Cadillac Kings All Chapter BBQ – Land Yachts in Lancaster
For thirteen years the Cadillac Kings Car Club has kept to the original premise of preserving and enjoying vintage Cadillacs. It began in May of 2005 with 10 to 15 Cadillac owners who never really felt at home with the purists. The club quickly formed into multiple chapters in Southern California; today it has a staggering twenty chapters internationally, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The thought of changing what the factory did was polarizing to some enthusiasts; one just doesn’t change what is referred to as “perfection”. As the club grew in numbers so has the acceptance into the rest of the Cadillac community. The Kings however, have held true to the original ideal of “stock or modified, pretty or rusty…ALL are welcome.”
With growth comes the struggle for members to stay close and thus the annual All Chapters BBQ was born. Another great aspect is different chapters volunteer to host each year, which always keeps things fresh and new. This year the Antelope Valley and San Fernando Chapter’s teamed up to host the festivities in Lancaster, California. The crew organized an incredible event with a DJ, raffles, trophies, and a top notch taco stand grilling up fresh carne asada. Other chapters set up their tents along vendors row, with each chapter selling merchandise to the rest of the members from all over the world.
There was representation from almost all of the chapters. This year included the two newest, Edmonton, Alberta Canada and taking the “Farthest Traveled” award, the United Kingdom!
Other chapters made the annual pilgrimage from all over the United States. Classic Cadillacs and members made the trip from various cities around Southern California, New Mexico, Cleveland, and my own chapter from Las Vegas which took the “Farthest Driven in a Cadillac” award by logging over 520 miles round trip with 4 cars. In Lancaster it was all hugs and handshakes as old friends came together and new friendships were formed. Over 100 classic Cadillacs were in attendance including chapter members as well as some local rides that rolled through to check out the packed lot. Lots of kids came along too giving it a great family vibe.
Often referred to as “boats,” Cadillacs hold a certain allure. Cadillac set the “Standard of the World” for many years. To own a vintage Cadillac when it was new was a sign of status, reserved for an elite class, especially the luxury models like Fleetwood and Eldorado.
Then there are the gas stations. With the fuel fillers in the rear of most old cads, a group of these land yachts can essentially lock down a filling station for a good while; we won’t even discuss gas prices.
After the BBQ those who were staying overnight reformed at a local bar and grill to extend the good times. This is the one time a year the club can bring the extensions of the world together to get to know one another and really establish what it means to be a Cadillac King. You can bet that wherever this event is held next year my family and I will be there, cruising our old Cadillac.
If you want to join us, find us on social media or on our website. Come roll with us!
