Pete Rodman/Daily NewsVeronica Gaskill (from left), 16, her sister, Alora, Clint Beasley, David Broshaw and Heath Sprinkle, all of Bowling Green, sit in line Thursday for the opening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” at the Great Escape 12 on Industrial Drive.

Yellow or red, classic or new, hardtop or convertible – all were welcome at this year’s 30th annual National Corvette Homecoming parade.

More than 150 Corvettes and, new to the event this year, Cadillac XLRs from across the nation took part in the more than 17-mile scenic parade from Greenwood High School to the downtown area Friday night.

Joe Pruitt, event coordinator and owner of the show, said the XLR will be a permanent fixture during the Corvette Homecoming from now on because the two are “car cousins.” The XLR was assembled at the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant from 2004 to 2009 alongside the Corvette.

Linda LaDrew, 61, of O’Fallon, Ill., bought her Cadillac XLR last August. LaDrew, who also owns a 1961 Corvette, said she brought her XLR to Bowling Green because it was the first year they were included in the event.

“It’s nice that they do this for us,” she said.

LaDrew and other XLR owners attended seminars Friday about their cars.

Larry Dennis, 62, of Hodgenville, said he first came to the Corvette Homecoming in 1989. This year’s event marked his second homecoming, but this time with a different car – the 1998 Corvette he bought last fall.

Dennis said he enjoys the show because it gives him the opportunity to connect with a lot of people who share the same interest.

“What is there not to like?” he said of the Corvette’s appearance and performance.

Kevin Messer, 48, of Florence, Ala., and his wife, Mary Messer, also 48, have attended the Corvette Homecoming three times.

It’s “the love of the car” that keeps bringing him back to Bowling Green, Kevin Messer said.

Mary Messer added that they love Bowling Green and the downtown area.

Over the years, the Messers have owned five Corvettes. This year, they brought their oldest, a black 1972 Corvette Stingray, to the show. They also own a 2011 Corvette.

“It’s just the love of the American sports car,” Kevin Messer said of fondness for Corvettes, adding that he likes the performance and fun of the car.

“That just does it all for me,” he said.

The homecoming continues today with a free concert open to the public at the Sloan Convention Center, Pruitt said. Local band Blue Light Special will perform, and food will be available for purchase.

Pruitt said the Corvette Homecoming will always take place in Bowling Green.

“It’ll just be a Corvette show if it’s in another place.”