Custom car show will cruise into Salina with Elvis tribute artist, 'CHiPs' star and more

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·2 min read
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A world-class Elvis tribute, "CHiPs" star Erik Estrada and more are coming to Salina later this month for the largest custom car show on Earth.

The 43rd annual Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) Leadsled Spectacular is back from July 27-30 in downtown Salina and at Oakdale Park.

The weekend begins, like every year, with a sundown cruise beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in downtown Salina. Hundreds of custom cars will parade along Santa Fe Avenue in front of thousands of spectators sitting and standing on the sidewalks.

People from all over the United States, including many locals, came to exhibit and look at the over 1,000 custom cars during the Kustom Kemps of America Leadsled Spectacular in 2022. The largest custom car show in the world is back in Oakdale Park in Salina this month.
People from all over the United States, including many locals, came to exhibit and look at the over 1,000 custom cars during the Kustom Kemps of America Leadsled Spectacular in 2022. The largest custom car show in the world is back in Oakdale Park in Salina this month.

The fun continues with show cars, trucks, drag machines, vintage bicycles, vendors, swappers and bands from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday throughout Oakdale Park.

Elvis tribute show at the Stiefel Theatre

This year, KKOA is bringing a special concert, "One Night with Elvis."

Victor Trevino, who was named Graceland's Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2022, will take the stage at the Stiefel Theatre at 8 p.m. July 28.

The KKOA website said Trevino, who will be backed by the “Randy Rockem Stockum Band,” performs regularly at Graceland and in casinos, theaters, festivals and corporate events throughout the world.

Advance tickets for the show are available for cash only at the theater's box office, Cozy Inn, Quality Inn and at the Leadsled Spectacular registration T-shirt booths.

For tickets on the night of the show, credit card purchases are available at the Stiefel Theatre front entrance. All tickets are $25.

Actor Erik Estrada slated as celebrity guest

Each year, KKOA looks to bring some of the best-known celebrities to celebrate the Leadsled Spectacular, and this year is no exception with Erik Estrada scheduled to be on site throughout the weekend.

Estrada is best known as the star of the TV show "CHiPs," where he played Officer Francis "Ponch" Poncherello, a motorcycle officer with the California Highway Patrol.

Other events scheduled throughout weekend

For more information about the 43rd annual Leadsled Spectacular, like a schedule of events that includes drag racing at Berkley Family Recreational Area on Friday night, beauty contests, a vintage bicycle spoke-tacular and more, visit the KKOA website at kustomkempsofamerica.com.

Those interested can also contact KKOA by calling 417-847-2940 or emailing kkemps09@centurytel.net.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: 2023 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular custom car show coming to Salina