Question for you car show goers.

[LeesRT]

My question is:  What would make you want to go to a particular car show?  What is it that draws you to a show or makes you say, " Man, that's a show I'm not going to miss this year?"  The reason for my question is that our local car show in the late 1980s used to draw about 500+ cars.  They had to turn cars away because the park ran out of room.  Now our local cars shows are lucky to draw only 50 cars.  I know why I like going to car shows.  I just like meeting people interested in the same hobby I am.  We swap stories, see what others have done to their car (get new ideas), etc.  Some go for the awards or prizes.  What do you suggest or recommend that car shows provide to draw more people in?  Let me know your thoughts.

[marshallfry01]

In my area (SW Arkansas), I will not go to one after July. Just too hot. Another reason is because all I see is Chevies. I never EVER see any mopars. 

[JR]

I really don't care for car shows, unless it's a really obscure/odd group of cars there, and would much rather do track days or auto X, but as a "young gun", I can give some input on what would make me take a second look at one.

#1- DONT PLAY 50's MUSIC! ESPECIALLY AT FULL BLAST!
 
 God that's got to be my number one complaint. What a great way to run off anyone under the age of 70. I usually leave a show after 20min if buddy Holley is blasting at 120 decibels.

#2- Try to be more welcoming of the younger crowd, especially if you want to pass your hobby on.  It's not going to help your group grow if everyone sees a bunch of guys huddled behind their cars, in "clicks". Why would I care to come back to that?

#3 I would branch out and try to get a wide range of vehicles to your show. Muscle cars, VWs, mini trucks, exotics, etc. With the economy having been crap the last decade, car guys are fewer and fewer.  If you open the show up to all car guys, you stand a better chance of staying around, and will definitely learn stuff from outside of your normal routine. The "Cars and Coffee" type events are fairly successful now, I would emulate their style some.

#4- IM SERIOUS, NO 50s MUSIC!!!!

That's my .02. Hope it helps man.

[shorty442]

Well, as opposed to JR, I love the oldies, not at ear shattering volume though.   But then again I am 70.
And I don't/won't go to shows featuring rice burners, mud bog trucks, and late model stuff same as at the local dealership used car lot.
Sorry, but I go to see the stuff of my youth; primarily the 50's, 60's, and early 70's.  That's the nostalgia to me.

I can always go to a Cavalcade of Wheels/Cars, whatever, if I'm interested in customized vehicles with wild-assed paint schemes.

I guess unless there is local interest in one specific brand of cars, then the trick is to appeal to folks to bring in what they drive to cruise-ins for a variety.
You might appeal to the nearest chapter of a car club to have them be featured, be it a specific brand or even a hot rod club.

Otherwise, scheduling conflicts and weather often helps me decide to go or not.

Regardless, good luck with your search for answers.

[LeesRT]

I like the feedback I'm getting so far.  This is very good info.  I agree on the 1950s music too.  What about things for other family members to do?  Craft fair, stuff for kids, etc.  Or, is this not needed?  Keep the feedback coming.  I want to compile this information for the car show people that put it on.

[LeesRT]

Maybe a show arranged by decades would be cool.  That way people could revisit their youth, or so older people can see what the young crowd is doing.  What about cruises?  We have a local race track here as well...run your car around the track?  Do prizes draw people in?  Cash prizes?

[Lennard]

I agree on the newer cars, i can see those at the dealership.   I always walk right by them, no matter how many spoilers and stripes they have. Set an age limit for the cars. I don't really care what music they play as I'm only going to be there an hour or so as a visitor. I can deal with golden oldies for that time period.

[garner7555]

I went to this event Saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/events/393341917457332/

It had a chassis dyno onsite, Lots of vendors, a park for the kids to play at, and ALL types of cars were welcome.  Most cars I walk right past without even a look but if you want to keep it going then you need to include everyone, even the 17 year old that thinks his 2016 Dart is show material.   Hahaha   

[Homerr]

I like the local all-Mopar show here, lucky to have a great one (Mopars Unlimited show) here in the Puget Sound.

One car show with 50's music was enough for a lifetime.

I go to our neighborhood one each year, they close off 4 blocks of the local downtown.  It's open to anything and 150-200 cars show up.  Ladies can go shopping while guys look at cars.  So this setup might be more appealing than a parking lot or field off somewhere remote.

