Car enthusiasts and gear heads unite! The Sacramento International Automotive Show is coming this Friday through Sunday at Cal Expo.

The auto show has been held in Sacramento for more than 25 years, according to Stacey Castle, president of Castle Communications and producer for the international show. The show this year will be larger than ever before, she said. 

"The Auto Show is the largest show that takes place in Sacramento, other than the State Fair," Castle said. "It takes all 13 buildings at Cal Expo, plus the three on-site 'Ride N Drive' test tracks." 

The European-spec 2010 Ford Fiesta and redesigned 2010 Mustang will be two of many cars available. Attendees can visit the "Ford Ride N Drive Corral," located outside building D, for the entire line up of vehicles. Chevrolet will also be featuring models to test drive. Participants must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license to drive on the test tracks. 

Attendees can expect to see the upcoming 2010 models and private collection cars from EuroSunday, and many other collector car clubs, such as Corvette and Mustang to name a few. 

"EuroSunday is bringing an elite collection of 30-plus exotics in a benefit for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society," Castle said. "Show-goers can fill out a people's choice ballot for their favorite exotic. The car owner with the most votes will have a $3,000 donation made on their behalf to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society courtesy of the auto show." 

Infineon and Mazda Laguna Seca race vehicles along with alternative transportation, such as scooters, golf-carts and ATVs, will be on site. The Howlin' Alan band will also be performing at the General Motors stage. In addition, there will also be a car sale. 

"For the first time ever we are having a Classic Car and Rod sale," Castle said. "This year's show is offering a terrific mix of the new [car] products, plus close to 200 individual collector vehicles which include rare exotics, club cars, street rods, race cars and historic cars." 

The Auto Show is kid-friendly and family encouraged. Building A will feature the "Kids Time's Out," with bounce houses, lounge areas for parents and movies to watch. This year, there is also a "Meal Deal" coupon available online, and Sunday is "Family Day" with free admission to kids 16 and under with a paying adult. Proceeds are being donated to local charities, and Sacramento high schools and community colleges to further promote automotive education.

More than $1 million has been donated to date, Castle said. 

"The local area high schools with automotive programs will receive benefit," Castle said. "We have a mobile 'lending library' of automotive equipment that we trailer to the high schools because they can't afford to buy these pieces. The schools check them out, and then we pick them back up."  

Local high schools and community colleges also receive scholarships and additional equipment, Castle added. 

Despite the bleak economic outlook especially when it comes to purchasing new vehicles, Castle said she remains optimistic.

"I certainly believe the automotive market has shifted a bit this year," she said. "But Americans have always had a love affair with their cars, whether they are in the market to buy or not." 

The Sacramento International Auto Show is Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, with the doors opening at 10 a.m.  Tickets can be purchased at the door. $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free Friday and Saturday.  Sunday is Family Day with a parent's paid admission, kids under 16 are free.

The link for the print-at-home $3 off admission and $5 meal deal coupon can be found here. 

Photos courtesy Sacramento International Car Show website.