Car show admission fees

flatblack55delivery · PORT HOPE, ONT

RE: Car show admission fees

Rusty Nuts · ONTARIO

Jazz ... hope you don't own the patent on that trailer hitch/sunbrella ... I'm gonna have ta make me one of 'em.

-- Edited by Rusty Nuts on Saturday 8th of September 2012 06:11:52 PM

Jazz · THUNDER BAY, ONT

I don't mind paying the 5 or 10 as it usually it goes to charity..I was at an event in Nipigon last weekend that coincides with their fall fishing derby..$10 registration and every entry got a bag of swag,,got a coffee cup,tim card,hat, coupons,,these guys worked their butts off to get swag for 100 cars...and there was lots to do and if I do want to sit at my car,,,well i built a new bumper with a receiver built into for setting my umbrella on so it don't blow away

flatblack55delivery · PORT HOPE, ONT

Jazz that is so cool and simple,I don't think I have seen anything like it before. Ed

JPB · AYLMER, ONT

The Bridges Car show in Tillsonburg (see event) was held at the NEW GOLF COURSE. 20.00 a car to show. I went to the DRAGS smile

Gwillyville Kid · BRADFORD, ONT

I DO mind having to pay to put my car(s) into Car Shows. Elvis always got paid to perform every where he played. I am not Elvis, but these are not Elvis concerts. There are people that get paid to simply show up and be seen at events. They do NOT have to perform.

We are the entertainment. A Car Show needs Cars.

If the promoter cannot sell enough sponsorship to cover all costs he should find another way to occupy his time. A regular weekend Car Show, the common type used as local fundraisers, can be funded completely for the same cost as a 1 Full Page add in a local newspaper. The type of ad a Car Dealer buys for "Big Savings on these Cars we can't sell!". Never mind the cost of the same ad in the Sun, Post, Globe or Star.Why not approach a new or used car dealer for sponsorship? His odds are at least as good as the number of people that even look at his ad. Let him set up his cars.trucks right inside the main entrance.

That brings up another sore spot. Main Entrance, like you would find on a fenced property that people must pay to enter. Why should the public get in FREE? What kind of fund raiser is that? If that means promoter must rent a more expensive property, that is the price of business. Sell more sponsorship. By the way a donated case of oil is NOT Sponsorship. Sponsorship pays the costs of the event.

Nascar and NHRA have a rule that a company must purchase NHRA/Nascar advertising to be able to be able to advertise on cars that will get public exposure, i.e. TV, Radio, National Dragster or on the race track.
Take a look at businesses that benefit from the Car Show being held in their area. These are your sponsors. If they won't sponsor the event prohibit their products from being brought on the property. That includes a certain Coffee Franchise if they won't sponsor your event. That is the promoters call.

If somebody won't pay to attend show because they cannot bring their Timmie's into the show, tell them that is the rule and instead of complaining to you they need to complain to the person that sold the coffee to them.

Even Charities have a budget for promotion to entice people to support them. Did you check out how much the CEO's of Charities get compensated? Take a look.

How much do you pay to go to a movie, live theatre, hockey, baseball, basketball, football? Don't those entertainers get paid? Why should WE pay to entertain? Is that because we are Amateur Entertainers? How much do you pay for Amateur Entertainer car insurance, gasoline, car parts, meals, clothing?

The practice of "Pay to Display" will stop when you stop. Can't you find anything else to fill your time?
Go for a ride, BBQ, visit a friend, go to a Drive In movie, make love with your spouse.

Oh, by the way, If I need a $15 trophy to feed my ego, I will buy one. Stop making a big deal out of Trophies. IF someone pays to bring their car to your show but only the first 8 get dash plaques, that is really telling me to go somewhere else.

Google "Ernie Saxton Motorsport Marketing", and read his articles. His points ARE relevant to Car Shows.

I will pay to entertain me! Tickets can be expensive. I might treat you as a guest at my expense, but I will NOT pay to display my car for a promoter's benefit. There's a pretty good chance I will be at a place that DOES sponsor car shows. If you want to donate the Profit from your show to charity that is your business. I will pick the Charity that I will donate to.