[polywideblock]

I'm more of a middle ground ( 53 ) and would agree that the rockabilly crap has been overdone . maybe an classics( 60's ,70;s 80's )  radio station instead  

as to the "family aspect" well I can't speak for anybody else but a sure fire way to get me to leave is being "serenaded" with screaming baby's and rear ended by prams,

mothers these days seem to think that because they have to put up with it everybody else should to ,ditto for uncontrolled naughty  kids

make it fun for the adults that go , todays PC crowd seems to worry to much about what will be fun for the kids  and forget about the guys that bring their pride and joy

 jeez I sound like my old man , now I know why he stopped going to shows

a burnout comp or a  dyno is a good drawcard but getting permission might be hard depending on local council rules

have been to a few "mixed "shows and while they attract a larger crowd the people that come for the crafty stuff 9 times out of 10 aren't interested in cars 

[HPP]

For me, its variety. I can only look at so many totally restored, chalk mark cars in one day. Rows of fully restored, original cars, whether they are Chrysler products, GM, or Ford get boring to me, but I know some guys really love them.  Throw in some disco era cars, a few Reagan era cars, some jalopies, or even odd ball driver quality stuff and I'll check it out. Late models typically don't appeal to me much, but I can see why they would to Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger owners. Not a big fan of cut off dates, but don't award late models for showing up unless you have their own catagory

Really loud music, regardless of the type, bugs me. Agree with others that I can stomach nearly anything fro the hour or two I'm there.

Other stuff nearby is nice. Shows in areas with shopping and restraunts are nice. So is shade or vendors if you don't have easy access to regular cafes. And make it decent food too, not just a burger and dog place. Snow cones, roasted corn, or food trucks other than the classic roach coach.

[4cruzin]

I will chime in here . . .

I agree with the 50's music . . .    A song or two is fine but not all of it.  I have noticed that if you are going to a day long show or more, most want grass or somewhere to put a tent for shade.  I don't mind a few late build cars but not a whole field of them like at Carlisle. . . . as far as you could see in one area was new Challengers! 

I guess I'm lucky here in Michigan as there are plenty of MOPARS running around so most drive in shows will have plenty of Chrysler products to look at. 

The year of shows is almost up and once again the show to go to is Carlisle.  I did not go to the Nationals in Columbus and instead drove into Canada for the MOPAR Fest.  But I talked to a few that did and was told it is failing.  Attendance is down, classic car attendance is down . . . definitely changes need to be made there. 

[4cruzin]

I will also say that if you are anywhere near Michigan, the all make show coming in Christmas Town - Frankenmuth, Michigan the weekend after Labor Day is a great show that you should try to make it to.  By far my favorite ALL-MAKES car show!  Friday night street party is fantastic!  Then Saturday and Sunday in the park are definitely worth a look!  If you can make an appearance, I believe you will not be disappointed! 

[DAY CLONA]

Can't over state enough how sickening the 50's "do-wop" music can be, if your going to play any music, mix it up, 50's-60'70'-80'-90' to current, and keep it to a level where people can talk/hear one another

Dogs, small unruly out of control children, bikes, skateboards, strollers, etc all need to stay home, or get dropped off at the nearest "whatever" until it's time to go home

I've put on shows, judged, volunteered, assisted/directed,set up, cleaned up, etc for several decades, so I've seen, and done it all, I could type out a 2 page list of rants and peeves, but every group/club has their agenda and priorities, do's and don't s so no need to get into it, however the top 2 listed, I think everyone can agree with.

mike

[c00nhunterjoe]

As much as i hate to admit it, im no longer a "youngin" anymore in this crowd. By no means am i 70, but at 33, i am still in the younger generation when it comes to muscle cars.
   I love the 60s music, cousin brucie and the 60s on 6 is what i play 95% of the time. I would be happy if that was what played at cruises. Not to say i dont like other genres as metallica is my all time favorite band and i may have had the volume maxxed on the way to work this morning when master of puppets came on.... lol.
   Speaking of cruises.... thats a big one for me. I prefer cruises to shows. I typically enjoy the drive to and from more then the event itself, the exception being wildwood nj. I dont have a "show" car. Not even close. Ive got a "20 footer" and even after i restore it, i really dont care to be a trophy hunter. I love the cars, i love looking at the cars, i love talking to the owners of other cars and seeing how they did certain things different then me.
   Wildwood new jerseys fall show is my number 1. I look forward to it all year. It is american graffiti in real life for a whole weekend.
    I am a big drag racer as well. I spend nearly every weekend spring through fall gravelling the circuit. Nostalgia cars are my favorite although i cannot afford to be competitive in stock or superstock so i just watch them run and drool over what they can do with stock parts.

