NORWICH – For many, the long Memorial Day weekend means the official start to summer – barbecues, parades, and of course, the start of auto show season. That tradition continues this weekend as the 50th annual Rolling Antiquers Auto Show and Flea Market rolls into the fairgrounds in Norwich.

Gates will open at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday and will close at 5 p.m. both days. Cost of admission is $5 – a price that’s remained the same for years, according to Rolling Antiquers President Sewain Conklin – and people can expect the same family-fun atmosphere the event is known for.

“I think there’s growing optimism about the weather this weekend. Whenever there’s good weather, we always see a big turnout,” said Conklin. In spite of last year’s unseasonably cold weather, the show still brought more than 6,000 people. Hopes this year are to see that number jump to 10,000, added Conklin. “We get people from all over the northeast and sometimes further. People travel quite a ways for this show.”

Being the show’s golden anniversary, there are some new things to look forward to this year, including a special display by the Northeast Classic Car Museum on both days – something that’s never been done before. But the big thing, said Conklin, is the parade scheduled for Saturday.

“We wanted to have a parade this year to celebrate our 50th year,” said Conklin. He said organizers aim to use the parade to draw even more interest in the weekend’s events.

The show itself is classified into two categories. Saturday is for hot rods and muscle cars, but Sunday is all about the classics. In accordance with Antique Automobile Club regulation, all cars must be older than 25 years. Judging will be held around 3 p.m. both days, awarding trophies to the best in show. Pre registration numbers already exceed last year’s, said Conklin, although a brunt of those who turnout to the show register the day of the event.