ONE LAST POINT! Get over the attitude that a business that sponsors a car show has LOTS of $$$ and does not need you business. They are advertising to increase their business. They are supporting your hobby hoping you will spend $ with them. Support Them!

the Kid

Cat in the Hat · BRANTFORD, ONT

I have been saying the same thing for years....GRRRRRRRR

Well writen and thought out.....go get'm "Kid"

wolfman1 · ST GEORGE, ONT

I guess I look at it differently
I don't mind paying 5 or 10 bucks
I figure it's a cheap few hours out ,hanging out with other car guys
Don't give a crap about trophys or dash plaques either
and if some money gets raised for a charity, that's great
I keep going to most of the local shows and have seen most of the cars
But I still go because it's fun

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

I agree, the cars ARE THE SHOW!! Guys go to a lot of work to put a car into a show, i don't feel they should have to pay any entrance fee.

will · WALKERTON, ONT

wolfman1 wrote:
I guess I look at it differently
I don't mind paying 5 or 10 bucks
I figure it's a cheap few hours out ,hanging out with other car guys
Don't give a crap about trophys or dash plaques either
and if some money gets raised for a charity, that's great
I keep going to most of the local shows and have seen most of the cars
But I still go because it's fun

I feel the same. The Cars Are The Show and I am very happy to support our local car shows and the chariity they support. Plus they are fun.

slim · DUNDAS, ONT

You will never find me at just a car show let alone paying to get in. swap meets like Waterdown I'm OK with 5 bucks to get me and the truck in for the weekend same price as if you walked in. junk to look at, people to talk to,if you grab any thing big or heavy drive over and load it up without any hassle . No need to spend any money on washing or cleaning. Anyway for those having problems with spectators touching leaning or licking your cars at shows invite me over and it will stop quick . My paint is scratched and there is a liberal amount of oil, grease, and dirt smeared from one end to the other. Hell we can even add more. Then just stand back and watch, great entertainment gives don't touch a hole new meaning.

Gwillyville Kid · BRADFORD, ONT

Several years ago i attended a local Summer Fair that had a car show as part of the entertainment provided included in the admission price. I paid my $ and drove the T Bucket in. "The car show is at the back". I drove to "the back" and was told "the car show was finished 1/2 hour ago" Well, they got my $ that day, and of course my T Bucket gets fuel, maintenance, insurance and plates at no charge, just like yours. Got some schoolin' that day. Never went back to that venue again, with or without T Bucket.

It appears that the people that "Pay to Show" their cars are the only people that would pay to attend that show, look around, people do pay BIG $$$ to attend foolish venues.

Again this year there are a tremendous number of events were you "Pay to Show" and some have increased the toll. It's not your perfume, but, I won't be there. If you don't mind paying for a place you can hangout with other car guys, then I can hardly wait for your comments when Tim's starts charging to go in to buy a DD. Won't Happen? Ever heard of Legoland?

I am able to do the comraderie thing at Cruise Nights (I buy 50/50), go to car club friendly coffee shops, attend my club's events, VISIT PEOPLE. Attend other clubs' events. Go for a ride.
My $5, 10, 20, 30 goes into the gas tank.

By the way Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Pawn shops and Nearly New Shops have excellent deals on Trophies, hurry in and buy all you need. Hey you can have your own plaque made for the front of trophy. You could be the next Ridler winner, or Canada's most beautiful 4 dr sedan.

One last thought. At our club's annual car show the Last Trophy handed out is the "Sore Loser" trophy. "If you think you should have won a trophy and did not come and get this one". Our show is FREE TO ATTEND. (see Rodfather's entry in this string).

the Kid

Jess · EASTERN ONTARIO

I just plain don't attend when you pay and the public is free. It's not the $$$ it's the principal of it. It's like going to a hockey game and the players pay while the public gets in free.