[CRW-FK5]

Weekly cruise-ins have become so prevalent that you could attend one each night somewhere if you wanted to.  That's probably had an affect on people (like myself) who don't have as much pent up need to get out and hit an annual show. 

[hemi68charger]

After doing car shows for nearly 35+ years now, I like them to have a:
1. Warm and Fuzzy feel.
2. Oldie/Goldies ( 50'ees )
3. Shade or a place to get out of the Sun (  I am a Southerner )
4. If there are going to be awards, make sure they are given out on time
5. It is always cool to have some food/drink vendor around if away from any eating establishments
6. Did I mention shade?
7. Did I mention Oldie/Goldies ( 50'ees )
8. Sometimes it is cool NOT to have trophies.............

[c00nhunterjoe]

Weekly cruise-ins have become so prevalent that you could attend one each night somewhere if you wanted to.  That's probably had an affect on people (like myself) who don't have as much pent up need to get out and hit an annual show. 

I hit the local shows frequently, meet up at "hang out" spots where local cruisers just randomly show up. But there is something about the experience at wildwood that just draws me back every year. I used to hit the ocean city md cruise week, but it has nothing on wildwood.

[moparnation74]

After doing car shows for nearly 35+ years now, I like them to have a:
1. Warm and Fuzzy feel.
2. Oldie/Goldies ( 50'ees )
3. Shade or a place to get out of the Sun (  I am a Southerner )
4. If there are going to be awards, make sure they are given out on time
5. It is always cool to have some food/drink vendor around if away from any eating establishments
6. Did I mention shade?
7. Did I mention Oldie/Goldies ( 50'ees )
8. Sometimes it is cool NOT to have trophies.............

9.  Night Shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[odcics2]

 I like car shows with a swap meet.

You never know what will turn up!   


It appeals to more people.   

[RallyeMike]

Every event sponsored by or adjacent to a bar.

I'm completely serious. It's nice to be able to have a cold one in between wandering around.

[bill440rt]

I agree with JR and Dayclona on this one. The all-day blaring shamma-lamma-ding-dong is enough to drive one insane. Combine that with the Wolfman Jack wanna-be DJ's and it's a recipe for the funny farm. Please for the love of mercy mix up the music a bit.
Speaking of pets, I once saw a goat on a leash at a local show, and a pot bellied pig. In the same day.
I can't blame the children either, they're just being children. But I can blame the parents for not instructing them proper behavior and car show etiquette.

I rarely go to shows anymore, a few occasionally each year. I try to hit a few cruise nights when I can, but even that's occasionally these days. When I do I enjoy seeing friends and meeting new people.

[71charger_fan]

Proximity to my house, balancing venue with cost to enter. I actually enjoy the local multi-make shows. For whatever reason, the Mopar guys in my area don't seem to come out for them. I just had the car painted, but am very disappointed with the quality. If I repaint it again over this coming winter, I'll probably take it out more next year.

[Troy]

Things I hate:
* local shows where everyone knows each other, has their own clique, and no one else bothers to come
* when everyone is an expert about my car
* new cars straight off the lot. Yes, even Hellcats (I can deal with this if it's a huge show and the new cars are minimal)
* people who have no idea how much time and effort are in these things
* people who think every car of mine is worth $300k because they saw one on Barrett Jackson
* people who troll around to tiny shows so they can get yet another useless trophy
* people who whine about all the cars that get a trophy
* having the same car as 10 other people - especially when there's only 20 cars
* children. The fraction of well behaved kids at cars shows is really, really low.
* burnouts, revving an open pipe race car for your beer buddies every 5 minutes
* music or chatty announcers that are so loud that you can't have a conversation
* small shows that are too organized, large shows that aren't organized enough
* trash and/or crummy facilities
* parking cars too close together
So, basically people. If we could have a car show without people that would be great! I thinks those are called museums.

