Model A Ford Club of America · National Convention

“A” Centennial Celebration

1928 – 2028 · One Hundred Years of the Model A

2028 MAFCA National Convention medallion — A Centennial Celebration, New Orleans, LA, 1928–2028, Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
May 21–27, 2028 Kenner · New Orleans, Louisiana Hosted by the New Orleans A’s

A fun-filled week of antique cars and New Orleans hospitality.

See the Week’s Schedule Hotels & Venues

The Occasion

One Century of the Model A — Celebrated the New Orleans Way

In 1928, Ford introduced the Model A and put America on the road. In 2028, we mark one hundred years of that remarkable automobile in one of America’s most remarkable cities. The New Orleans A’s, the local chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America, invite members from across the country to a week of touring, judging, fashion, and fellowship in Southeast Louisiana.

Our headquarters sits in Kenner, on the western edge of Jefferson Parish, minutes from Louis Armstrong International Airport and an easy drive from the French Quarter, the Garden District, the river plantations, and the bayous of Barataria. Late May brings pleasant weather, quiet roads, and off-peak rates — a perfect time for Model A’s to roam.

Laissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll.

Reverse of the 2028 convention medallion — Model A Ford Club of America, NOLA Model A's, New Orleans, LA

Tours & Excursions

Four Days, Four Unforgettable Outings

Some days we drive our Model A’s on routes chosen for antique-car cruising speeds — no interstates. Other days, motorcoaches carry us into the city while the cars rest.

Driving Tour · Model A’s

Swamp Boat Tour & Jean Lafitte

We caravan south over the Huey P. Long Bridge and along the levee roads to the town of Jean Lafitte. Stop at the Jean Lafitte Park Visitor Center to walk the boardwalk through a cypress swamp, then board swamp boats at Airboat Adventures for a guided tour of the marshes and their wildlife — moss-draped cypress, herons, and yes, alligators.

About 30 miles each way on paved roads at Model A cruising speeds, with a lead car and sweep car.

Motorcoach Excursion

The National World War II Museum

Consistently ranked among the finest museums in the world, The National WWII Museum in downtown New Orleans brings the American experience of the Second World War to life through immersive exhibits, restored vehicles and aircraft, and the personal stories of the Greatest Generation. Comfortable motorcoaches run from both hotels for a full day at the museum.

Motorcoach Excursion

Steamboat Natchez River Cruise

Cruise the mighty Mississippi aboard the Steamboat Natchez — the last authentic steam-powered paddlewheeler still operating on the river. Before boarding, her famous 32-whistle steam calliope plays a concert that echoes across the French Quarter, just as it did in the golden age of river travel.

Driving Tour · Model A’s

The Grand Tour — Historic River Road

Our signature drive follows the Historic River Road north along the Mississippi. We stop at Destrehan Plantation, cross the Bonnet Carré Spillway — the engineering marvel that protects New Orleans from high water — and continue upriver to Laura Plantation. The day finishes at Oak Alley Plantation with a tour of the grounds beneath its famous canopy of 300-year-old oaks, lunch, and a leisurely return to the hotel.

All paved roads, 40–50 mph maximum, with ethanol-free fuel stops mapped along the route.

At the Convention

A Full Week of Model A Tradition

Welcome Party

Kick off the week Sunday evening with food, music, and old friends — New Orleans hospitality from the very first night.

Car Judging — Two Days

Fine Point judging and Restorer’s Class evaluation across two full days at the Pontchartrain Center, honoring the craft of authentic restoration.

Seminars

A week-long series of technical and historical seminars on the Model A — mechanics, restoration, judging standards, and the world of 1928–1931.

Era Fashion Show & Luncheon

Era fashion judging, displays, and a fashion show with luncheon celebrating the styles of the Model A years.

Gymkhana Driving Games

Skill-based driving games in your Model A — slow races, precision courses, and plenty of friendly rivalry in the Pontchartrain Center lot.

Hubley Derby

The beloved antique Hubley car races return — build, tune, and race your Hubley down the ramp for bragging rights and trophies.

Swap Meet & Vendors

An old-parts swap meet plus commercial vendors showing the full extent of Model A parts and supplies available today.