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

I don't quite understand this thread. Over the past 10-15 years I have attended probably 100 cruises per year and have never paid to get in. I buy a 50/50 at every event and have won my share. I've got a trunk full of door prizes and when we need paper towels, I just go out to the car. I could polish my car with a new kit every day of the summer and never run out. Yes, you generally run into the same people but don't we get together with our friends in the shop or at the coffee shop or at bridge night? If an average cruise has 60 cars, that's an awful lot of conversation. Now, if we are talking shows that are paid admission, well I attend those as well. When I go to Norwood and other fall shows, they usually include a fair which is well worth the price of admission. If I attend Autofest or Syracuse or a Goodguys event, these are several day long shows and held in large expensive venues to accommodate the number of cars, but I get 3 days entertainment for $35.00, I get to see many cars that I have never seen before or maybe since last year because the show is outside my normal travel area and because some cars only come out for these events. You can cruise every night of the summer and attend high end shows like Woodward, Flint or Port Huron to name a few and never pay admission. Yes, some of them require a bit of driving but get together with some buds and do what you like to do, cruise. I don't know of any show that charges admission that is making money for the promoters after expenses and the charitable donation other then the big indoor car shows. On another note, absolutely no skate boards, bicycles or strollers and children must be supervised at all times and this must be posted.

Warren

will · WALKERTON, ONT

Our hobby is FULL of choices. We make the ones we like the best and have the most fun.

Fast Elvis · LONDON, ONTARIO

Hey brothers.....these were all the same thoughts I had over 10 years ago when starting up our ELTA (Hartman) Party. It's not a show but a gathering for our car culture friends. All are welcome unless your a "goof" and when I state that, it only means, if your showing up for the party please have respect for all. You be surprised how many don't get that today....lol.....but we've been very lucky not to attract those types or maybe we've turned a few thru our kind actions. We have never charged a dime and at one time, up to a few years ago fed everyone that came even when we did the Fall Mixer (twice a year).
But let me also take note that we've been very luck to have a spot for our open house party that we have been able to control costs when other shows are not so lucky so I totally get the fact that other promoters have to cover their costs (food, bands, use of faculties, bathrooms, refreshments, prizes, trohpies, dash plaques etc...) because there are many good car folk that expect all this in order for then to even want to come and that's cool but they cost. I know myself and many of my fellow brothers, we choose the old school type gatherings of socialize and enjoying everyone's company and cars with out worrying about who won what or where you park and what you drive or build.......just trying to support and give back to our car community. Plus I've always found it very cool how so many good gearheads in the right atmosphere really take the time to check out the variety of rides that we attract each year and how many have their views changed once they get a opportunity to hear, see or even go for a ride in something that they thought wasn't their type of hot rod. I know over the past years with all the drag cars that come out to the party, we've had a number of guys go out a get into drag racing or support the local tracks plus the ONDR just after hearing those cars fire up. Pretty cool. I usually don't type this much....lol...so I'll get off this but any type of support for any show you dig helps keep this great culture/community strong for us and the future gearheads. I certainly know from being on here the last couple of years that this group with it's great passion is one of the reasons that we are so lucky to have so many great events to attend.

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

It's always nice to Know the best things in life are free..

Like the ELTA summer bash !!!!!!!!!!!!!

tc · ST THOMAS, ONT

Looking forward to attending this years "bash".

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

fatchuk wrote:
It's always nice to Know the best things in life are free..

Like the ELTA summer bash !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll second that, Chuk See you there.. biggrin biggrin

I drive the 2+ hrs in my DD, just to check out all the rides, sounds and people.

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

Boycotted the Lindsay Classic on Kent this past wknd. admission went up to $20 at the gate & $15 pr-reg. Spoke to many owners in the weeks before & general concensius was the same NOT PAYING $20 + gas to get there. I wrote an e.mail to the Addr. listed in the Old Autos for this show & voiced my 'dis-pleasure" & said would not attend any future shows at that price!!! Pete

tc · ST THOMAS, ONT

Twenty bucks isn't much money these day. BUT it is a lot of dough to enter a car in a car show!!!!

Fordy Acres Car Farm · DORCHESTER, ONT

I don't mind paying a reasonable fee to show the car, here's my take on it: Ideally you pay $5 to go in as a spectator, what is the difference if you have to pay $5 to enter your car? PLUS, you get premium parking right in the show!!! Also, if the entry fees are equal, maybe more cars would be coaxed from their cocoons, rather than choosing the cheaper spectator option.