Things I like:
* wide variety. Most of these shows usually have many owners that have some great stories
* local food (go to VFW or other club shows and get some awesome BBQ or something)
* charities. I'd donate any way but it's better if it gets me in so I don't have to walk a mile from the spectator parking area.
* cruise-ins.
* * Dad and I don't sit with the car(s) and we don't like standing around so we pop in, look at cars, and leave. The trip to and from the show is more interesting any way.
* * you get to hear the cars run
* * no trophies, informal
* * fewer cliques (except for the local Corvette club who has people get there 4 hours early to stake out the prime spots)
* * more "normal" people show up just to appreciate the cars and learn about them
* * * (this is also a negative when they don't know how to act around the cars)

I don't go to a lot of shows these days. I am very lax at cleaning my cars and I'd much rather drive than sit. If I do enter a car I usually show up late, ask for it to not be judged, and leave early. If this makes organizers unhappy then I won't enter. Let them give a trophy to someone who sat there all day and actually wants a trophy. I don't much care for swap meets but sometimes I like to look. I mainly only see them as a "plus" if I'm going to a brand specific show. I wouldn't avoid a show because it had a swap though. I like grass parking areas (partially because I hate it when my pretty pictures of cars have a yellow or white line reflecting in the paint). I realize this can be a major problem depending on weather so it's not a deal breaker.

Troy

[Sublime/Sixpack]

I mostly attend car shows that:
-raise money for a good cause (charities).
-my friends attend.
-have a variety of quality vehicles show up to (this may include motorcycles, tractors, etc.).
-nice location with shade trees.
-play 50's, 60's and early 70's music, maybe even throw some big band music in (haven't heard any of that for years, might be fun for a change).
-have good raffle prizes (something I can use).
-have a DJ that reminds people not to touch the cars on display.

Suggestions:
-if you're going to present awards, do it right (quality awards to quality vehicles, and don't drag the ceremony out).
-hire a DJ that knows how to properly adjust the PA system so the audio is clear and travels a good distance without being too loud. (We have one DJ around here that does car shows and pumps way too much bass into the system! Makes it difficult to understand what the he!! he's saying).
-allow ample parking space so cars don't have to be parked too close to one another.
-hire at least one good food truck to be on location.
-don't charge an entry fee, instead have a raffle with good prizes, and a great Grand Raffle Prize (rebuilt engine, moped, dirt bike, go-kart, etc.).
-length of show, 5 to 6hrs. at the max.
-

[69wannabe]

I like car shows with a swap meet.

You never know what will turn up!   


It appeals to more people.   

Me too!!! I am a parts freak I guess and I like looking through the parts vendor's for treasure's of the unknown!!! LOL.

[GOTWING]

I'm heading to one tomorrow in the Superbird, I'll let ya know how many dipsticks call it a Superbee..

[new2muscle]

Watching this topic with interest..... as I am considering putting on a car show next year at our Masonic Lodge.

For me, a show with not more than 50-60 or so cars is ideal.... food, music and decent weather makes for a good time.

[440]

I haven't been to a car show in years but I like the ones that take half a day to browse through. Variety is good but I like the shows that are organized by catagory. I don't care much for the modern stuff but they have their place and bring more people to the show, I'd probably just walk straight through unless something catches my eye.

The two best shows I've been to were the Good Guys and my all time favorite Dream Machines at Half Moon Bay. There is a good mix of cars and vintage airplanes etc thrown in the mix. The food is good and It's fun to check out the small hit-n-miss engines, vintage corn chucking machines etc. My favorite years were when they had the truck pulls in the center of the show.

http://dreammachines.miramarevents.com/

[nvrbdn]

I tend to drift towards the smaller shows when I do a show. I am more interested in the cruises where I can drive in, get my dash plaque, grab me a bite to eat and visit with the other participants. Then I can up and leave when ever I want. My trophy is that little dash plaque. It makes a story of my summer travels.

[moparstuart]

I tend to drift towards the smaller shows when I do a show. I am more interested in the cruises where I can drive in, get my dash plaque, grab me a bite to eat and visit with the other participants. Then I can up and leave when ever I want. My trophy is that little dash plaque. It makes a story of my summer travels.

exacty 

[Todd Wilson]

I really don't care for car shows, unless it's a really obscure/odd group of cars there, and would much rather do track days or auto X, but as a "young gun", I can give some input on what would make me take a second look at one.

