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.
-