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

Tweet

I agree completely with Itoldyouso's comments. To add one thing, if you give out awards, I would encourage you to give "Best of the Bunch" plaques rather than 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies. It is a lot easier to cite outstanding cars when you do not have to hassle over placements. It makes the exhibitors happier as well.

Oh, one thing I just thought of. Make sure your date doesn't happen to fall on the same time period as some other events, either car events or other events that might take people away from your show. You mention February, be careful as there will be Don Garlits show and Billetproof around that time, and also Daytona Spring Fling, or whatever it is called.

Feb is a good month usually though, weatherwise, and a lot of snow bird rodders are still here. An open field won't be bad in February. In July or August is is a whole different animal.

Since you also want to make some money for the band, some games where the participants pay a little would work, like Dunk the Principal, etc.

Don

What i enjoy alot at car shows is uniqueness. You might consider addding motorcycles to the mix. You can draw a whole different lot of people who do not normally go to car shows. Also lots of concession stands for food and crafts. and a swap meet or flea market area would be great.

I will agree that the "Top 25" or whatever number can be the best way to go about doing this. I got into a warm discussion as to why my 7 year old at the time '86 Mustang 1st place was better then the guy next to me who had a '73 and was 3rd. Should we have been in the same classification - no, but that's how the organizers set it up. My car was immaculate inside and out, his - the engine compartment hadn't been cleaned for years. This tends to keep the trophy hunters at bay to some extent.

You do need some other attractions - games or mechanical competitions - to keep folks busy.

Eight hour shows - gasp!!! I've probably left more of them then stayed for handing out of those useless trophies, and of course "missed" my chance.

Goody bags - love 'em. that is if they have something useful rather then some junk that ends in the trash.

Value give aways. How much can you get the local car parts, home centers, etc to support your endeavor. A case of oil, a cordless screw driver, a dinner out

Originally Posted by rumrumm

I agree completely with Itoldyouso's comments. To add one thing, if you give out awards, I would encourage you to give "Best of the Bunch" plaques rather than 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies. It is a lot easier to cite outstanding cars when you do not have to hassle over placements. It makes the exhibitors happier as well.

Noted! I like that phrase! Was considering a "Top Ten" award as well! Thanks!