#1- DONT PLAY 50's MUSIC! ESPECIALLY AT FULL BLAST!
 
 God that's got to be my number one complaint. What a great way to run off anyone under the age of 70. I usually leave a show after 20min if buddy Holley is blasting at 120 decibels.

#

HAHAHAHA!   I hear you on the music. The music has never bothered me over the years because I grew up listening to that music because it was the music my parents listened too.  I always wished they would play some of "my" music.   Over the last several years I am starting to hear less of the old music and starting to hear some of "my" music. I am also noticing the older guys and their cars who listened to Buddy Holly are not there anymore............why you ask? Because they are dead!  When you start hearing "your" music at the shows understand you are in or approaching the old crowd and the next generation is sitting there waiting to hear "their" music!    Where will you be then?  6 feet under!    

Todd

[nvrbdn]

well said. And that is the true story of the music.

[LaOtto70Charger]

I like the small shows with variation in cars.  I agree on no loud music.  I do like when they play different music from different eras and types.  Personally I prefer 70s to 90s country.  Also the old 50s music and some big band stuff.  I also like it when they have some interesting things for kids.  Since I have 4 I try to take them with me but limited. 

The car bug is already starting to bite them at least.  Past couple shows they were some of the few kids there that at least looked interested in the cars and some of the car owners appreciated that.  Last coffee and Cars in Auburn one guy even let them crawl in his Chevy van for pictures on the seats.  Couple years ago at the Labor day show in Auburn there was a couple that had a Hudson Hornet painted up like Doc from Cars just for kids to climb around on.  Not saying there needs to be bounce houses and stuff, but if you have a show in a shaded park it becomes a family event.  (Appleton WI has a really nice show at Pierce Park in that regards.) Plus there maybe someone to pass the cars down too when they start playing your music.

[GOTWING]

Not that I really care about getting plastic trophies etc. but I had to wonder ... so Saturday I went to a small local car show maybe 40-50 cars they handed out the top 25 and then two other types of top pics and then 1st place The Superbird got NOTHING !  Although it did draw the largest gatherings around it. 

[Todd Wilson]

Not that I really care about getting plastic trophies etc. but I had to wonder ... so Saturday I went to a small local car show maybe 40-50 cars they handed out the top 25 and then two other types of top pics and then 1st place The Superbird got NOTHING !  Although it did draw the largest gatherings around it. 

Around my parts if you are not in the local hotrod club and part of the special group in the club you wont win anything.


Todd

[A12 Superbee]

I'll go to pretty much any show because there's generally something interesting to look at that you might not have seen before but one of the things that really pisses me off, are shows that have trophies and categories that are just ridiculously biased towards someones or some clubs own cars and judges that don't have a freakin clue what they are looking at.

Perfect example, you take your mint A12 Superbee to a show, a car that no-one at the show will have ever seen before, its the consumate 'muscle car' of its era, and a 1970 Charger that started life as a 318 base model car and now has a 400 (yes, a 400 in it) and it's got shiny wheels and a shiny engine bay, and it wins 'Best US Muscle Car' of the show?

W  T  F  !!!!!!!!!!!

It's not the first time its happened and won't be the last. I personally don't care who gets a trophy as long as it's the best car in that class, or the most deserving, but when it's clear the judges don't have a clue, then don't have categories for those cars, just stick with what you know or get people that know these cars to do the judging on the clubs behalf.

Shows without trophies are great too and I think it's good to have a theme for the show, just to spice things up and change it every time the show is on, like 'Factory Drag cars', or 'Station Wagons' or 'Factory black cars'.

[440]

Personally I think if you go to shows expecting to win a Trophy or are dissapointed when you don't win anything you are going for the wrong reasons.

Go enjoy the show and the other activities, if you win something great, if not "oh well".

[A12 Superbee]

I agree, as long as the reason, i.e. the car that does win is universally accepted as the more deserving winner.

In Australia it's far more common to see cars like blinged out Ford Mustangs with chrome everywhere winning best '60's Muscle car' when it looks nothing like the car as it was born. Or worse still, best muscle car award going to a pimped out station wagon that's running a small block, i.e. it aint even a muscle car.