Now some shows are going a little overboard by charging $15, $20 and more, but generally they are bigger shows, with tons of cars to see - I would generally be paying more to get into these bigger events as a spectator anyway, so once again, if I have to pay a little more to see(and take pics) of thousands of "Hot Rods", plus get premium parking... so be it.

In a perfect world, all shows would be just like the ELTA Summer Bash - free and with more "Kool" than you've ever experienced in your life!!!!

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

Fordy Acres Car Farm wrote:
I don't mind paying a reasonable fee to show the car, here's my take on it: Ideally you pay $5 to go in as a spectator, what is the difference if you have to pay $5 to enter your car? PLUS, you get premium parking right in the show!!! Also, if the entry fees are equal, maybe more cars would be coaxed from their cocoons, rather than choosing the cheaper spectator option.

Now some shows are going a little overboard by charging $15, $20 and more, but generally they are bigger shows, with tons of cars to see - I would generally be paying more to get into these bigger events as a spectator anyway, so once again, if I have to pay a little more to see(and take pics) of thousands of "Hot Rods", plus get premium parking... so be it.

In a perfect world, all shows would be just like the ELTA Summer Bash - free and with more "Kool" than you've ever experienced in your life!!!!

Agree with you but the majority of these shows "DON'T" charge spectators admission, they just walk down the street [if on the main drag] or into area of show!!! I don;t mind making a "donation if for a charity" Stouffville "MOTORFEST" in Sept draws over 1400 vehicles, no admission [read FREE] but have a donation jar at registration booth for there charity cause. I don't mind dropping $5 or $10 in the jar. As for AutoFest in Osh, never been, & think they should have a rate if you can only go on Sat. or Sun for 1 day & not have to 'fork" out $40 Yes it's for charity & hear they have great prizes [although all your paper work has to match the ownership] but pretty steep for 1 day if thats all you can attend!!!

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

I will probably go down in flames for this one but when I attend the big shows like Ameliasburgh or the old Canats I pay what is asked and think little of it. Obviously a show like this doesn't happen for free. It doesnt take a genius to realize if they lose money it will quickly disappear on the yearly calendar. Since no one is interested in my cars anyway I just go for fun of seeing old friends and looking at others stuff. However I do get tired of door prizes. I mean seriously, why bother? Do I need another case of water or a pack of paper towels or a pack of my not favourite car wash/ wax? I am not a child. I can go and have a great time as it is without rushing up for the giveaways. Good food and shade are very big on my list of necessities. Many times I give my door prize ticket away. As for 50/50 sometimes of attendance is low I will buy one to support the effort but being basically an anti gambler it is not really my thing. That said I have probably bought between 50 and a 100 in my 64 years and have NEVER won diddly squat. Just not my thing I guess. I really enjoy seeing old friends and seeing what others have built. Best fun I have is at Picton. Both the Thursday Cruise Nights at "Crappy" and the Armdrop on "the hill" which also includes a not too small car show.
don

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

Don...rushing up for the giveaways? But I do agree completely, at most cruises the door prizes are token and like I said, I have a trunk full. I don't look at the 50/50 as gambling because I believe it is an essential part of the 'raison detre', to be a fund raiser. Legally, they have to give away the prize. Like Stouffville, they could just as easily have a donation jar but revenues would probably be down. I have attended dozens of year end cruises when the check is presented to the designated charity, everybody has a good feeling and donations are always appreciated by the recipient. I am upset by Lindsay upping the entrance. I have attended that show for years, it is volunteer driven, they have tons off vendor/sponsors and the venue is free, they just shut down the main street. With dwindling attendance at shows, you would think that the operators would seriously think about all things that impact a persons decision to attend. I could easily do without the dash plaks, the door prizes and especially the trophys, I hate judged shows. I believe the car should only be judged by the owner. I could go on about specific shows but I only wanted to say that I love cruising and speaking of which, if you really want to cruise and not just sit there go to this one:

ANNUAL FALL CRUZ and CAR SHOW

The Tyrods have hosted an annual Fall Cruz and Car Show for the past five years consisting of an 80 to 100 km tour encompassing local cities, towns and country sides for classic vehicles. The tour comes to a completion at a member's landscaped field just south of Guelph Ontario where BBQ food is avaiable along with a corn roast, oldies music, draw prizes, socializing and an evening bonfire. It is fun for the whole family.

