How to Organize a Successful One-Day Classic Car Show

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Organizing a classic car show can be a great way to bring a community together and raise money for a good cause. Here's a breakdown of the key elements you'll need to consider to make your event a success, including some tips from experienced show organizers.

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 Planning and Logistics

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• Date and Location: Choose a date that doesn't conflict with other major local events or holidays. 

• Timeline: A good schedule is essential for a smooth event.

  • Registration: Aim to start registration around 10:00 a.m. This gives participants time to arrive and get settled without feeling rushed.

  • Car Show: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. window works well. Participants typically like to leave by 3:00 p.m. so they can enjoy the rest of their day.

• Volunteers: Recruit a team of dedicated volunteers to help with everything from directing traffic and managing registration to handing out trophies and answering questions.

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 Registration and Participant Management

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• Registration; This is useful information for announcing awards, car details, owner, year, make, etc. It is the information that is transferred to the window plaque. Save yourself a headache and pre-write all vehicle numbers on here first! This way, you avoid duplicate numbers.

• Window Plaques: These are placed in the windows of participating vehicles and display key information like the car's number, owner's name, and vehicle details. 

 

Awards and Recognition

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• Trophies vs. Plaques: Most car show participants prefer a wall plaque over a traditional trophy. Plaques are often easier to display and store.

• Award Categories: Offer a variety of awards to recognize different types of vehicles. You can offer "Top [Number]" awards, where the number is determined by your sponsors. This is a great way to give sponsors visibility, as their name can be printed on the bottom of the plaque.

• Spectator's Choice: This is a popular and fun award for "Best in Show." Have spectators vote for their favorite car, which makes them feel more involved in the event.

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Financials and Fundraising

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• Donations: If your event is for a specific cause, focus on donations rather than charging a registration fee for show cars. Classic car owners are often more willing to donate generously to a charity or cause they believe in. Charging a fee can sometimes be off-putting.

• Sponsorships: Secure sponsorships from local businesses. This can help cover costs for awards, signage, and other event needs. In return, you can feature their name and logo on plaques, banners, and your event's promotional materials.

• Door Prizes: Drawing vehicle numbers for door prizes is a great way to keep participants engaged and excited throughout the day. It also adds an extra layer of fun and can be a great way to thank them for coming.

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Other Prizes considered 

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 Longest Distance, Most Bugs, what's your car's name? Hard Luck Prize, Rat Rod, Under Construction, Best Engine, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Truck,  Best Modern, Best Import, Best Muscle, Most Unique, Best Theme, and Sponsor Award,

 

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During the Award ceremony,  we love to celebrate the winners. Please say Who, and what Car won what prize, we want to know! You can use the registration forms to organize the prizes, and let them know. 

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Most IMPORTANT - Give those Sponsors Recognition!  During the Day, at Awards, and during awards. 

 

Important Last Step

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Don't forget to submit your event to www.winnieslist.com to help get the word out to the classic car community!

Planning a successful car show requires attention to detail, but by focusing on these key areas, you can create an enjoyable and memorable event for everyone involved.  We share on Social Media as well, www.facebook.com/carshowlistings 

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