The issues are mainly categorisation based, and this is where many car shows fall down. They just don't have the intellectual capacity to know where to put cars in what categories.

Trophy hunting should be discouraged. If you don't win anything it should be ok with everyone, just make sure that the cars that do win fit the category, otherwise, as I have seen, people walk away scratching their heads "WTF was that all about?" and subsequently lose faith in the judges/clubs ability to organise a chook raffle, let alone a car show.

[69CoronetRT]

Size venue to number of cars. Nothing looks worse than 100 cars spread out over a parking lot designed for 500.

Mature shows with a consistent number of cars per class (Carlisle) can afford to break out cars by class. Small shows cannot. It creates gaps between classes. Consolidate the cars.

Appropriate music, if any, to age group, theme, and overall show. A nostalgic show at a drive in with a focus on 50s and early 60s cars= appropriate for Beach Boys. General all makes all years where the majority of cars are 70s to newer = no music or careful selection of mainstream classic rock, 90s - 00s and new Country.

Access to shade. Open parking lots in July suck no matter your age. Downtown shows get hot from all the buildings. Consider later times to keep people out of midday sun.

Access to variety of decent food. Being land locked to shows where the only food is over cooked cheap hot dogs made by Bubba the club member on a dirty grill so the promoter gets the concession money is being a poor host. Invite mobile food trucks that serve more than mini donuts or ask a local church/school group to set up a food stand with 2-3 choices.

Access to clean bathrooms and plenty of trash cans. Keep bathrooms and trash cans clean. For downtown shows: let merchants know they may have an influx of people wanting to use bathrooms and/or post signs listing if a public bathroom is or is not available.

New cars: the promoter doesn't care who pays the entry fee or what they bring. It's still cash in the till and one more car at the show. Participants care so tailor your show accordingly. Consider limiting show to cars 10-20 years old or over.

Use credible outside of town judges to prevent perception of favoritism. The local body guy may know paint but not shit about a clone from an original.

Tie in with fundraiser or local event when possible.

[RECHRGD]

I don't go to many shows anymore.  I much prefer the cruises or just driving the car in general.  As others have said, the judging should be impartial and as informed as possible.  I think my craziest experience was several years ago at a small town show.  I was in the "'60 thru '75 muscle car class" and had the nicest car (by far) in the class.  Knowing that I had an easy first place trophy coming my way, I stuck it out and stayed at the show until trophy time.  I won second place.  They gave first place in my class to an '84 El Cameno that had been in the "pick-up class". . I guess the "judges" just wanted all their pick-up buddies to get trophies......

[BrianShaughnessy]

I stopped going to a lot of car shows...   most of the parking lot deals are boring.

I'll make an exception if friends are putting them on for a good cause.   I go to a local pizza cruise in on Tuesdays because I like the pizza and my friends are running it...  if you win you get a gift certificate for free pizza        I go to another cruise on Saturday because E-booger and some other friends show up - but I don't 'register' the car with the car club blasting the 50s crap - I might buy some 50/50 tickets tho.

As for anything else..  I'm tired of being the entertainment...  I pay to be entertained.    Got bands?  OK!   Got the downtown blocked off and the stores and restaurants are open? Great!   Does the 50/50 $ go to a good charity?   It should!   Does the DJ play anything recorded after 1963?  They better... or I'm gone.

[polywideblock]

"In Australia it's far more common to see cars like blinged out Ford Mustangs with chrome everywhere winning best '60's Muscle car' when it looks nothing like the car as it was born. Or worse still, best muscle car award going to a pimped out station wagon that's running a small block, i.e. it aint even a muscle car."

you have to remember that Australian car culture is stuck in the "street machine " era , it isn't a "muscle car " unless it is dripping with chrome   

[440]

Australia is stuck in the chrome hot rod era. Personally I'm not a fan of lots of chrome. Australia also seems to have more Mustangs than the USA   You also seem to see a lot more of unusual things here like late 70's early 80's Cadillacs, 6cyl camaros, Pontiac Parisiennes and stuff like that.

I'll go out on a limb and say Australias street machines are arguably better than US street machines. Another thing is Australia has a fetish of burning rubber.

[polywideblock]

have to agree there   https://www.streetmachine.com.au/events/summernats/1501/video-summernats-28-burnout-masters

[Dino]

I hate shows...

