Los Angeles Auto Show draws holiday crowd

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Mall-weary Southlanders ditched the shops and headed to the Los Angeles Auto Show over the holiday weekend.

Fed up with football? Tired of turkey leftovers? Is mall madness something you avoid? Why not do what lots of people do every year - take in the Los Angeles Auto Show instead.

"It has become a tradition for a lot of communities in L.A.," said Brendan Flynn, a spokesperson for the L.A. Auto Show. "Thanksgiving Day was very crowded, and the day after, I mean it's better than being in the mall."

This is now the L.A. Auto Show's regular time of year, and many people prefer this to Black Friday shopping.

"Way too many people at the mall. This is way more fun. You get to look at different cars and different things," said Jessica Hand, of Denver, Colorado. "Definitely something different than shopping."

Lots of walking and looking makes for good exercise. There's a lot to do, too. At Toyota's display, they might let you be part of their game show.

There are also driving simulators - even for those way too young to drive.

Slip on a pair of virtual reality goggles, and you get to see the assembly process of a Chrysler 200 while seated in the car.

If you prefer actual reality, there's always the regular old test drive. Several manufacturers have them going on right outside.

There are all kinds of things to see and do. Auto show officials say that yes, next year the show will run over Thanksgiving weekend, too. So keep that in mind as you're making plans.

Why not gawk at the latest new cars and even take a few for a spin - instead of having your head spin during a shopping marathon.

The show runs until Sunday, Nov. 30.

Get more information about the event by visiting, www.laautoshow.com.