Union County is gearing up for a full day of cars, chrome, horsepower and hometown history as the Thunder Road Car Show and Swap Meet rolls into Wilson Park and Union County High School on Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

This community-centered automotive event is designed to bring together hot rods, classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, modern performance builds, vintage parts vendors and automotive enthusiasts from across the region. Spectator admission is free, making it an affordable and family-friendly way to spend a Saturday surrounded by some of the finest vehicles in East Tennessee.

The car show is open to all makes and models, welcoming everything from restored antiques, survivors and street rods to race cars and late-model customs. Registration is $20 per vehicle and will take place the day of the show. Participants will compete for a variety of honors, including Top Show Awards, Best of Show, Specialty Awards, Club Participation Awards and Door Prizes throughout the day. We hope to see strong participation from local car clubs and independent builders alike.

The swap meet will be a major attraction for anyone hunting parts or automotive memorabilia. Vendors will offer car parts, hot rod parts, racing components, gas and oil memorabilia and other collectibles. Swap meet setup is $20, first come, first served, with vendors allowed to use as much space as needed. Whether you're restoring a project car, searching for a hard-to-find piece, or clearing out your own garage, the swap meet provides the perfect opportunity to buy, sell and trade.

A standout feature of this year’s event will be the Moonshine Alley Display, presented by the Union County Historical Society. This specialty exhibit will celebrate the region’s deep-rooted automotive and moonshine heritage with a moonshine still on display, period-correct moonshine haulers and vehicles inspired by the iconic 1958 film Thunder Road starring Robert Mitchum. The display will highlight the unique connection between Appalachian history and the early days of performance driving, when ingenuity and speed often went hand in hand.

Adding even more excitement, the National Street Rod Association will be onsite conducting vehicle safety inspections and hosting an Appreciation Day. This offers participants a valuable opportunity to ensure their vehicles meet recommended safety standards while connecting with one of the most recognized organizations in the street rod community.

In addition to the show vehicles and vendors, attendees can enjoy a variety of food trucks and specialty vendors, as well as a Car Corral featuring vehicles for sale. The event aims to create an atmosphere where longtime enthusiasts, young builders, families and first-time attendees can all feel welcome.

The Thunder Road Car Show and Swap Meet is more than just a car show — it is a gathering of the local automotive community. Whether you are showcasing a build, searching for parts, supporting local vendors, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds, this event promises something for everyone.

For more information, please visit Thunder Road Car Show and Swap Meet on Facebook or contact Charlie Hamilton at (865) 258-3804 or email Spike9250@gmail.com.

Make plans now to attend March 21, and experience a full day of cars, community, history and horsepower in Union County.