Haven't been to one in over 20 years now. Visited a small local show once or twice and had to get out of ther fast. Not for me.

I just want to drive it to the store and to work and use it as an actual car, rain or shine. I might do a cruise because then I can actually drive, but nothing like that Woodward circus!

[dyslexic teddybear]

I go to a few each year......

Cons--always some people who know less then they think they do and are willing to be obnoxious to prove it. Just like life in general, everyone would benefit from less 'holes. SOP is to ignore them.

Pros--Almost always find something that catches my interest, most often something unique that I haven't seen before. And I often end up talking to the owner for some time about it and really checking it out thoroughly. A couple of local dealers put on a Mopar day each year......earlier this summer talked to a guy that restored a 85 Diplomat patrol car. A few weeks ago at the other dealers show, talked extensively to a guy about his original Power Wagon. He still uses it when he needs to haul something. Year before talked to the owner of a restored J10 Jeep pickup his father got new.

Shows reflect people in general......some great people.....some 'holes.

[Ponch ®]

Co-sign on the awful 50s music.

I'd also throw in there cliche 70s butt rock songs that are unavoidable at car shows: "Slow Ride", "Let it ride", or anything by the Doobie Brothers. You know what im talking about...as soon as you hear the intro riff to "Rockin down the highway" or "china grove", you know its gonna be a long day.

I basically avoid or try to leave ASAP any show that has a vendor selling "Old Guys Rule" merchandise.


They say the classic car hobby is dying among young people...and i blame the Doobie Brothers for it.

[bill440rt]

Just went to a local show yesterday. I knew I was doomed as soon as I saw the DJ setup and Don't Be Cruel blaring over the loudspeakers. 7 straight hours of 50's Doo-wop she-bop she-boop. 
I would have left, but the show supported the local fire dept. There was also a first responder there with a nice display of 9/11 memorabilia, including pieces of the Twin Towers. So, in that case it was for a good cause. It was also my father's birthday, and he was driving up to meet for dinner. So I stayed.
But the music... 

[DixieRestoParts]

I think it's important to separate car shows from cruise-ins. I rarely attend "open" car shows as a participant. Those shows have a higher percentage of experiencing everything people say they hate in the above comments. Not to say Mopar only shows are perfect.

With cruise-ins, I can easily leave when the music or morons get too much for me, and they rarely cost more than $5 to enter. I just hang out, and talk to people and enjoy the cars. Much like the old "cruising" I did as a kid where hotrods would park on a corner and we'd talk until wee hours of the dawn or someone stirred up a race or a hot date. I don't see kids cruising anymore. I guess the city's have crushed that. Or at least where I'm at.

[69CoronetRT]

Just went to a local show yesterday. I knew I was doomed as soon as I saw the DJ setup and Don't Be Cruel blaring over the loudspeakers. 7 straight hours of 50's Doo-wop she-bop she-boop. 
I would have left, but the show supported the local fire dept. There was also a first responder there with a nice display of 9/11 memorabilia, including pieces of the Twin Towers. So, in that case it was for a good cause. It was also my father's birthday, and he was driving up to meet for dinner. So I stayed.
But the music... 

I went through the same thing yesterday. The show was a benefit for a good cause but Sirius 50s music the entire time....

[nvrbdn]

Went to the Hartford Dare car show Sunday. 78 cars. Had a great fish sandwich. got my dash plaque. As the judges got to my car at 12:15 I asked them to not judge me. I was too antsy. The Chiefs were playing opening day, and I was ready to head out to watch football. Had fun from 9-12 and met some new friends, but pulled out and cruised home.

[GOTWING]

I'll be here this Saturday with the bird. My son and I have more fun checking out the planes and inside the museum. They have a simulator that is pretty cool to operate.

http://amcmuseum.org/events/wings-n-wheels-car-show/

[Ponch ®]

I recently went to the "Rock against MS (multiple sclerosis)" fundraiser car show. Definitely an improvement as far as the music. They actually had legit bands and some name rock stars (including Gilby Clarke of GnR fame). No 50's stuff, unless you count some throwback rockabilly that was actually pretty good.

Another peeve about car shows: the food. Usually its the usual overpriced hot dogs/burgers/links and awful breakfast burritos. But at least theres some hope, as the food truck craze is improving that slowly.