Drive-Invasion: ‘It is what it is’
1947 Studebaker Wrecker
In a town as big as Atlanta, it is inevitable that there are going to be major events that just don’t cater to everyone in the city. But there is a strange phenomenon that occurs whenever a group of people get together and have a good time based on their shared interests — somebody feels left out and makes a fuss about it. Well, that’s just too bad, because if you couldn’t find an event in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend that fit your niche, you were not looking hard enough. Dragon*Con? Montreux Jazz Festival? Black Gay Pride? Drive-Invasion? Damn, there is something for everyone ...
Since its inception, Drive-Invasion has served as a sort of “homecoming/family reunion”-type event, with many of the original supporters being the folks who were part of the Star Bar-rockabilly -Redneck Underground scene in the early ’90s. As the event expanded to include car shows, vendors, camping and bigger crowds, it has gone through a couple of different guiding hands. But for the most part, the event is a celebration of some pretty specific aspects of American culture — drive-in cult movies, country, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll music, flashy cars, and retro fashion. It’s a visual smorgasbord for people-watching, and the loose structure of the event allows a lot of leeway in how people play.
For some it’s an excuse to drink to oblivion and raise some hell. For others it’s a forum to show off tattoo-covered skin (and plenty of it). And for some it is a chance to relax, hear cool bands, laugh at awful movies, imbibe, eat well (or poorly), and be with friends who you haven’t seen since, well, last year.