Hospitality & Raffle Room

Open daily at the Hilton — refreshments, raffle prizes, and a place to visit between events.

Awards Banquet

The week concludes Friday evening with the Awards Banquet — trophies, celebration, and a proper New Orleans send-off.

Hubley Derby race in a convention ballroom with spectators watching the ramp
Hubley Derby action — a MAFCA tradition.
Hubley Derby at the Loveland convention with a large crowd around the track
Hubley Derby in Loveland — photo by Jason Binkley.

Schedule of Events

The Week at a Glance

Times and events are preliminary and subject to change as planning continues. Tap a day to expand it.

Sunday, May 21Arrival & Welcome Party
Noon – 5:00 PMEarly registration · Parts vendors set-up — Hilton
6:00 – 9:00 PMWelcome Party — Hilton Grand Ballroom
Monday, May 22Registration · Garden District tour · Seminars
8:00 AM – 2:00 PMRegistration — Hilton
9:00 AM – 4:00 PMHospitality & Raffle Room open
1:00 – 5:00 PMFashion Boutique open
All DaySelf-guided Garden District driving tour — St. Charles Avenue, Audubon Park, the historic Garden District
2:00 – 4:00 PMFashion entrants & judges meetings
4:00 – 5:00 PMSeminar — Hilton
Tuesday, May 23Car & fashion judging · Swamp boat tour
9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFine Point Car Judging — Pontchartrain Center
10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFashion judging, display & models — Hilton
9:00 AM – 3:00 PMDriving tour — Jean Lafitte & swamp boat tour
All DayHospitality & Raffle Room · Repair tent · Parts vendors · Seminars
Wednesday, May 24Fashion show · WWII Museum · Hubley races
8:00 AM – 5:00 PMRestorer’s Class Evaluation Judging
8:30 AM – 4:30 PMMotorcoach excursion — The National WWII Museum
1:00 – 4:00 PMEra Fashion Show & Luncheon — Hilton
6:00 – 7:00 PMHubley check-in
7:00 PMHubley Derby races — Hilton
Thursday, May 25The Grand Tour
9:00 AM – 4:00 PMGrand Tour with lunch — Historic River Road: Destrehan Plantation, Bonnet Carré Spillway, Laura Plantation & Oak Alley Plantation
Friday, May 26Swap meet · Riverboat · Gymkhana · Awards Banquet
8:00 AM – NoonSwap meet · Raffle winnings pick-up — Hilton
8:00 AM – 4:00 PMMAFCA Board Meeting — Hilton
Late MorningMotorcoach excursion — Steamboat Natchez river cruise
Noon – 4:00 PMGymkhana driving games — Pontchartrain Center
6:00 – 9:00 PMAwards Banquet — Hilton
Saturday, May 27Farewell
MorningCheck-out — safe travels, and thank you for celebrating the centennial with us!

Where We’ll Stay

Host Hotels & Convention Venues

Both hotels sit in Kenner, Louisiana, minutes from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, with complimentary airport shuttles, designated Model A parking, and nightly security.

Headquarters Hotel

Hilton New Orleans Airport

901 Airline Drive · Kenner, LA 70062

$155 / night — single through quad occupancy, plus tax

  • Host site for all indoor events except car judging
  • 150 designated Model A parking spaces
  • Hospitality room, seminars, fashion displays & ballroom events
  • Complimentary airport shuttle & Wi-Fi
Overflow Hotel

DoubleTree New Orleans Airport

2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd · Kenner, LA 70062

$155 / night including parking, plus tax

  • 120 designated Model A parking spaces in a gated lot
  • Outdoor pool · Hilton Honors points
  • Complimentary airport shuttle
Pontchartrain Center, Kenner — on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain — hosts the car judging in Hall A and the Gymkhana in the West lot. Trailer and tow-vehicle parking is arranged one block from the Hilton in a secured, well-lit paved lot, available for the full week. Repair tent, local Model A mechanics, parts stores, and towing support are on call throughout the convention.

With Grateful Thanks To Our Partners

Convention Sponsors

The 2028 MAFCA National Convention is presented with the generous support of Visit Jefferson Parish and the City of Kenner, whose hospitality makes this centennial celebration possible.