Thread: What do you look for in a Car Show?

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There are many points mentioned that draw me to certain car shows, but I have a question first? Are there other attractions nearby? Shopping, antiques, things to do - then you can use that as a draw to the show also. If they are close, talk to the nearby businesses about being open during your event and offering something "special" for the car show participants/spectators.

1) Time: Not too long - 5 hours or less
2) Prefer grass but have done several parking lot shows.
3) Prefer a Top 20 show to ones that have individual classes. Also on a top 20 show, I like to see some trophies that are stand out trophies like: Spectator choice, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Interior, Best Wheels - All of these are judged by the trophy sponsors.
4) Prefer shows were the Top 20 are voted on by the participants.
5) Like to see "Goody Bags" that contain dash plaques, coupons, Sample products, etc. In this way "everyone" gets something for coming to the show.
6) To get my wife to attend with me, there needs to be something for her. Craft items, Nearby shops, antique stores, etc.
7) While I like shows that have a specified year, just starting out you might make it an "Open" car show. Someone may bring their showroom new car to the show, but it will be another $10 in the band fund. Some of these cars get people looking at them too as it's like going to a car dealer to see the car and talk to an actual owner as to how they like it. Sometimes, the morning of the show is when I decide exactly which car I'm bringing. My 34 Ford Street Rod, my restored 1929 Model A coupe, or my 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette. The corvette can't come to some car shows, but is welcome at others.
8) nearby food vendors and restaurants. I can't do the greasy fried foods, so I like shows that have a variety of food things.
9) I like the idea of having percussion show or other things of particular interest. Have a hola hoop contest for the band and other spectators, other special events.
10) car shows with a sound system and music with periodic announcements make the day go faster too.

Sorry for my ramblings... but... Since you asked... These are what gets me to one car show versus another.

I agree with the guys who suggested not limiting your show to any particular year cut off. While I'm not nuts about seeing a brand new car displayed at a show, it really doesn't hurt anything and will give you some additional revenue you might not have had.

One thing we found out when the club I was once with did car shows, a few people end up doing all the work and the rest just sit back and do nothing. Try to delegate as much as possible to others so you spread the workload. Have one person in charge of parking, one in charge of vendors, one in charge of registering the cars and taking the money, etc. You need to have one CEO of the entire event, and these underlings will need to report to that person and understand his decisions are final.

Finally, get a local radio station involved. Advertising something like this is key to getting turnout. Most local radio stations have PSA time available and like to be seen as community oriented. So approach the GM at that station and see how they can help get the word out. They might even want to do a drop or remote broadcast from the event. Radio stations like exposure, so let them set up their remote truck there and broadcast during the show. Maybe make them the sponsor of one of the contests or one of the class trophies. Same with local businesses, have Joes Ice Cream Shop be the sponsor of one trophy and let Joe pick the car he likes the best. For that, Joe will kick in some freebies to help the cause.

Don

cars......

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I agree with the guys who suggested not limiting your show to any particular year cut off. While I'm not nuts about seeing a brand new car displayed at a show, it really doesn't hurt anything and will give you some additional revenue you might not have had.

One thing we found out when the club I was once with did car shows, a few people end up doing all the work and the rest just sit back and do nothing. Try to delegate as much as possible to others so you spread the workload. Have one person in charge of parking, one in charge of vendors, one in charge of registering the cars and taking the money, etc. You need to have one CEO of the entire event, and these underlings will need to report to that person and understand his decisions are final.

Finally, get a local radio station involved. Advertising something like this is key to getting turnout. Most local radio stations have PSA time available and like to be seen as community oriented. So approach the GM at that station and see how they can help get the word out. They might even want to do a drop or remote broadcast from the event. Radio stations like exposure, so let them set up their remote truck there and broadcast during the show. Maybe make them the sponsor of one of the contests or one of the class trophies. Same with local businesses, have Joes Ice Cream Shop be the sponsor of one trophy and let Joe pick the car he likes the best. For that, Joe will kick in some freebies to help the cause.

Don

I'm taking notes! Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks all!

A raffle if you can get prizes donated or a 50-50 drawing if not, is an easy way to make some money, and you can put the band kids to work selling tickets. And make the tickets easy to buy. One for a buck, and arm length for 5, two arms for 10 and car length for $20. Rolls of raffle tickets are cheap and it's amazing how many guys will whip out an Andrew Jackson if they can get tickets the length of the longest car in the lot. Have more than one prize in the 50-50

Whenever you start, expect some folks to show up early. Ask people not to ride skateboards or bikes on the show field, and no dogs. Chain leashes can scratch and I have seen one lift his leg on a tire.

Good luck, keep notes for next year

Pat

Make it an "OPEN" show. Don't limit entries. Even include motorcycles. Have good catagories based on entries. While I do enjoy going to classic shows, I also have a show a 2000 Vette. I like th eopen shows for your type events becasue there are alot of "teens" and that can be any age that like seeing exotics, speed cars, and bikes as well as classics. Be open and envite everyone. Besides, it should not matter what you drive, we all have a pssion for cars....period or we would not be doing shows.
All the other ideas are great also. Just my opinion though.

The weird old cars/trucks/vans that nobody would have thought of turning into a hot rod but somebody did.

Blown Camaros