By Susan Voyles, Reno Gazette-Journal

Twenty-five years ago, Wolfman Jack took to the stage in the parking lot at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, and Hot August Nights was born.

“When Wolfman Jack got on that stage, the crowd went crazy. Everybody went nuts,” said Willie Davison, event co-founder. “That first night was something. We had to get a hold of that tiger by the tail. It was unbelievable.”

While only about 3,000 people were expected, Davison said 10,000 people showed up that first night and emptied a Coors truck loaded with a hundred kegs of beer. That was Aug. 1, 1986.

Davison said people jumped at the chance to relive the good times, classic cars and rock n’ roll from their high school years in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Hot August Nights drew 28,000 people for three days that first year in 1986, nearly three times more than expected. Today, it’s the biggest event in Reno and Sparks.

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