(Words by Mike Brooks – Photos by Brooks/Ferrer) – Last year we told you about the great time we had at this annual event featuring mainly old school traditional hot rods and customs along with some of the best people you’ll ever get to hang out with. Old Soul Hot Rod shop located in LeRoy, NY sits on the same property as the home of the shop’s owner, Jesse Coots. Each year Jesse and his wife Jolene open their doors and host the “Hardcore Happening”, an awesome backyard cookout featuring some really cool cars and about 1,500 friends. The atmosphere at this party is nothing short of amazing.
Great food, live music, burnout festivities in the street, a huge bonfire, and tons of people and families enjoying a gorgeous summer evening. You could literally roll into this event alone and end up leaving feeling a part of the family. The hot rods, bikes and customs scattered all the yard are just the backdrop. This party is about the people in the Hot Rodding community. If you live anywhere near the Western and Central NY area, you have to put this event on your list!
Hell, this year we saw the return of a couple from New Zealand come to the party to take delivery of Jesse’s shop truck and begin their cross country journey to California before shipping the truck home. How cool is that! (Stay tuned for an upcoming feature story about their journey from Bangshifter Jose Ferrer) Trust me, this shindig is where it’s at! A huge thanks to Jesse, Jolene, and all the volunteers that make the Hardcore Happening so special.
