Rev it up: Back to the 50s is this weekend

The 35th Annual Back to the 50s event is this weekend, Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, sponsored by the Minnesota Street Rod Association and presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Hours and admission prices

Gates will be open on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free with each paid adult; $2 advance discount tickets are available at all participating O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Blogging action at Back to the 50s

Kris Palmer, Weekend Garage columnist for Star Tribune's Cars section and author of the book "Dream Garages," will be blogging from the event during the weekend. He'll report on event activities, steer readers to especially cool cars and interact with the classic-car community. Also online will be photo galleries of selected vehicles.

Visit Palmer's blog, called MotorMouth, at startribune.com/cars.

Some impressive numbers at Back to the 50s

Number of vehicles expected to be on display: More than 11,000 - Street rods, customs, classics and restored vehicles dating from 1964 and earlier.

Number of spectators expected to attend: More than 60,000

Number of commercial vendors on grounds: Nearly 300

Other activities and fun at event

Swap Meet: Begins at 6 a.m. on Sunday

Tenth Annual DANA MECUM Hot Rod Auction: Begins at 10 a.m. Saturday

Cruise-N-Arts Crafts Fair: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday

Free outdoor concerts: Friday and Saturday nights

Food vendors: Selling throughout the fairgrounds

Event website: www.msra.com