130 years after a small settlement along the banks of a creek – anchored by the Blacksmith shop – grew into what we know today as the Town of Danville, transportation; more specifically the automobile continues to play an important role.  Not only does a major freeway (680) divide the town, a large company (Chevron) that started as a supplier of gasoline for the emerging automobile industry provides employment for many of the residents of the town.

While there is no new car and very few used auto dealerships located in the town, the automobile still plays an important and interesting part of town life. In summer, Danville is the site of several car shows.

Probably the most known is the July and August Hot Rod Car Shows that are held along Danville’s Hartz Avenue, from Linda Mesa to the merge with railroad Avenue. On selected Thursday nights, (usually 2 in July, 2 in August) Hartz avenue is closed down to traffic, (it is routed down Railroad Ave) and the hot Rods take over. Beginning at 3PM they stage for the show which runs from 4PM until 9PM. There are cars on display from the early 20’s to the mid 70’s, and people come from all over the area to walk down Hartz avenue, on a warm summer night, looking at the cars and socializing with their friends and neighbors.  It’s quite an event. Oh yeah . . . most of these people stop somewhere along the way and eat dinner, have a pizza, buy a soft drink or a beer, try an ice cream cone and generally contribute to the economy of the local merchants.

There are also other car shows in town . . . many of them held at the shopping center known as “The Livery” (at the intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Hartz Ave) where once again car owners (usually marquee specific) gather to show off their cars. There is usually a Mustang car show held in June, and I know in the past that there have been Jaguar, Pontiac GTO and Corvette shows also held there. Again, town’s people plus others come out for an afternoon of looking at the cars, and most usually stop along the way for something to eat or drink.

So if you are interested in cars, pay attention, watch for the flyers or ads and come out to Danville for an afternoon or evening of walking, looking at cars, visiting with friends and family, perhaps sampling some local restaurants food offering and a generally great time.