Should I take my kids to Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale? 5 reasons to go
I didn't know what the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale was when my dad, the ultimate gearhead and mechanic, insisted I accompany him as a surly college student, not yet old enough to drink.
One more car show, I thought, on top of the boat and RV shows that he already dragged me to. Except this one wasn't.
I had fun. And — here's the important part — I have a memory of spending the day with my enthusiastic father and of the show itself. What stuck some 20-odd years later? The spectacle that was cars owned by Liberace and Elvis.
I believe kids and families who are more interested in a vehicle's wi-fi capabilities and cup holders can still make memories at Barrett-Jackson.
The car auction, that begins Saturday, Jan. 14, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 22, has grown in attendance, cars and side-show spectacles. In fact, it's better than it was two decades ago, because it now includes golf carts to ferry families for free from the WestWorld parking lot to the gate. I mean, there are other reasons, too. Here are five more:
1. Children 12 and under get in free on Saturday
Saturday is Coca-Cola Family Value Day. Bring as many kids as you can fit in the minivan. All free. General admission for adults is $17 in advance (barrett-jackson.com) or $20 at the gate. At the very least, even a toddler might enjoy being outside and watching the hustle-bustle. During the remaining eight days, kids 5 and younger are still free, while ages 6-12 pay between $8 and $30.
2. Connections to celebrities your kids might actually know
Maybe kids today won't be as awed as I was seeing Liberace's Cadillac. But they might be by a Ferrari owned by pop star Justin Bieber. Or If your kids don't Steven Tyler's hits with Aerosmith, they might know him as an "American Idol" judge. Preview his black 2012 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder and maybe even see him, since he is expected at the event. A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle and 2014 Chevrolet owned by race-car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. also will be auctioned for charity.
3. Horses! In addition to horsepower, you get multiple chances to see athletic horses
The first-ever Barrett-Jackson Arena Polo Party features the high-speed sport with two daily matches over two days. On Saturday, the U.S. Military Arena Polo Team competes against the United Kingdom Military Polo Team, followed by the Townsend Cup, which pits the USA against the United Kingdom. On Sunday, Feb. 15, two additional arena polo matches take place, featuring the top collegiate players from England and the USA. Admission is free to the matches with a ticket to the auction. The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show also will parade some of its decorated Arabians in advance of its February show.
4. Monster Energy BMX
Monster Energy BMX members perform high-flying tricks and flips for everyone to oooh and ahhh over with three exhibitions on Saturday. The exhibitions can be seen at noon-12:30 p.m., 2-2:30 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m.
5 things to see at 2017 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
5. Food: Because kids of all ages love snacks
There's no shortage of food or variety during the auction with dozens of vendors. Break out the wet wipes for Honey Bears BBQ; find something for every age at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers; or grab something sweet at the Corner Bakery Cafe.
MORE: 6 can't-miss collector car shows, auctions for 2017 in metro Phoenix | 10 highlights from Barrett-Jackson | Where to watch Barrett-Jackson on TV
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
When: Jen. 14-22. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day.
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale.
Admission: $17, free for ages 12 and younger on Family Value Day on Saturday, Jan. 14. $17-$75 for general admission, $8-$30 for ages 6-12 on Jan. 15-22; free for ages 5 or younger. $10-$45 for twilight-auction hours after 5 p.m. $70-$190 for an all week pass.
Details: 480-421-6694, barrett-jackson.com.
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Reach the reporter at sonja.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow at twitter.com/sonjahaller.