Over the past six years we have realized a profit of $10,000 which has been donated to local charities including The Cambridge Humane Society, The Cambridge Firefighters M.D. fund and Christmas Basket Fund, The Tour de Grand cyclist fund drive for "Kids Get Helmets" , The Women's Crisis Services Haven House, Cambridge Kids can Play and Jump Start. In 2013 our Fall Cruz and Car Show featuring the "50 YEARS OF MEMORIES TOUR" was held Sunday September 8th.

The Tyrods 6th Annual Cruise is scheduled for Saturday September 6th 2014 with the RAIN DATE Sunday September the 7th. CRUSIN with the TYRODS will begin with a pre cruise show at the Highland Shopping Centre at the corner of Dundas St and Main Street in Cambridge Ontario. The actual Cruise will start at 12 noon, crusin through small towns of Branchton, Saint George, Paris and Ayr then returning to Cambridge and ending up at the Dumfries Conservation Park on Dunbar Road. There will be BBQ food, Draw Prizes and Socializing. Admission will be $10 a car and Driver. If spectators want a chance at winning a Draw Prize the charge will be $10. All Proceeds will go to Cambridge local Charities. Past charties include the Women's Crisis Centre, Fire Fighter's M.D., Fire Fighter's Christmas Basket, The Humane Society, Kids Can Play, Jump Start and Grand River Touring Helmets for Kids. The Pre-Registration for Street Rods, Muscle Cars, Restored and Special Interest vehicles page is available by clicking on cruz registration.

This is one of the best.

Warren

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Don...rushing up for the giveaways
Ok Hobbling up for giveaways:>)
don

jarvis1 · COBBLE HILL, BC

What is your definition of a car show?
Cobo Hall is a car show. People pay to come in and look.
I would gladly pay to go there.
The outdoor "car shows" are usually one day events and are closer to being cruise-ins.
I would not pay to enter my car there, but as a spectator maybe there should be an admission charge.
If there was charge would people pay it?
No easy answers there.

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Several places I go do not charge if I drive my car and display it (In my other life I drive a 426 max wedge 63 Dodge) Frankly that surprises me but I will take it. Whatever the deal I am not prepared to see the hobby die for the sake of few $$$$$$$.
In fact I have no time for angst anymore. Just wanna have a bit of fun with my vehicles and see old friends , meet new ones and tell a few back in the day stories. Shade is my #1 requirement nowadays. Trenton Canada Day is great for that as is Chrome on the Canal. I also used to like that at St Thomas drags. Pitting in the old orchard. Very relaxing. The Napanee show used to be great down by the river but got moved for some unknown reason. Some of these I paid some I didn't. Didn't seem to matter really.
don

-- Edited by Don on Sunday 20th of July 2014 09:16:26 AM

-- Edited by Don on Sunday 20th of July 2014 09:17:12 AM

-- Edited by Don on Sunday 20th of July 2014 09:17:52 AM

will · WALKERTON, ONT

Don wrote:
Whatever the deal I am not prepared to see the hobby die for the sake of few $$$$$$$.
In fact I have no time for angst anymore. Just wanna have a bit of fun with my vehicles and see old friends , meet new ones and tell a few back in the day stories. Shade is my #1 requirement nowadays.
don

Very well said Don. This pretty well sums it up for me also. I have 73 years in now and am enjoying our hobby - doing it "my way" -- Thanks Frank!

