The 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama is underway at the GRB Convention Center in downtown Houston. Throngs of Houston-area car nuts are walking off their Thanksgiving feasts and enjoying the stellar collection of custom vehicles at the golden anniversary event. Visitors also lined up for autographs from pin-up model/writer Heidi Van Horne, who appeared from 12-4 p.m.

The event goes until 9 p.m. this evening and continues tomorrow and Sunday.

Let’s get one thing straight. This year’s 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston is all about the cars. But much like the Houston AutoRamas of the 1960s, the Thanksgiving Weekend event (Nov. 26-29) offers something for everyone in the form of celebrity appearances and daredevil performers.

Leading the way this year will be pin-up model/writer Heidi Van Horne and actress Jennette McCurdy. Van Horne (above) is one of the most recognizable models in the hot rod world, as well as an accomplished writer and actress. Her weekly automotive column in the Houston Chronicle is a must read. Van Horne will appear from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28.

McCurdy plays the rebellious and comedic “Sam Puckett” on the acclaimed kids TV show “iCarly.” Her previous TV credits include “Lincoln Heights,” “Will and Grace” and “Law and Order:SVU” among many others. McCurdy will greet fans and sign autographs on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

More information about the cars and stars of the O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston is available here.

In celebration of the 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston this Thanksgiving Weekend, Art Cars of Houston Inc. will host a “GlowoRama” parade on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. The illuminated art cars will travel down Avenida De Las Americas in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event will conclude with an “AfterGlow” party inside Hall A of the building. Street-side parade viewing is free, while GlowoRama VIP Balcony Viewing tickets and AfterGlow party tickets are available at www.GlowoRama.com.

Both the Houston AutoRama and Houston art cars are longstanding traditions in the Southwest and have attracted large followings. For the first time ever, gear heads from both groups will join forces to celebrate the hot rod culture.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston will take place Nov. 26-29 and is one of the largest and longest running indoor car shows in the United States. The event will feature a salute to the past five decades, as well as a stellar lineup of custom cars, motorcycles, racecars, tuners, trucks and family entertainment. The O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama is sanctioned by the International Show Car Association (ISCA).

5 decades of cool customs, wild motorcycles, vintage classics and notable personalities will be celebrated this Thanksgiving as the Houston AutoRama turns 50 years old. The golden anniversary event, to take place Nov. 26-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, will include parties and tributes to local clubs and individuals who have helped produce the show since its inception, along with some of the most heralded custom cars in world. As one the largest and longest running indoor car shows in North America, the O’Reilly AutoRama has become a Thanksgiving weekend mainstay in Houston, where the hot rod culture is stronger than ever.

Stay tuned for event updates and highlights, including information on the GlowoRama art car parade on Saturday, Nov. 28. Visit www.autorama.com for more details.