A nonprofit that promotes American car culture is hosting a prohibition-era themed event called Drive the Blues Away: Bootleggers Blowout on Feb. 22 at America’s Car Museum (ACM) in Tacoma, Washington. The event by America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) kicks off the nonprofit’s 2019 Signature Event and will feature live music, southern bites from “Tacoma’s best chefs” and locally sourced spirits, cocktails, beer and wine.

The 18^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution took effect on Jan. 17, 1920, effectively banning the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol throughout the U.S. Poor economic conditions and demand for whiskey led farmers and families to begin producing and distributing homebrewed moonshine throughout the country.

To ensure success, budding bootleggers would modify their vehicles’ engines, suspensions and more in an effort to outwit law enforcement. Skilled drivers as young as 14 used knowledge of local roads and whiskey cars to safeguard their livelihood as they raced to make deliveries, building the foundation for what would become stock car racing.

“Prohibition and automobiles are intimately linked as the ban on alcohol laid the groundwork for stock car racing and America’s love affair with speed,” said David Madeira, AAT vice chairman. “This year’s Drive the Blues Away is a great way for locals and visitors to usher in the springtime and celebrate all things automotive at America’s Car Museum.”

Drive the Blues Away, now in its fifth year, will feature bevvies from Heritage Distilling Co., Copperworks Distilling Company, Glass Distillery, Temple Distilling, Jim Beam, Gig Harbor Brewing, Pacific Brewing, Narrows Brewing Company, Elysian, Budweiser and Hedges Family Estate.

Award-winning chefs from Dirty Oscar’s Annex, Cooks Tavern, Southern Kitchen and Carrs will help bring the Roaring ’20s back to life nearly a century after the Prohibition took effect.

Additionally, live music from Good Co and Whiskey River will keep the mood lively as guests enjoy the Montecristo Cigar Lounge, gaming tables, and a hidden speakeasy.

“While the 21^st Amendment officially brought Prohibition to an end, the era had a lasting impact on our nation’s automotive heritage,” Madeira said. “We’d like to thank our sponsors the LeMay Family Collection, Hagerty, Titus-Will, Commencement Bank, Olympic Eagle Distributing and Heritage Distilling Co. for their support in making this a memorable evening for all.”