Fordy Acres Car Farm · DORCHESTER, ONT

Don wrote:
Whatever the deal I am not prepared to see the hobby die for the sake of few $$$$$$$.
In fact I have no time for angst anymore. Just wanna have a bit of fun with my vehicles and see old friends , meet new ones and tell a few back in the day stories. Shade is my #1 requirement nowadays. Trenton Canada Day is great for that as is Chrome on the Canal. I also used to like that at St Thomas drags. Pitting in the old orchard. Very relaxing. The Napanee show used to be great down by the river but got moved for some unknown reason. Some of these I paid some I didn't. Didn't seem to matter really.
don

-- Edited by Don on Sunday 20th of July 2014 09:16:26 AM

-- Edited by Don on Sunday 20th of July 2014 09:17:12 AM

-- Edited by Don on Sunday 20th of July 2014 09:17:52 AM

Well put and I hear you on the shade issue. Most of the stops on the Hot Rod Power Tour were in Park settings, an under appreciated treat! You pay dearly for the privilege of being at a Dragstrip- The sun literally drains all of your energy as do car shows in a huge open lot. However, the trade off for shade in a park is usually more walking and often on hilly terrain - a fair trade in my opinion.

-- Edited by Fordy Acres Car Farm on Sunday 20th of July 2014 11:03:21 PM

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

Interesting views... I must travel to longer distance shows....

I usually go to Plunketts and Bothwell and Bean Fest in Zurich park my DD and walk the show and flea market

the local cruise nights here... are for a few locals, who sit in lawn chairs like zombies, and gossip until 50/50 and then disappear confuse

new folks never welcomed or encouraged memebship is restricted to buddies and family

classsic · OTTAWA, ONT

I would like to take this opportunity and voice a slightly different angle on this topic of admission fees. I think everyone agrees that attendance is down regardless whether it's a car show, horse event, antique show etc. Hopefully everything will rebound when the economy does. That's the dream!

In my quest to produce a good show I have found it benificial to combine shows to cut the overall expenses. Two shows, the same field, the same time etc. I should mention my events do charge the attending public a $7.00 entrance fee. I am always looking for extra displays to add to the show to give the public more value for their buck.

If their are any persons living in Eastern Ontario that have classic cars that they would like to display for one day (10am - 4pm) in a roped off area for security. I would gladly give them free admissions to the event for the driver and passengers and $100 cash to cover their gas expenses.

Thanks Doug

Modfather · VICTORIA HARBOUR, ONT

|We went to Tim & Brendas like we have for the past four years. it cost $30.00 for the car and spouse and is worth every penny. Not only for the cure but for the event in general. Lots to do for the kids, the vendors, raffle etc. Every nickel goes to charity and they raised over 100K this year for Prostate cancer and Alzheimer's If you have never been it is worth checking out. Tim is determined to make this event/ car show the biggest in Canada and I am certain he is on the right track JMO

wuga · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONT

Don...rushing up for the giveaways
Ok Hobbling up for giveaways:>)
don

OK, I have to apologize to Don, he did rush up tonight to claim his door prize. I'm not sure if it was Metamucil or injector cleaner, but it sure upped his movement.

Warren

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Fuel injection cleaner. I am half way. All need now is the fuel injection. Life is good!
don

Smokin Joe · ONTARIO

I do two or three car shows or cruise nights a season as I drive my car what it was meant for. If I want to win a raffle I will buy a 649. Remember the really old guys that host AACA Lindsay swap meet. They are on a one week tour in northern Ontario and there last tour was from London Ont. to Hershey Pennsylvania. ACCC starts a one week tour Sunday doing the Kawartha area and HASC starts their one week tour August 9.
Guys try a tour some time and never mind the trophy's or the 50 50 draws. Get out and drive your cars on the open road as there is no gate fees or admission to grip about. I get 8 miles to the gallon on high test going down hill with the wind behind me with a 25 gallon gas tank and I would rather tour my car than sit in a field waiting to see who wins a dust collector.
Now these real old guys in the tours I mentioned are driving cars as old as 1909 that I have seen having a blast. Now you have parked your hot rod in a Wal-Mart parking lot to talk about old times when the old guys are out driving still creating them.
flatblack55delivery and I have difference of opinion most days but his old post is dead on guys take note of his feelings of cruise nights and shows drive your cars.

-- Edited by Smokin Joe on Friday 25th of July 2014 07:54:58 PM