Too expensive?

[electra225]

There is a little town east of us here that is the county seat and has a prison, but there isn't much to the rest of the town. The "town fathers" started a car show a few years back that has grown to one of the largest car shows around. Most years they have 700 cars parked literally over the downtown area. The show has grown so large the locals have decided they can't manage it anymore, so they hired an advertising firm to handle the show this year. Entry fee is $50. By the time I buy gas and patronize the food trucks, I will have dropped a C-note on one show. That offends my sensibilities. I pay all the money, yet the public gets to enjoy the show for free. This is one of our favorite shows and we always register early. I haven't decided what to do yet. One side of me says if this show gets by with charging like that for entry, others will follow. The other side says if we don't participate in the show, it may die altogether.

[walyfd]

$50 is insane!!! Sorry but no... and my car, my insurance, my gas and time???

I'd like it if someone paid me $5 to show the car.

[William]

That must be Florence, and $50.00 is a lot of money just to park your car to show it off. I guess you could save some by packing a lunch, but it is your favorite so there it that.

Bill

[electra225]

Yep, it's Florence. They had a problem with judging last year, and had lots of aggravated car owners. I don't go to a show for a trophy. I tossed all my trophies when we moved. What good is a plastic trophy? It props up your ego, but after that has passed, all it does is to gather dust. Art taught me that I need to learn that I have driven my trophy to the show. Win, lose or draw, it is what it is. I had a pickup load of trophies. I go to be with folks of like interest, and to see what others have done, then judge for myself if something I have seen might stand me in good stead, make my car better, challenge me a little. In fairness, a guy who owns a body shop and towing service took over the management of the show and gave preference to his buddies on parking spots and made sure they all got a trophy. It was obvious and people objected to it. The trophies were supposed to be done at 2pm, they started at 4pm and lasted until almost dark. Some show participants with larger vehicles were hemmed in and couldn't leave, yours truly among them. They parked the cars opposite to street direction, so it made it impossible to leave without cars in front of you leaving. This year, they are going a different way in the way of management to eliminate that situation. Professional management costs money. I think $50 is excessive. Why make the people who make the show pay for past mismanagement that they had nothing to do with.

[TC Chris]

Putting on a big show is a big job for a small town. If the event is worth attending, pay the fee and don't gripe. If it's not worth it, you and others will stay away, and it will shrink, and maybe it will be a freebie again soon. But consider: just providing places for all the car owners and the viewers to pee has got to be a big expense fora small town. Not to mention crowd control, and on and on.

Chris Campbell

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Greg,
If it's a once a year enjoyable time
(hopefully with better space
management), do it.

Folks will love to see your nice car, and we won't be here
forever, and "you can't take it with you...."

You can feel good with whatever you decide.

[William]

I know what Greg's car looks like in person and it is beautiful. I agree with Mr. Mogul, we are not getting any younger so just go for it and enjoy the day.

Bill

[electra225]

What am I supposed to do about my Jack Benny syndrome? The wife is going to call to see if there is some misunderstanding. Maybe we get a T-shirt and free food or something. That is one of my favorite shows.

[walyfd]

Can't have a car show without cars. Shaking down the owners who have thousands upon thousands invested plus travel expenses is counter productive. The cars draw the crowds.

$20 registration with 10 going to a charity and the rest to cover expenses is fine. A big 50/50 jackpot is attractive. Sell to the spectators. Charge a small admission fee but don't hammer the stars of the show.

I agree on trophies. That's a young guy's thing. After you've had a couple cars, it's junk. You know what your car is and if someone else doesn't like it well...

IF it were a fire company, lions club, shriners hospital benefit, no problem. Get a certificate that registration was a donation and your car brought in more donations from spectators or just free advertising.