(Words and photos by Mike Brooks) – A popular urban legend here in the Western NY hot rodding community involves a huge backyard blowout party that consists of vintage and traditional hot rods, bonfires, burnouts and barbecue. A party so intense, folks from miles around gather to take in the festivities, bench race, chill out, enjoy their favorite beverages, listen to live music, and witness a cult like sacrifice to the tire gods. This year marked the 10th annual Hardcore Happening and I finally got the chance to see it for myself, and let me tell you, everything I heard is true!
The party is hosted by Jesse and Jolene Coots. Jesse owns and runs Old Soul Hot Rod shop in Leroy, NY. The shop specializes in traditional and old school rods and customs. The shop sits on the same property as their home. This massive get together is literally held in their backyard! The whole shin-dig is put together by Jesse, Jolene, and a whole list of volunteers and friends with the cooperation of town authorites and neighbors. The focus of the Hardcore Happening is not to drum-up business for the shop like some infomercial, it’s simply a gathering of friends and soon to be friends just to have a good time. It’s just a bunch of hot rod good ol’ boys and gals kickin’ back and enjoying themselves.
The whole deal is as laid back as can be and the Coots’ do everything they can to make you feel like family. The property was filled with cool rides and a few hundred people. Out front, hot rods of all kinds did some community service by putting a fresh layer of “sealer” to the asphalt in front of the Coots residence. This party is permanently on my “must do” list from here on out. I suggest it makes your list too. You gotta see this for yourself!!
For more info on the Hardcore Happening and Old Soul Hot Rod Shop, check out:
Check out the photos from this hot rod party here –
