By RYAN CHRISTNER

rchristner@dailynews.net

It was supposed to be a one-time event.

However, the rhythmic purr of engines, the dazzling luster of chrome accents and the timeless beauty of leather seats have proved to be irresistible as the sixth installment of the Rock, Roll, Ride auto show is set to navigate its way to Hays this weekend.

Beginning Friday night, automotive buffs will be in town to showcase the work they have put into restoring, modifying and "pimping" their cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Part of a series of similar events that is put on monthly during the summer, Darrell Unrein and his band of car enthusiasts will be hosting a "cruise night," from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday between Kentucky Fried Chicken and Advance Auto Parts on Vine Street.

Unrein, of Vernie's Trux-N-Equipment, said the event typically is fun, with multiple activities for participants. This month's event features a poker run and will give away money and door prizes.

Sponsored by 20 local businesses and helped by Lewis Ford, which relocates all its inventory off lots to make room for the flood of participants, the auto show has been managed by Unrein since its inception.

Taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lots at Lewis Ford, 4450 Vine, entrants pay a $25 registration fee and receive a free lunch from Boors Bar-B-Q of Great Bend. Music will be provided by disc jockey Scott King of Goodland.

Unrein said he encourages the public to stop by.

"At any car show you go to, even out of town, it seems like the only people that come to the car show are the car buffs," he said.

About 20 trophies and other rewards are slated to be given away. Categories range from traditional -- best of show, best muscle -- to unique, with offerings like best high school, for younger participants who otherwise might not win a trophy when pitted against veterans, and best potential, where participants can enter a vehicle that isn't necessarily in good condition but has the potential to be award-winning.

Voting is done entirely by the paid participants, save for sheriff's choice and mayor's choice, where Ed Harbin and Barbara Wasinger pick their favorite entries.

Unrein said an award of $300 will be given to the nonprofit club that enters the most vehicles. Additionally, the car show is given rooms from area hotels to distribute as prizes, so winners can have a free place to stay when they come in future years.

What money isn't given away as prizes is donated to charities. Unrein said they have been giving most of their funds this summer to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County and the American Cancer Society.

Unrein said the car show is now the only one in Hays, and it is reflected in attendance. The car show typically pulls in more than 100 entrants, rain or shine.

"If the cars all show up, it's a beautiful scene," he said.

The auto show started five years ago as a special affair commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Co. Although Unrein admits putting the annual event together can be taxing at times, he plans to organize shows for as long as there is interest.

For now, Unrein and his fellow event organizers are focusing on having fun and putting on a good show this weekend.

"We're just goofing around," he said.