Cloudy weather did not keep more than 80 sponsors, 600 beautiful cars and 35,000 guests from this weekend's Kragen O'Reilly Sacramento Autorama at Cal Expo. This year marks 60 years of appreciation for customized, classic American muscle cars.

The rods, which rolled in Wednesday for registration and early judging, still can be viewed Sunday, the last chance to catch the three-day show. This year's theme, Mardi Gras, lends a special flavor to the event with decoration and awards for cars that best depict the theme.

The anniversary makes this a special year for event producer John Buck. Pictures of show winners all the way back to the first Autorama in 1950 are on display.

The Capital Auto Club, known as "the Thunderbolts," started the show as a friendly competition to see who had the hottest of the hot rods. The carscould win several awards and a tradition was born.

Every year since 1950, attendance has grown.

"In customization, this is where the people are," said Jim Matus, owner of Jim's Chevy Parts in Rancho Cordova. This is Matus' sixth year as a vendor at Autorama. "We do a number of shows every year and this is by far the best audience."

Buck said he believes that family values are the backbone of Autorama. Discount family packages are available, with Hot Wheels toys for the kids. The music and entertainment at the show is always family friendly. "Even the pin-up show is focused on the fashion and not the skin," Buck said.

Buck said Autorama's main sponsors -- Kragen O'Reilly, Les Schwab Tire Centers and Sacramento Vintage Ford -- emphasize family values.

Family fun, amazing cars, and hundreds of musicians and entertainers make the Kragen O'Reilly Autorama a great way to enjoy a piece of classic American history.

For information on the event, a list of prize winners and plans for next year, visit www.rodshows.com