How to organize a car show?
In a few short weeks, our first car show will be in the books. May 17th, 2026.
I went to my first car show when I was a child. Over the years, I have hit the occasional show. But it was around 1985 that I began going to what is now called the Adirondack Nationals. I have been a regular visitor to that show ever since. And I have been to a lot of shows and cruise nights. I have seen a LOT of cars over the years. People ask me, “What’s your favorite?” ALL OF THEM!
And here I am. Putting on my first car show in my backyard. At the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, NH.
How to Organize a Car Show (My Experience)
When I told my family what I was doing back in December, one of my boys said, “Why so big?” I told him at that time because “you might as well do big, because if you fail, you fail, and if you win, you win bigger.”
I follow a lot of threads, groups, and pages. And I read, and I learn. I am especially grateful to folks like Scott from Eurobuilt and Phil from NH Muscle Cars. But, I have also learned from great shows like RAVE in Rutland, Adirondack Nationals in Lake George, and the Syracuse Nationals.
And I see that a lot of people think the show amounts ought to be lower (or even free). But if we want larger shows and cruises, that becomes infeasible. And then if we want guests and celebrity builders to show, we need to add to what we do.
And I want to share the goodness of the car world with the community at large. I also recognize that the vehicles are a large part of the draw.
Real Cost to Host a Car Show
So we have to talk about money. Initially, I thought we would come in around $6,000. I am at $10,000 right now. 😊
This week, I received a check from a business owner. He wrote me this. YOU CAN GIVE IT A SHOUT-OUT, LEE. I’m just trying to chip in to help get the car show started. I have been involved with quite a few shows myself, and the amount of money to put a good show on is crazy now. I know what this stuff costs. It should be a great day with all that you guys are doing. Thanks, and I’ll see you in a few weeks. Jim
I so appreciate it!
Someone asked me, “What does it cost for this show?” If you want to know the real costs, send me a note or grab a coffee with me. But let me say that rental and insurance came darn close to my $6,000 estimate. But by that time, I was in for a penny and moving towards a pound. And venues need to increase rentals because, like everything else, their insurance and costs are increasing.
Then you have Security and Police, Signage, Posters, Trophies, Office expenses, and Printing. Add in the purchase of merchandise and 50 Volunteer shirts and vouchers…And here we are!
And some people close to me know that I limited the number of vendors, because I wanted them to MAKE MONEY. (I had 6 vendors in the last few weeks want to get in, but it would not have been fair to them.)
An Investment
And to me, it is an investment in the future of cars in Cheshire County. I have already booked May 15th and 16th of 2027! There are car, truck, and motorcycle owners who are deserving of a show in their backyard. And I know it will grow. Somebody had to do it. We aren’t just building a car show. We are building a movement.
I mentioned that I started going to the Adirondack show in the 80s. That show is 1,600 cars. But it didn’t start out that way. As a matter of fact, the first show I saw wasn’t even in Lake George. And there certainly weren’t 1,600 cars. Yes, it is my favorite show. But with rooms downtown costing $450 a night and more… The show is $55 a car. Adult entrance is $20 a person for the 4 days. (And your car has to be pre-1979.)
We are $20 for a vehicle and $5 for general admission. I have been told the car price ought to be lower and admission ought to be higher. For this year, that is the pricing. We are reasonable. We opened the doors to younger people. We included bikes and trucks.
Because this show is bigger than vehicles. It is about Cheshire County and the good people who live here.
We took a couple of hits this week. People pulled out of their commitments as vendors and advertisers. But that is business. And we found that the fairgrounds’ new insurer required Certificates of Insurance for ALL sponsors, advertisers, and vendors. (Darn insurance companies! 😛 ) Whatever! We are moving ahead.
About 15 years ago, I decided to do a talent show. And right up till the gate opened I was in a bit of a panic. I had rent, 600 seats to fill, promises to vendors, and 30 acts. We pulled it off. I am hoping for the same situation minus some of the “panic”.
Want to Help?
Because at the end of the day, we are going to write a check to PN4UINC. A 501(c)3 organization that has
I fully expect that we are going to develop faithful sponsors, vendors, and advertisers.
If you are interested in helping us be a success, let me give you some suggestions.
- Register a car and join us. $20
- Come to the show. $5 (12 and below free)
- Follow our Facebook Page, Group, and Event. Like them, comment, and share them to your walls and your groups. It is under Monadnock Cars & Culture. If you are reading this you are already on our site! 😊
- Make a donation to what we are doing.
- Provide items for raffles.
- Be a volunteer.
- Send us your good thoughts, wishes, and prayers.
I/we learned a lot. And we are not done.
My wife knows that I will rest for a week and then I will start planning for next year.
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