the event is more than just a car show.

"We have people in the cars, so you can go for a cruise around town, there will be a poker run, sock hop, car show, awards ceremonies, and breakfast for participants," he said. "Everybody can just come and enjoy the weekend and enjoy the car culture."

Reach Riane Menardi at (307) 266-0610 or riane.menardi@trib.com

On the Web

For more information, check out the Oil Capitol Auto Club web site at http://www.ocac.cc

Schedule of events

Today

* 4-6 p.m., Registration and photos at the Parkway Plaza Hotel

* Noon-6 p.m., Automotive swap meet at the Parkway Plaza Hotel

Saturday

* 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Registration, photos, and automotive swap meet at the Parkway Plaza Hotel

* 9 a.m. to noon, Short Cruise, beginning at the Parkway Plaza

* 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cruise-In at Mossholders Design Center

* 2-5 p.m., Poker Run and Sock Hop drawing

* 7 p.m., Parade

* 8 p.m., Sock Hop at Parkway Plaza Hotel

Sunday

* 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Show and Shine car show at Fort Caspar Museum