Wild West Hop

The West Bottoms used to be known for its stockyards. Now, most people go there for haunted houses or underground clubs. But this afternoon, it’ll be known for hydraulics. From noon to 9 p.m., Union Press screen printers (1219 Union) will hold a block party and a lowrider contest. Union Press owner Zach Lovely estimates that about 70 lowriders from across the Midwest will show up for the first-ever Wild West Showdown. It’s $20 to enter the highest-hop contest, but the block party is free for everybody else. And because it is a block party, there will be barbecue on the grill and a DJ spinning oldies. Lovely says he’s bringing his ’71 El Camino, with three pumps and 10 batteries, but he won’t be competing. “Mine’s not a hopper,” he says. “But I’ll definitely be three-wheeling it.” Call 816-842-5683.

Sun., Aug. 17, 2008